Property
Renting vs Buying a Home
Compare renting and buying a home, including flexibility, deposit, repairs and long-term equity.
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Compare renting, buying, mortgages and home-moving costs with practical comparisons, calculators and guides.
Buying, selling or renting a home is usually the largest financial decision people make, and small differences in deposit, mortgage rate or term can change the cost by thousands of pounds over time.
Our property comparisons and calculators cover the decisions that matter most, such as renting versus buying, fixed versus variable mortgages, and how much Stamp Duty you will pay, so you can plan a move with realistic numbers rather than rules of thumb.
Popular comparisons
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Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgage
Compare fixed and variable mortgage rates for certainty, flexibility and payment risk.
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Short vs Long Mortgage Term
Compare shorter and longer mortgage terms for monthly cost, interest and equity.
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Bigger Deposit vs Buying Now
Compare waiting for a bigger deposit with buying a home sooner.
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Freehold vs Leasehold
Compare freehold and leasehold property ownership before buying.
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Renovate vs Move House
Compare improving your current home with moving somewhere new.
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New Build vs Older Property
Compare new builds and older homes for cost, space, warranty and maintenance.
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Interest Only vs Repayment Mortgage
Compare interest-only and repayment mortgages for monthly cost, equity and risk.
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Stamp Duty Calculator for England and Northern Ireland
Estimate residential SDLT, first-time buyer relief and higher rates for additional properties.
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LBTT Calculator Scotland
Estimate Scottish LBTT, first-time buyer relief and the Additional Dwelling Supplement.
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Land Transaction Tax Calculator Wales
Estimate Welsh LTT for a main home or an additional residential property.
Guides
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Shared Ownership Remortgage: How It Works, Costs and Staircasing
Published 20 Jun 2026
Can you remortgage a shared ownership property? Yes, though it works differently to a standard remortgage. Here is how it works, what it costs, staircasing, and the role of the housing association.
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How Do You Make an Offer on a House? A UK Guide
Published 17 Jun 2026
How do you make an offer on a house in the UK? You offer through the estate agent once your finances are ready. Here is the step-by-step process, how much to offer, and how to avoid being gazumped.
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What Does a Mortgage Advisor Do? A Complete Guide
Published 17 Jun 2026
What does a mortgage advisor do? They search the mortgage market and recommend a deal that suits you, then handle the application. Here is the full picture, including fees and whether you need one.
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What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage? A UK Guide
Published 17 Jun 2026
What credit score do you need for a mortgage in the UK? There is no universal minimum. Here is how UK credit scores work, what lenders really check, and how to improve your chances.
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What Does Exchange of Contracts Mean When Buying a House?
Published 15 Jun 2026
Exchange of contracts is the moment buying a house becomes legally binding in the UK. Here is what happens on the day, the deposit you pay, and how it differs from completion.
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What Is Legal Cover on House Insurance? A Complete Guide
Published 15 Jun 2026
What is legal cover on house insurance? A clear guide to family legal protection: what it covers, typical limits and costs, key exclusions, and whether it is worth it.
Read guideFrequently asked questions
Is it better to rent or buy?
It depends on how long you will stay, house-price growth and mortgage rates. Buying tends to win over longer periods once equity is taken into account. Our rent vs buy calculator compares the net cost of each.
How much deposit do I need to buy a home?
Many lenders accept 5% to 10%, but a larger deposit lowers your loan-to-value and can unlock cheaper mortgage rates. Our deposit guide explains the trade-offs.
How much Stamp Duty will I pay?
It depends on the price, the nation you are buying in and whether you are a first-time buyer. Use our Stamp Duty, LBTT and LTT calculators for an estimate.