Latest news with #EmilyMee
The Sun
26-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
McDonald's to launch new menu in DAYS with two new items and seven returning favourites
Emily Mee, Consumer Reporter Published: Invalid Date, MCDONALD'S is launching new menu items and bringing back seven returning favourites in just days. Fast food fans will be able to get their hands on the new menu from Wednesday. 4 The menu items will only be available for the next six weeks so you'll need to be quick. Among the returning favourites are the Big Tasty and the Big Tasty with Bacon, which fans have previously dubbed the chain's "best burger by far". The burgers were last sold in 2024 and feature a beef patty, Emmental cheese, onions, tomatoes and a smoky sauce. Of course, one also comes with bacon. There is a catch as they'll only be available in East Anglia. Burger fans in Tyne & Tees are also getting an exclusive menu item: the returning Steakhouse Stack. But people in these areas will be missing out on another menu item that's returning. The Chicken Big Mac - a chicken version of the McDonald's classic burger - will be coming back everywhere except for East Anglia and Tyne & Tees. The burger features two chicken patties, a slice of cheese, pickles, lettuce and Big Mac sauce. The whole of the UK will get to enjoy other returning fan favourites. Luke Littler launches new McDonald's burger as darts sensation, 18, adds fast food giants to lucrative brand deals These include the Spicy Chicken Nuggets, which come with a Spicy Chilli Dip, and Chilli Cheese Bites. Plus there's the Milky Way McFlurry and the Fajita Chicken One wrap. As well as the returning items, there are some completely new additions to the menu. Fans have been getting excited for the Jaffa Cakes McFlurry, which includes chocolate covered shortcake pieces and an orange sauce to replicate the famous flavour. Maccies is also giving customers the chance to customise their Sprite Zero drinks. They'll be able to add a pump of fruity syrup to the drink, which comes in the flavours Green Apple or Mango & Passionfruit. New and returning McDonald's menu items New: Jaffa Cakes McFlurry, £2.49 New: Sprite Zero with Green Apple Syrup (medium), £2.19 New: Sprite Zero with Mango & Passionfruit Syrup (medium), £2.19 Returning: Chicken Big Mac (available everywhere except East Anglia and Tyne & Tees), £5.19 Returning: Big Tasty and Big Tasty with Bacon (only available in East Anglia), £7.19 without bacon, £8.09 with bacon Returning: Steakhouse Stack (only available in Tyne & Tees), £6.49 Returning: Spicy Chicken McNuggets, £4.89 for six Returning: Chilli Cheese Bites, £2.69 Returning: The Fajita Chicken One (replacing the Katsu Chicken One), £3.69 Returning: Milky Way McFlurry, £2.49 The menu update does mean that sadly some items will be disappearing at the same time. Fans can say goodbye to the Chicken Katsu Wrap, Halloumi Fries, Toffee Apple Pie, Toffee Crisp McFlurry and Cheesy McCrispy. More McDonald's news The fast food giant recently launched a new game with free food and cash worth £10,000 up for grabs. Its new Side Missions will be around until August 25 and lets customers unlock special food deals. Plus, McDonald's also revealed another new menu item: the Double Filet-o-Fish. This new burger includes two crispy Pollock fish patties, along with melted cheese and creamy tartar sauce, all served in a steamed bun – just like the original. How to save at McDonald's You could end up being charged more for a McDonald's meal based solely on the McDonald's restaurant you choose. Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other. You can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 at any time by filling in a feedback survey found on McDonald's receipts. The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey. You'll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer. There are some deals and offers you can only get if you have the My McDonald's app, so it's worth signing up to get money off your meals. The MyMcDonald's app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones and is quick to set up. You can also bag freebies and discounts on your birthday if you're a My McDonald's app user. The chain has recently sent out reminders to app users to fill out their birthday details - otherwise they could miss out on birthday treats.
Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Oasis fans say drinks are ‘theft' OUTSIDE the venue as even Wetherspoons prices jump by up to almost £2 per pint
Find out how much the prices of different drinks climbed on the night BEER BLOW Oasis fans say drinks are 'theft' OUTSIDE the venue as even Wetherspoons prices jump by up to almost £2 per pint OASIS fans have been left shocked by the price of pints on the first night of the band's reunion tour. This includes at Spoons pubs outside the stadium. Advertisement 3 Oasis made their return after 15 years last night to a huge crowd in Cardiff Credit: AP 3 Oasis fans clearly enjoyed the gig last night - but the beer prices not so much Credit: Reuters 3 Prices increased last night at three Wetherspoon pubs near the Cardiff stadium Credit: Emily Mee The Gallagher brothers made a triumphant return at the Principality stadium in Cardiff last night after 15 years of feuding. Fans were delighted by the comeback - but not so much by how much they had to pay for a drink. Shocking pictures from inside the stadium revealed pint prices had climbed to a huge £8.20. Pints of Heineken, Strongbow, Dark Fruits and Murphy's were all priced at this level, while half-pints were £4.10. Advertisement Even the no-alcohol Heineken 0.0 was £5.20 for a pint. By comparison the average cost of a pint in London is £6.10. Ahead of the Oasis tour, The Mirror had reported the average price of a pint at recent gigs and rugby matches at the Principality was £7.80. It appears prices have been hiked by 40p for the Oasis gigs. Advertisement Social media users described the prices as "theft" and accused the stadium of "robbing" concertgoers. One person said they had seen Oasis in 1996 for the same price as "two and a half pints of dark fruit". First look at Oasis stage as thrilled fans get party started early before eagerly awaited reunion gig Another added: "I'm looking forward to the Wembley prices!" Oasis fans also complained of price hikes at nearby Wetherspoons pubs - where some drinks were almost £2 more expensive. Advertisement Wetherspoon confirmed to The Sun that it had raised prices at three of its Cardiff city centre pubs during the concert. The three closest Spoons pubs to the stadium are The Gatekeeper, The Prince of Wales and The Great Western. One social media user shared a screenshot of the drinks menu and wrote: "Prices at Cardiff City Centre Wetherspoons today for Oasis opening night - horrific, shocking, butters." Spoons prices during Oasis gig The Sun has looked at how much popular drinks increased in price at Spoons pubs near the Principality last night. We compared prices at the three nearest bars to the stadium with prices at the nearby Central Bar in Cardiff, which is a 15-minute walk away from the venue. Poretti usual price - £4.49 Last night - £5.99 (£1.50 increase) Corona Extra usual price - £4.49 Last night - £6.15 (£1.66 increase) Budweiser usual price - £4.19 Last night - £5.89 (£1.70) Bud Light usual price - £2.49 Last night - £4.35 (£1.86 increase) Guinness usual price - £4.18 Last night - £5.89 (£1.71 increase) BrewDog Punk IPA usual price - £4.50 Last night - £6.15 (£1.65 increase) Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "We can confirm that prices were increased in three of our Cardiff city centre pubs during the Oasis concert. Advertisement "The police categorised it as an event day, which meant the pubs were required to have additional door supervisors. "In addition the pubs employed more staff than usual for the concert. "Wetherspoon continues to offer value for money prices." Meanwhile one concertgoer also complained of increased prices at the nearby Cardiff Marriott hotel. Advertisement They wrote: "Nice of @CardiffMarriott to introduce dynamic pint pricing for the gig today 😂 18% increase on a pint of beer 🍺 #Oasis #Cardiff." The Sun has contacted Marriott Hotels for comment. Glasto price shocker Music lovers also recently accused Glastonbury of fleecing them with its food and drink prices. An image of the Glastonbury bar menu was shared on social media, leaving fans outraged. Advertisement At the festival a pint was costing punters a whopping £7.20 while a double shot of spirit and mixer was a staggering £13.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
How to find the cheapest personal loan as we reveal best way to borrow up to £10,000 cash
Emily Mee, Consumer Reporter Published: Invalid Date, TAKING out a personal loan can help you pay for big expenses like a new car, home improvements or a wedding. With households now spending more on essentials like housing, bills and food, they may have less in savings to cover the big things. Taking on debt should usually be a last resort and used only for necessities, but it may be needed if you're unable to pay for things otherwise. That's why we've put together this guide with everything you need to know about taking out a personal loan, what the risks are and the best rates you can get... What is a personal loan? A personal loan is a type of loan that lets you borrow a fixed amount of money as a lump sum. You can usually borrow between £1,000 to £25,000. They're often useful when you want to borrow a relatively large amount and would like more time to pay it back. For example, you might want to buy a new car, pay for a wedding, fund home improvements or consolidate your debts. When you take out a personal loan the money is deposited