As the clock ticks down to the end of the year, many will soon be making resolutions to kick-start their 2026.

Some will focus on keeping fit, living a little healthier and taking up a new hobby. Yet for others their New Year vows will be a little closer to home - owning one to be precise.

But in order to achieve the goal of home ownership in 2026, you need to nail the mortgage application.

Here, I share my top ten tips to secure the best mortgage in 2026.

10 Top Tips

1. Improve Your Credit Score Early

Your credit score has one of the biggest impacts on the rate you’ll be offered.

Check your file with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for errors.
Pay off credit cards or keep balances below 30% of your limits.
Avoid new credit applications in the months before applying.
Make sure you’re on the electoral roll at your current address.

2. Save for a Larger Deposit

The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio determines how much risk a lender takes.

A 25% deposit (75% LTV) usually gets you better rates than a 10% deposit.

Even moving from 90% to 85% LTV could lower your interest rate by 0.25–0.5%.

3. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Have 3 months’ payslips, P60s, and 3 months’ bank statements ready.

For self-employed applicants: two years of tax returns and accounts.
Avoid big unexplained transactions before applying; they raise red flags.


4. Shop Around- Don’t Just Go to Your Bank

Your existing bank might not have the best rate.
Compare deals via a mortgage broker (ideally UK Mortgage Centre) who can search and compare 1000s of products to find the best deal for your circumstances.


5. Consider Fixing for Longer

While shorter fixed terms (2 years) sometimes have lower rates, 5-year fixes can save you money if rates rise in 2026.
A longer fix provides stability and avoids remortgaging fees too soon.

6. Reduce Your Debts and Outgoings

Lenders assess your affordability, not just your income.

Pay down credit cards, personal loans, or car finance.

Cancel unused subscriptions before your affordability check.

7. Time Your Application Wisely

Rates fluctuate with market conditions.

Watch for Bank of England base rate announcements and lender updates.

Secure a mortgage in principle early, many are valid for 3–6 months.

8. Use a Whole-of-Market Mortgage Broker

A good broker can:

Access exclusive lender deals not listed publicly.

Advise which lenders are more flexible with income types or credit history.

Handle applications efficiently to avoid missed opportunities if rates shift.

9. Look Beyond Headline Rates

The cheapest rate isn’t always the best deal.

Does the product offer cashback? Does it let you overpay with no added fees or even take mortgage holidays?

Factor in product fees, valuation fees, and early repayment charges.

Sometimes a fee-free slightly higher rate works out cheaper overall.

10. Keep an Eye on Government Schemes & Incentives

For 2026, watch for evolving first-time buyer and green mortgage initiatives.

Some lenders offer discounts for energy-efficient homes (EPC A or B).

Government-backed schemes like Lifetime ISAs or Shared Ownership can reduce how much you need to borrow.

Sam Fox is founder of UK Mortgage Centre.