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Compare Mortgages
Your home journey starts with the right mortgage. Compare a wide range of products tailored to your financial goals with Tembo.
Tembo is a mortgage broker and may charge a fee for their service upon mortgage offer. Should you receive a formal mortgage offer from a lender via this service, Equifax will receive a commission, calculated as a percentage of the fee earned by Tembo Money Limited.
Compare mortgage rates
Finding the right mortgage can make a big difference to your financial future. Whether you're buying your first home, switching deals, or investing in property, it's important to compare your options with confidence.
Equifax introduces you to Tembo, an FCA-authorised mortgage broker who can help you explore mortgage products from 100+ lenders. Tembo can help match you with lenders that suit your needs, budget, and credit profile — uncovering your true affordability in minutes online.
Check your FREE Equifax Credit Score before applying.
Why choose Tembo for mortgage rate comparisons?
When it comes to mortgages, you want clarity, choice, and confidence. That's why Equifax introduces you to Tembo, to bring you:
Up to £82k in extra buying power
Award-winning mortgage expertise
Competitive rates for whatever mortgage you require
Application to offer in 10 days on average
Benefit from interest rate drops with RateCheck
Compare mortgage types
Learn more about the different types of mortgages
A fixed-rate mortgage keeps your interest rate the same for an agreed period. It offers stability in monthly payments, which may be helpful with predictable budgeting.
A variable rate mortgage means your interest rate can change, often based on the lender's standard rate or the Bank of England base rate. Monthly payments can fluctuate, so it's worth considering whether you're comfortable with some variation.
First-time buyer mortgages are designed for those purchasing their first property. They may come with lower deposit requirements, though eligibility criteria will apply.
Remortgaging involves switching your existing mortgage to a new deal, either with your current lender or a new one. It may result in reducing your monthly repayments or you may be able to release equity from your property.
Buy-to-let mortgages are for purchasing a property you plan to rent out. These typically require a larger deposit and are assessed based on expected rental income.
Offset mortgages link your savings to your mortgage, which reduces the interest charged.
With an interest-only mortgage, you pay just the interest each month, not the loan itself. You’ll need a repayment plan in place to pay off the full amount at the end of the term.
Common mortgage fees
Mortgages often come with a range of fees. Some are upfront, while others will pop up during or at the end of your deal. Here are the most common ones to look out for:
- Broker fee: Mortgage brokers, who can help you navigate your mortgage options, may charge a fixed fee or a percentage of the loan. With Tembo, this isn’t charged until you have an offer from a lender, so you’ll never pay for advice alone.
- Arrangement fee: A charge by the lender for setting up the mortgage. It can be added to your loan, but it will accrue interest. This is also known as a product fee.
- Valuation fee: Covers the lender’s valuation of the property to confirm it's worth the loan amount.
- Missed payment/arrears fee: Charged if you fall behind on repayments. These can add up quickly and affect your credit score.
- Exit fee: A closing fee that may be payable when you repay your mortgage in full or switch to another lender.
Getting the best mortgage deal
Practical steps to prepare and boost your chances of approval, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
Lenders use your credit information to assess your risk, so the higher it is, the more likely you’ll get approved and at better rates. You could improve your score by:
- Paying bills and credit balances on time
- Keeping credit card usage low
- Regularly checking your credit report for errors
- Avoid opening multiple credit accounts in the months before you apply
By doing all of these, you may demonstrate to lenders that you can manage your credit responsibly.
A larger deposit reduces your Loan-to-Value (LTV), which can unlock lower interest rates and access to more competitive mortgage deals. Even increasing your deposit by 5–10% may open doors to significantly better terms and more lender options.
Having a sizeable deposit also gives you more equity in the property from day one, helping protect you in case of market dips and reducing your monthly repayments. Just be sure not to deplete all your savings — maintaining emergency funds is key alongside a strong deposit.
Before applying, make sure you have these documents ready for a smooth mortgage process:
- Proof of ID and address: A valid passport or UK driving licence, plus a recent utility bill or council tax statement showing your current address.
- Income evidence: For employed applicants, you’ll need the latest payslips (typically three months) and your P60. For the self-employed, you’ll usually need two years’ SA302 tax calculations and bank statements.
- Bank statements: Usually three months’ worth to show income, spending, and outgoings. Lenders may request more depending on your situation.
- Deposit documentation: Evidence of your savings, including gifted funds with a signed letter if needed.
- Other income or expenditure: Proof of bonuses, pensions, benefits, or regular outgoings if you’re relying on these in your affordability assessment.
Having these documents prepared before you apply can speed up approval and help you stay in control throughout the process.
Managing your existing debt wisely can boost your chances of securing a mortgage:
- Keep making repayments: Continue paying your bills on time
- Pay down non-priority debts: Reducing balances on credit cards or personal loans improves your debt-to-income ratio, showing lenders you're less of a risk.
- Avoid taking on more credit: New loans or credit cards can impact your affordability profile and leave recent hard searches on your file.
Want to know more about mortgages?
You can find more information in the following articles:
Frequently asked questions
A mortgage rate is the interest rate charged by a lender on your mortgage loan, shown as a percentage. It reflects the cost of borrowing and can be fixed or variable, depending on the type of deal you choose.
The right mortgage depends on your income, deposit size, and the type of property you’re buying. A mortgage adviser can help with options.
What you can afford depends on your income, outgoings, deposit and creditworthiness.
Most lenders require at least a 5% deposit, meaning you’d need a 95% mortgage. However, many offer better rates if you can put down a higher deposit, depending on the lender and your financial profile.