into your bank account as a lump sum and you'll then pay it back in instalments over a set period. This is usually between three and 10 years. The longer you take to pay back your loan, the more interest you will have to pay. The two types of personal loan There are two types of personal loan - unsecured and secured. Unsecured This is the most common option, and it means the loan isn't secured against an asset such as your home. A provider will lend you the money and you pay it back at the agreed rate of interest until it's repaid in full. Your credit score is at risk if you fail to keep up with the repayments. A poor credit score can make it harder to get other forms of credit such as a mortgage or credit cards in the future. A lender could also take a county court judgement against you or you may be forced to declare yourself bankrupt. There may also be late fees to pay. Secured This is when the loan is secured against an asset, which is usually your home but could be another item such as your car. Borrowers can usually be loaned more - typically up to £100,000 - as there is a secured asset involved which gives lenders more comfort. However there is a big risk here as the asset you have secured could be repossessed of you fail to repay. Your credit score and the value of the asset will be considered when you make a secured loan application. How can you apply for one? You'll need to apply for one from a provider, which you can usually do either directly online or through a comparison website. Martin Lewis explains why credit score 'isn't real' and shares 'the holy trinity' of measures lenders use to assess you Some lenders might let you apply on the phone or in a bank or building society branch. The lender will want to know your income and how much you spend each month so they can work out whether you can afford a loan. You'll need to provide your name, address and bank details. The lender will do a credit check to assess your track record of repaying debts and they'll look at your salary, income and how much you spend to see if you match their affordability criteria. Although you can usually choose how much you want to borrow and how long for, the lender may impose limits on this if they're unsure about your credit rating. If your loan is approved the lender will tell you how much you can get, the amount of interest they will charge and how much you will have to pay each month. It will also say when the money will reach your account and what date you will need to make your repayments each month. There is a 14-day cooling off period either from when the loan agreement is signed or when you receive a copy of it, whichever is later. This gives you time to change your mind and any money received has to be paid back within 30 days. There may be early repayment fees if you want to repay your loan before it is due so check the terms and conditions if you want to settle the debt sooner. How can you get the best rate? The best way to get a good rate on your personal loan is to have a good credit rating. The cheapest deals will be reserved for those whose credit score is good or excellent. If you have bad credit, such as a history of arrears or defaults, you may struggle to get a good rate. In this case you might be offered a lower amount or asked to pay a higher rate. You can read our tips on how to improve your credit score here. In the short term, there are still steps you can take to get the best deal for yourself. It's best to shop around for the lowest rates and you can do this by using price comparison websites like Compare the Market or MoneySuperMarket. Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown says: "The comparison sites break the loans down by size, so you can stick to the best rate for the amount you're borrowing. "However, they will rank rates by the APR, and that will depend on your credit record. "In some cases, you won't qualify for the loan, in other cases you will – but they will bump up the APR to reflect the fact they don't think you're an ideal borrower – just under half will be offered a higher rate than the APR." Rachel Springall, finance expert at said many lenders offer their lowest advertised rates to those who borrow around £7,500. Rates can "vary considerably" for lower amounts, she said. What else do you need to know? You should think carefully about how much you need to borrow and how long you want to make the repayments for. If you over-estimate how much you need to borrow, you'll end up paying interest on money you don't need. But if you underestimate you could end up borrowing the rest far more expensively. When it comes to the repayment term, Sarah Coles says you should consider that "the longer you borrow for, the lower your monthly repayments". "However, the more interest you'll end up repaying overall, and the bigger the risk that your life will change while you owe the money, which could make it harder to repay," she says. You should make sure you have enough disposable income to cover the monthly repayments as missing a payment could damage your credit score. If you might want to repay early you should check the early repayment penalties so there aren't any surprises later down the line. Another thing you should note is that it will show on your credit record when you apply for a loan. That means the more loans you apply for, the more it will affect your record. "You should look for a search engine that lets you check your eligibility first so you don't end up applying for loans you don't get – or you get but at a far higher rate than you expected," Coles says. "You need to put a fair amount of detail in, so it's worth assuming this process will take a little while, but it's time well spent." Rachel Springall says you should also consider whether you have other options rather than taking out a personal loan. "It may be cheaper to use a credit card rather than a loan for small amounts, but borrowers will need to set themselves a strict repayment plan to pay off the debt, as they can be flexible with minimum repayments," she says.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
