Mortgage

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 4.25% to 4.5% taking it to its highest level since 2008. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

Renters struggling to save for a deposit can now get a 100% mortgage from Skipton Building Society. It's the first no-deposit deal – that doesn't require a guarantor's backing – to launch in the UK since 2008, and MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis says it could be a "sensible" option for some. We explain who can get it, how it works and the risks you need to watch out for below.

The parents of a woman living with multiple sclerosis have claimed a £10,000 council tax refund on her behalf after watching MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis talking about the little-known discount on TV. Her future bills have also been reduced to zero. Below we explain how to check if you're one of the 100,000s who could also claim the 'severely mentally impaired' (SMI) council tax discount.

Lenders are still cutting interest rates on fixed mortgages despite the base rate continuing to rise. It means a significant gap has opened between the best fixes and variable deals. To help navigate the market, we've spoken to mortgage brokers and analysed what's going on to help you figure out what you should do.

An extra 200,000 homeowners on universal credit are now eligible for state help with their mortgage repayments as changes to the 'support for mortgage interest' scheme have kicked in today (3 April). It means you might be able to get help covering a portion of your monthly mortgage repayments if you're struggling. 

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Andrew Griffith MP has confirmed he will read and seek official advice on the proposals for freeing mortgage prisoners put forward in a recently published report by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

New guidance designed to help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments has been published by the financial regulator, though it has been likened to a "thin sandwich" by MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis. However, Martin has said he is hopeful the measures put lenders in a position to be able to offer quick-fire support in the event of future interest rate shocks.

Flat-owners impacted by the cladding crisis in England may now be able to sell or remortgage their homes, with six major lenders agreeing to offer mortgages under new industry guidance. But the measures only cover properties in buildings of 11m and over and so not everyone affected will benefit – and we're yet to see how it will work in practice. Here's what we know so far.

Homebuyers with small deposits will continue to have access to Government-backed support after its 'mortgage guarantee scheme' was extended this week for another year. But even with the difference in cost between mortgages for those with a 5% deposit and those with a 40% deposit at its narrowest in over 10 years, is it wise to take out a 95% deal? We explain your options below. 

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 3% to 3.5%. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.