Today's the day you sort out your mortgage

First-time buyers priced out as house prices outpace pay rises

Steep rises make it difficult for first-time buyers to get a foot on the housing ladder. Read more.

HSBC's record breaking five-year fix off the market

Britain's largest bank sparked a price-war with its sub-3% five-year fix, but borrowers only have until the end of the day if they want to apply for the deal. Read more.

House prices remain broadly stable, but trouble lies ahead

Figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown UK house prices have risen slightly over the past year. But conflicting figures show prices are tumbling. Read more.

Wealthy homebuyers boost mortgage numbers

While there was a 12% increase in demand for mortgages in July, this was fuelled by wealthy homeowners - not the much-needed first-time buyers, says survey. Read more.

First-time buyers benefit as lending conditions improve

More first-time buyers continue to follow their dreams of homeownership, which is helping to sustain the property market, new statistics from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) suggest. Read more.

Fewer homes repossessed as homeowners take action

Figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show fewer homes were repossessed in the second quarter of this year, while the number of mortgages in arrears remained flat. Read more.

Landlords flock to snap up rental property

Buy-to-let mortgages are on the rise as savers look to property to bring them an income from an increasing number of renters and more mortgages are available at better rates than before. Read more.

First-timer buyers get boost from building societies

Two lenders have this week announced new mortgages for first-time buyers with small deposits, but how do they fare in the market? Read more.

No rise in house prices for rest of year

The latest Halifax House Price Index shows prices fell in July after increases in the two previous months - but prices will stay flat for the rest of this year. Read more.

• Should I choose a tracker mortgage or a fixed-rate?

  This is a decision that you must reach on your own, depending on our financial circumstances and attitude towards risk.

• My mortgage company has moved me to an SVR. What is it?

  SVR stands for standard variable rate, which is the interest rate usually charged by a lender when the fixed, discounted or tracker period of a mortgage deal comes to an end.

• I'm having problems paying my mortgage. What should I do?

  You need to get in touch with your lender as soon as you can if you are going to fall behind with your mortgage.

• Why do house price indices differ so much?

  It's all down to their different methodology. Each has its strengths and weaknesses - none is infallible but all can give a picture of the market.

• How much stamp duty will I pay when I buy a home?

  The amount of stamp duty you pay will be determined by the price tag on the property.

• Why have lenders turned against interest-only mortgages?

  Because there are concerns that some borrowers may not be able to repay the mortgages upon maturity of the loans

• How much will a mortgage company lend me?

  The typical criterion is three or four times annual income, although there are many other factors that influence a lender's decision.

• Should I buy or rent?

  This largely depends on your financial circumstances the cost of your current rent and how different it is from a potential mortgage.

• Are equity release lifetime mortgages worthwhile?

  This depends on your circumstances, but equity release should only be considered after a lot of thought and legal advice.