Overview
The UK mortgage market is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under MCOB — the Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business sourcebook — which sets the rules for how lenders must assess affordability, disclose terms, and treat borrowers throughout the life of a mortgage. Whether you are buying your first home, remortgaging to a better deal, or navigating a problem with an existing mortgage, the system has specific rules that determine what lenders can do, what they must do, and what your rights are at each stage.
This page serves as a central hub for our detailed mortgage guides. Each one explains a specific aspect of the process, the regulatory framework behind it, and the practical implications for borrowers in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
The Mortgage Process
Understanding the mechanics of how a mortgage application moves from initial enquiry to completion — and what can go wrong at each stage.
Mortgage Products & Strategy
Different mortgage structures suit different circumstances. These guides explain the trade-offs involved in specific product types and financial decisions.
Problems, Risks & Protection
When things go wrong — or threaten to go wrong — during or after a mortgage, these guides explain the regulatory protections available and the practical steps to take.
Mortgages & Life Changes
Major life events — relationship breakdown, self-employment, debt — interact directly with the mortgage system. These guides explain how the regulatory framework handles those intersections.
Credit Score & Mortgage Eligibility
Your credit file plays a central role in mortgage underwriting. These guides explain how specific credit file entries affect mortgage applications and the realistic timelines for eligibility.
Mortgage Debt & Arrears
When mortgage payments are missed, a specific enforcement process begins. These guides explain the legal framework governing arrears, shortfall debt, and limitation periods.