All your mortgage questions answered including when is best time to buy and what type of deal you should get
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LENDERS have been slashing mortgage rates, bringing relief for millions of borrowers. The Bank of England, led by Governor Andrew Bailey, has already made two cuts to its base rate this year and it is widely expected that more will follow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The house price rollercoaster continues for owners with interest rates now expected to dip Credit: Alamy It means that interest rates on home loans could fall further. Sun Money journalist Emily Mee asked some of the country's top mortgage brokers to answer all your burning questions. Here's everything you need to know, whether you're buying for the first time, moving house or coming to the end of your current home- loan deal. WHY ARE MORTGAGE RATES FALLING? LENDERS have been dropping rates in the UK since US President Donald Trump imposed huge import tariffs last month. The move triggered economic shockwaves across the globe but an unexpected side effect was a boost for British borrowers. That's because the turmoil has led to markets predicting the Bank of England will further cut its base rate — which influences rates set by mortgage lenders. Markets are pricing in four base rate cuts this year as the Bank seeks to avoid a downturn caused by the trade wars. The base rate has already dropped twice in 2025 from 4.75 per cent to 4.5 per cent in February then last week to 4.25 per cent. All major lenders are now offering fixed mortgage deals with an interest rate of less than four per cent. Best schemes for first-time buyers SHOULD YOU WAIT FOR EVEN LOWER RATES? BROKERS caution against trying to time the market. David Hollingworth of L&C Mortgages, and Nicholas Mendes at John Charcol, both believe rates could fall further this year. But they say rates have moved based on what economists expect to happen down the line rather than in response to base rate cuts. So current mortgage rates have already factored in base rate predictions. Mendes says: 'Waiting for rates to hit their lowest point might save a little on monthly repayments but could also mean missing out on the right property, especially if house prices rise or competition increases.' IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY? HOUSE prices are expected to rise by between one and four per cent this year, according to forecasts. But experts warn it's not worth obsessing with short-term movements in prices when buying a home you plan to live in for years. Aaron Strutt, of broker Trinity Financial, says: 'It is hard to guess the mortgage and property markets, so if you find a nice property and affordable mortgage it is probably a good time to get on the housing ladder.' But brokers agree it's currently a buyers' market with mortgage rates falling, plenty of homes coming up for sale and lenders relaxing some restrictions. A good mortgage adviser will monitor rate movements for you — and if better rates become available while you're in the process of buying, most lenders will let you swap to them before you complete on your purchase. 2 The Bank of England, led by Governor Andrew Bailey, has already made two cuts to its base rate this year Credit: Getty WHAT TYPE OF MORTGAGE IS BEST FOR YOU? TWO main types of mortgage are fixed rate and tracker. The vast majority of borrowers choose fixed rates, where the interest rate is set for a number of years. Two and five-year terms are most common but you can also get 15 year deals. Tracker mortgages are more unpredictable, as they go up and down in line with changes to the Bank of England base rate, plus a set amount. So with the base rate currently 4.25 per cent, if your tracker is 'base rate plus one per cent', you would pay 5.25 per cent. As the base rate is expected to fall further, David Hollingworth believes these types of mortgages will become more popular. They are more likely to be free of early repayment penalties so could give more flexibility. You might be able to take out a tracker mortgage now then switch to a better fixed rate later on. But Hollingworth warns you need to be comfortable with the risk that rates could rise again, and budget for this. Mendes says you can usually borrow more if you opt for a five-year fixed rate rather than a two-year fix or tracker deal. Fixed rates are likely to remain the most popular choice. Hollingworth says: 'They not only offer the lowest rates as things stand but give borrowers certainty their payments won't shift as rates fluctuate.' HOW LONG SHOULD YOU FIX FOR? AGAIN, this will likely be down to personal circumstances, but most brokers we spoke to said five-year fixes are a good