Parents playing building blocks with a child.

The headlines

  • Different mortgage types suit different budgets, plans and borrowing needs.
  • Choosing the right repayment structure can support long‑term affordability.
  • Specialist mortgages are designed to meet a range of personal situations.

What are the different types of mortgages?

Fixed-rate mortgages

With fixed-rate mortgages, your interest rate stays the same for an agreed term. This is usually between 2 and 10 years, depending on the fixed-rate deal you choose. 

View fixed-rate mortgages Opens in same tab

Tracker mortgages

A tracker mortgage has a variable interest rate that tracks the Bank of England base rate for a set term. This means your interest rate could go up or down, depending on the base rate.

Explore tracker mortgages Opens in same tab

Mortgage calculator

Find out how much you could borrow and compare monthly payments to find the right deal for you.

Mortgage calculator Opens in same tab

Mortgage repayment types

It’s not just mortgage rates that can vary. There are also different ways to pay off your mortgage.

There are 2 main mortgage repayment types.​

Repayment mortgages

A repayment mortgage is the more common type of mortgage. You’ll make monthly repayments that pay off both the capital you borrowed and the interest. This means that every month, you’ll be paying back a portion of the loan you took out to buy the property. ​

Looking to switch from an interest-only mortgage to a repayment mortgage?

Repayment mortgage calculator Shared ownership

Interest-only mortgages

An interest-only mortgage means you only pay off the interest due on your mortgage loan for an agreed term. Once this term ends, you’ll then need to pay off the original amount borrowed. ​

This can make your monthly repayments lower than some repayment mortgages. But, you’ll still owe the full loan at the end of your term, so you’ll need a plan to make sure you can pay this off.

Interest-only mortgages Interest only

Mortgages to fit your needs

Buy-to-let mortgages

Buy-to-let mortgages can help you buy a property, which you then rent out to tenants. These mortgages are usually interest only.​

Some lenders may need you to meet specific conditions for a buy-to-let mortgage. These conditions could include owning your own home outright and having good credit. It’s also worth noting that lenders may set higher interest rates for buy-to-let mortgages. This is because they can consider them higher risk.

Learn about buy-to-let Buy to let mortgages

Joint mortgages

A joint mortgage is when there is more than 1 person named on the mortgage. Couples, friends, family members and business partners can take out a joint mortgage together and split the repayments.​

Sharing a mortgage with another person can sometimes make it easier to get a larger mortgage. Lenders will still check everyone’s credit report to see if they can apply.
 

Learn about joint mortgages Joint mortgages

First-time buyer mortgages

Stepping onto the property ladder is exciting but can also be overwhelming. We can help you find the right mortgage deal and help you secure the keys to your first home.

First-time buyer mortgages Shared ownership

Shared ownership mortgages

You can use a shared ownership mortgage to buy a share of a property on a leasehold basis. Each month, you'll make repayments on the share you own and pay rent on the remaining share to the landlord. 

Shared ownership mortgages Shared ownership

Offset mortgages

An offset mortgage lets you link your mortgage to your savings account. You only pay interest on the difference between your mortgage and your savings. This can help you to lower your monthly payments or pay off your mortgage quicker. 

Offset mortgages Shared ownership

Self-employed mortgage guide

When you're self-employed, applying for a mortgage can involve a different process. You might need to show more evidence of your income in your mortgage application compared to someone with a salary. But, you should still be offered the same mortgage rates and options as non-self-employed people.

Self-employed mortgage guide Self-employed

Mortgages for older borrowers

If you're over 55 and applying for a mortgage, there may be some extra things to consider before you choose a mortgage. This can include things like the repayment period and any extra affordability checks the lender wants to assess. Find out what you need and any extras you'll have to factor in with our guide.

Mortgages in retirement Mortgages in retirement

What’s a standard variable rate (SVR)?

A standard variable rate (SVR) is not a specific mortgage type. It’s a rate set by your lender that you usually move on to when your fixed or tracker mortgage deal ends. These rates can go up or down and tend to be higher than fixed or tracker rates. 

If your current deal is ending, you might want to switch deals or remortgage to avoid moving on to the SVR.

Learn more about SVR

Chosen your mortgage type?
 

Mortgage calculators

  • See how much you could borrow.
  • Compare monthly repayments.
  • See our latest rates and deals.
Use the mortgage calculators Opens in same tab

Apply for an agreement in principle

  • Get a better idea of how much we could lend you.
  • Only takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Doesn’t affect your credit score.
Agreement in principle Opens in same tab

You could lose your home if you don’t keep up your mortgage repayments

You may also like

Mortgage rates guide

Want to know more about how fixed, tracker and offset mortgage rates work? Check out our full guide to the different types of mortgage rates and what each type can mean for your monthly repayments.

Mortgage rates guide Opens in same tab

Can I get a mortgage?

Find out what you need to apply for a mortgage.

Can I get a mortgage?

How to apply

We can help you find and apply for the right mortgage.

How to apply for a mortgage

Mortgages

Explore your mortgage options and find a deal that best suits you.

More on mortgages

Dog in box

Mortgages

Explore your mortgage options and find a deal that best suits you.

More on mortgages