There are over 100 mortgage lenders in the UK offering more than 12,000 different mortgage deals so it’s worth shopping around. 

Check what your bank or building society will offer you, look on mortgage comparison sites and consider whether an independent financial advisor or mortgage broker might be able to help. You may have to pay for this service, but if you have any less-common requirements, such as a poor credit history, self-employment or zero-hours contract, or you are buying a non-standard property, a broker will almost always help you to get a better deal.

When you are house hunting it is helpful to obtain a mortgage in principle (also known as an agreement or decision in principle); a certificate from a lender showing how much, in theory, they will loan you to buy a house. It shows the seller that you are serious - some developers won’t let you put down a deposit unless you have one. You only need to answer some basic questions, usually online. II is not a firm guarantee that you can borrow the money (your lender will want lots more documentation for that), nor is it a commitment to use that lender, but it does show you are serious.