option. Craig Fish, director at Lodestone Mortgages and Protection, says: 'They give peace of mind, stable payments and breathing space to deal with the unexpected costs that come with owning a home.' Aaron Strutt says first-time buyers often take two-year deals if buying with a small deposit, in the hope they can get a better deal in a few years' time. HOW CAN YOU GET THE BEST DEAL? WHEN rates are constantly changing, advice from a broker could be crucial. It's possible to go it alone, using price comparison websites, but brokers can help you get deals not available to borrowers who apply directly. It is not just about the lowest rate — a broker can help find the lender most likely to give the sum you need. Some advisers don't charge a fee, as they are paid commission by lenders. Hollingworth says: 'Advisers will help to tailor the mortgage to your needs, taking account of fees and criteria as well.' Ask friends or family for recommendations or use unbiased. and read reviews. Waiting for lower rates might save a you could miss out on the right property Nicholas Mendes at John Charcol WHAT ABOUT FIRST-TIME BUYERS? SAVING a big enough deposit and securing a mortgage large enough to afford a property are the toughest challenges for most first-time buyers. Even if you are currently paying more in rent than you would be on a mortgage, you still might not qualify for the loan. But lenders have been tweaking rules to try and help first-time buyers. HSBC says changes to the way it assesses how much applicants can afford could allow buyers to borrow an extra £39,000 on average. Halifax and Santander have also relaxed rules recently. Mendes says: 'If the higher borrowing allows you to buy the right home in a good area, it might be worth considering, but don't stretch yourself to the point where a small change could cause financial stress.' For those struggling to save a deposit, Skipton Building Society does not require one for its Track Record mortgage, which uses borrowers' past history of paying rent to help determine what they can borrow. And broker-only lender Accord has a first-time buyers' mortgage that only needs a £5,000 deposit. Best deals available TWO YEARS: 3.87% Barclays, 60% LTV, min fee £899 3.95% Barclays, 75% LTV, min fee £899 4.18% Barclays, 75% LTV, no fee 4.23% Furness Building Society, 80% LTV, £999 FIVE YEARS: 3.89% Barclays, 60% LTV, £899 fee 4.1% Barclays, 75% LTV, £899 fee 4.24% HSBC, 80% LTV, £999 fee 4.39% HSBC, 90% LTV, £999 fee WHAT TO DO IF MORTGAGE DEAL IS ENDING SOON OUR experts say you should start looking for a new deal three to six months before your current term ends. It's vital to avoid rolling on to your lender's standard variable rate, which happens if you don't move to a new deal. Plus, if rates keep improving you can still review your deal before you complete. WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS IF MOVING HOUSE? CHECK if you are tied into your current mortgage and if there's an 'early repayment charge' when switching to a new deal. You can avoid the penalty by transferring the mortgage to the new property, known as porting. To afford your new property you might need to apply for a top-up from your current lender. Mendes says in some cases you might be better off paying the early-repayment charge and taking a new deal, especially if your current rate is high or your finances have improved.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
All your mortgage questions answered including when is best time to buy and what type of deal you should get
Emily Mee, Consumer Reporter Published: Invalid Date, LENDERS have been slashing mortgage rates, bringing relief for millions of borrowers. The Bank of England, led by Governor Andrew Bailey, has already made two cuts to its base rate this year and it is widely expected that more will follow. It means that interest rates on home loans could fall further. Sun Money journalist Emily Mee asked some of the country's top mortgage brokers to answer all your burning questions. Here's everything you need to know, whether you're buying for the first time, moving house or coming to the end of your current home- loan deal. WHY ARE MORTGAGE RATES FALLING? LENDERS have been dropping rates in the UK since US President Donald Trump imposed huge import tariffs last month. The move triggered economic shockwaves across the globe but an unexpected side effect was a boost for British borrowers. That's because the turmoil has led to markets predicting the Bank of England will further cut its base rate — which influences rates set by mortgage lenders. Markets are pricing in four base rate cuts this year as the Bank seeks to avoid a downturn caused by the trade wars. The base rate has already dropped twice in 2025 from 4.75 per cent to 4.5 per cent in February then last week to 4.25 per cent. All major lenders are now offering fixed mortgage deals with an interest rate of less than four per cent. Best schemes for first-time buyers SHOULD YOU WAIT FOR EVEN LOWER RATES? BROKERS caution against trying to time the market. David Hollingworth of L&C Mortgages, and Nicholas Mendes at John Charcol, both believe rates could fall further this year. But they say rates have moved based on what economists expect to happen down the line rather than in response to base rate cuts. So current mortgage rates have already factored in base rate predictions. Mendes says: 'Waiting for rates to hit their lowest