Mortgage questions, answered in plain English

This is a plain-English answer library: the mortgage questions people actually ask, in their own words, each answered in a few honest sentences with a link to the fuller guide. It is information, not advice. When you want a mortgage arranged, we introduce you to a regulated mortgage broker who can advise you.

Mortgage jargon hides simple questions. Here we answer them the way they are really asked. Pick the one that sounds like you.

My mortgage is going up and I cannot afford it Can I borrow more on my house? We want to buy but only one of us earns enough I want to help my child buy their first home Should I overpay my mortgage or save? Is now a good time to remortgage? I missed a mortgage payment, what happens? Mortgage after divorce or buying out a partner I am self-employed, can I get a mortgage? My fixed rate is ending, what do I do?
AP

Adam Parker

Founder, MortgageExplained, MortgageExplained

Adam spent nearly a decade as a mortgage adviser at Just Mortgages, with further experience in commercial finance. He is CeMAP and CF qualified. He built MortgageExplained to do one thing well: explain mortgages in plain English, then introduce you to a regulated broker when you are ready. Every page is written and reviewed by Adam.

Last reviewed: 29 June 2026

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