Mortgage comparison checklist

First, you’ll need to decide if you want a fixed or variable-rate mortgage.

This means paying a set amount each month for a given length of time. Fixed-rate mortgages deals are often for two, three or five years.

This means the amount you pay each month can change in line with changes to the interest rate. This might go up or down. 

Look at the Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) when considering mortgages with different upfront fees. This shows you the annual total cost of your mortgage, including fees and charges calculated as if you kept your mortgage for its full term without changing it.

There are other factors to consider when choosing a mortgage. Make sure you shop around for a deal that works for you and that you can afford.

For example, if you’re willing to pay an upfront arrangement fee, you can often get a lower interest rate, but it might not cost less overall. If you go for a fee-free mortgage, you’ll probably have to pay a higher rate, but again it's important to compare the APRC. 

Comparison websites are a good starting point for finding a mortgage tailored to your needs. You can use these websites to compare mortgages:

• Moneyfacts
• MoneySavingExpert
• MoneySuperMarket

Remember that:

• comparison websites won’t all give you the same results, so make sure you use more than one site before making a decision
• it’s also important to do some research into the type of product and features you need before making a purchase or changing supplier.

If you can’t afford to pay these fees right now, find out if you can add them to your mortgage. Bear in mind that you’ll pay interest on anything added to the mortgage for many years.

You should check whether the fees are refundable if the mortgage doesn’t go ahead.  If not, it may be possible to request the fees are added to the mortgage and then to pay them once the application has been approved and is definitely proceeding.

Most mortgages start off at an introductory rate, or fixed term, for a set number of years. These are usually for two, three or five years.

After this period, the interest rate goes to the standard variable rate, which is likely to be much more expensive than you’re currently paying.

If you want to remortgage, or move house during this time, you might have to pay an early repayment charge. This can be quite expensive.

So, if you might want to move in the next couple of years, a longer-term fixed rate might not be the best option. A shorter fixed rate might cost you more in the long-term, but saves you a lot by not having to pay the early repayment charge. 

You might not have much control over the total length of mortgage you’re offered. This is because it has a lot to do with the price of the property you’re buying, the size of your deposit, how much you can afford to repay each month and your age.

But if you’re allowed, and can afford, to make overpayments, this can save you a lot of money.

Not all mortgages allow you to overpay. And if they do, there’s usually a cap on how much you can overpay every year.

Some lenders allow you to underpay or even take a short mortgage holiday where you don’t have to repay any money at all. Whether these features are available to you will depend on the mortgage terms and conditions, as well as your financial circumstances.

Remortgaging to a better product can save you hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of pounds – but most lenders charge exit fees. If you’re on a fixed-rate deal, early repayment fees can be high.

If you’d like to have this option, speak toyour lender, or use a mortgage broker to help you find a mortgage where there are no exit fees, or where the exit fees are low.

Some mortgages come with a capped rate feature where the rate won’t rise above a certain level.

You could use your savings to help you reduce your outstanding mortgage and pay less interest. If you want to do this, an offset mortgage will give you the most flexibility.