point might save a little on monthly repayments but could also mean missing out on the right property, especially if house prices rise or competition increases.' IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY? HOUSE prices are expected to rise by between one and four per cent this year, according to forecasts. But experts warn it's not worth obsessing with short-term movements in prices when buying a home you plan to live in for years. Aaron Strutt, of broker Trinity Financial, says: 'It is hard to guess the mortgage and property markets, so if you find a nice property and affordable mortgage it is probably a good time to get on the housing ladder.' But brokers agree it's currently a buyers' market with mortgage rates falling, plenty of homes coming up for sale and lenders relaxing some restrictions. A good mortgage adviser will monitor rate movements for you — and if better rates become available while you're in the process of buying, most lenders will let you swap to them before you complete on your purchase. 2 WHAT TYPE OF MORTGAGE IS BEST FOR YOU? TWO main types of mortgage are fixed rate and tracker. The vast majority of borrowers choose fixed rates, where the interest rate is set for a number of years. Two and five-year terms are most common but you can also get 15 year deals. Tracker mortgages are more unpredictable, as they go up and down in line with changes to the Bank of England base rate, plus a set amount. So with the base rate currently 4.25 per cent, if your tracker is 'base rate plus one per cent', you would pay 5.25 per cent. As the base rate is expected to fall further, David Hollingworth believes these types of mortgages will become more popular. They are more likely to be free of early repayment penalties so could give more flexibility. You might be able to take out a tracker mortgage now then switch to a better fixed rate later on. But Hollingworth warns you need to be comfortable with the risk that rates could rise again, and budget for this. Mendes says you can usually borrow more if you opt for a five-year fixed rate rather than a two-year fix or tracker deal. Fixed rates are likely to remain the most popular choice. Hollingworth says: 'They not only offer the lowest rates as things stand but give borrowers certainty their payments won't shift as rates fluctuate.' HOW LONG SHOULD YOU FIX FOR? AGAIN, this will likely be down to personal circumstances, but most brokers we spoke to said five-year fixes are a good option. Craig Fish, director at Lodestone Mortgages and Protection, says: 'They give peace of mind, stable payments and breathing space to deal with the unexpected costs that come with owning a home.' Aaron Strutt says first-time buyers often take two-year deals if buying with a small deposit, in the hope they can get a better deal in a few years' time. HOW CAN YOU GET THE BEST DEAL? WHEN rates are constantly changing, advice from a broker could be crucial. It's possible to go it alone, using price comparison websites, but brokers can help you get deals not available to borrowers who apply directly. It is not just about the lowest rate — a broker can help find the lender most likely to give the sum you need. Some advisers don't charge a fee, as they are paid commission by lenders. Hollingworth says: 'Advisers will help to tailor the mortgage to your needs, taking account of fees and criteria as well.' Ask friends or family for recommendations or use unbiased. and read reviews. WHAT ABOUT FIRST-TIME BUYERS? SAVING a big enough deposit and securing a mortgage large enough to afford a property are the toughest challenges for most first-time buyers. Even if you are currently paying more in rent than you would be on a mortgage, you still might not qualify for the loan. But lenders have been tweaking rules to try and help first-time buyers. HSBC says changes to the way it assesses how much applicants can afford could allow buyers to borrow an extra £39,000 on average. Halifax and Santander have also relaxed rules recently. Mendes says: 'If the higher borrowing allows you to buy the right home in a good area, it might be worth considering, but don't stretch yourself to the point where a small change could cause financial stress.' For those struggling to save a deposit, Skipton Building Society does not require one for its Track Record mortgage, which uses borrowers' past history of paying rent to help determine what they can borrow. And broker-only lender Accord has a first-time buyers' mortgage that only needs a £5,000 deposit. WHAT TO DO IF MORTGAGE DEAL IS ENDING SOON OUR experts say you should start looking for a new deal three to six months before your current term ends. It's vital to avoid rolling on to your lender's standard variable rate, which happens if you don't move to a new deal. Plus, if rates keep improving you can still review your deal before you complete. WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS IF MOVING HOUSE? CHECK if you are tied into your current mortgage and if there's an 'early repayment charge' when switching to a new deal. You can avoid the penalty by transferring the mortgage to the new property, known as porting. To afford your new property you might need to apply for a top-up from your current lender. Mendes says in some cases you might be better off paying the early-repayment charge and taking a new deal, especially if your current rate is high or your finances have improved.
