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UK Mortgage Best Buys 2026: Compare Best Rates
Getting the best mortgage can save you thousands of pounds, with small changes in mortgage interest rates affecting your monthly payments by significant amounts and the right level of flexibility opening the door to better offers and easy transfers later on. But what are the best mortgages to get?
At Clifton Private Finance we work with clients keen to get the best mortgage for their needs; from long-term first-time buyer mortgages that help keep monthly repayments low, to shorter fixed rate mortgage deals that give you the power to react to the market.
As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, our experts are perfectly positioned to help you compare mortgage rates and get the mortgage deal that’s right for you. Explore the mortgage best buys for 2026 with us.
Mortgage Best Buys for Every UK Homebuyer
The table below displays the best mortgage rates currently on the market. It updates automatically so that you can keep on top of the latest mortgage deals.
Simply toggle between Purchase, Remortgage, and Buy-to-Let options in the top right.
Recent Bank of England interest rates have lowered, meaning UK mortgage lenders are offering rates close to 4% in many circumstances, with some offers resulting in sub-4% rates for the first time in many months.
When you work with a fully independent and whole-of-market mortgage broker like Clifton Private Finance, you gain access to the full spread of mortgage lenders, from traditional high-street banks to specialist private lenders.
First-Time Buyer Mortgage Rate Considerations
Mortgage rates are currently lower than we have seen since 2023, and with more lenders introducing higher loan-to-income (LTI) and loan-to-value (LTV) options, 2026 could be an opportune time to take a first step onto the property ladder.
While it’s not always the case, most first-time buyers are younger and are either moving from a rental situation or from living with parents. This leads to several key considerations:
- Low monthly payments: Keeping monthly payments as low as possible helps first-time buyers settle into a mortgage. As you progress in your career and improve your salary, longer-term mortgages can be remortgaged to increase equity gains in the property.
- Fixed rate deals: The consistency of fixed rates is of particular interest to first-time buyers who appreciate the rent-like predictability of a set cost each month.
- Overpayments: As a first-time buyer, you can benefit strongly from early repayments should you get extra income from bonuses or other areas. These can help you shave months off your mortgage in the long term, save on interest over the years, and set yourself up for mortgage holidays if needed in the future.
Remortgaging Mortgage Rate Considerations
When remortgaging, it is important to consider flexibility and arranging your mortgage to take advantage of your changed circumstances. With equity already built up in your property, it’s possible to secure a lower loan-to-value (LTV) for a better rate, or to release some of that equity as extra cash to use in renovations or for other use.
Find the Perfect Remortgage Deal »
By discussing your mortgage needs with a mortgage broker like Clifton Private Finance, we can help you get the best remortgage deal that fits your specific needs, taking into consideration:
- Re-evaluating mortgage terms: You may want to take the opportunity to shrink the length of your mortgage to get everything paid off earlier, or extending the term to lower your monthly payments.
- Current mortgage rates: As your existing fixed rate mortgage comes to an end, we will work with you to explore new fixed rate deals and explore all other options available to you according to your circumstances.
- Releasing equity for other use: Home renovations or extensions, debt consolidation, and helping family members are all ways homeowners can get more out of a remortgage.
Buy-to-Let Mortgage Rate Considerations
Buy-to-let mortgages are typically interest only, allowing you to keep monthly payments low to maximise profits when investing in property as a landlord.
These second property mortgages have different mortgage rates, with higher deposits and specific conditions so speaking to a mortgage broker is essential to gain access to the market of specialist mortgage lenders and dedicated mortgage deals.
Compare Buy To Let Mortgage Rates
At Clifton Private Finance, we can help you explore the market to build your landlord portfolio and get the best buy-to-let deals to suit your investment.
- Compare mortgage rates: With a wide range of BTL mortgage deals available, it’s essential to compare mortgage lenders and their products to find the one that best fits your needs.
- Explore investment timelines: Investment in rental properties needs thoughtful long-term planning, exploring different mortgage terms and fixed rate deals to manage cash flow and ensure a final return on investment. Repayment and combination mortgages offer additional products to develop equity for future use.
- Balance monthly repayments: Competitive mortgage interest rates will help lower monthly payments, allowing you to set rent at a competitive level while covering costs, maintaining the property, and making profit.
Specialist Mortgage Options
While for many people, a standard ‘off the shelf’ mortgage provides everything needed, others need a more tailored option that takes into consideration the growing range of individual circumstances.
For specialist mortgages, you will need to speak to a specalist mortgage broker. We always recommend choosing a fully independent, whole-of-market option, so that you’re able to consider all options available.
Specialist mortgages are typically needed for:
- Self-employed applicants: If you are self-employed, working with a mortgage lender who understands your income and the nuances of your industry can help ensure a successful application, as well as better rates and more flexible terms.
- Complex income applicants: Complex income streams are often not fully taken into account by standard mortgage lenders. Specialist mortgages can offer greater sums that properly consider your full income.
- Joint investments: While standard joint mortgages work well for married couples, specialist mortgages offer a wider range of options, with multi-party mortgages allowing investment from both residents and non-resident investors.
- Unusual properties: Standard mortgages can be quite limited regarding property type, with off-grid rural properties or those of non-standard construction often excluded. Discussing your individual needs with specialist mortgage lenders will open the doors to a wider range of mortgage deals.
- Poor credit mortgages: Specialist mortgage deals exist for applicants with bad credit and good income, who may have suffered historical financial issues, with mortgage lenders able to consider your new circumstances with greater understanding.
Working with Clifton Private Finance gives you access to the whole UK marketplace of specialist mortgage lenders, giving you the opportunity to obtain a mortgage that’s tailored precisely to suit your individual circumstances.
How Do Mortgage Rates Work?
Mortgage rates are influenced by multiple factors, which means the rate you get may not be exactly the same as a friend with a similar-sized mortgage. These include (but are not limited to):
- The current Bank of England base rate
- Your lender
- Your creditworthiness (credit rating, employment stability, and other factors)
- The size of your mortgage
- Your mortgage loan-to-value (LTV)
- Your mortgage terms (length, fixed rate deal, flexibility)
- Your property location and type
At Clifton Private Finance, we work on your behalf to explore the different mortgage products on the market to find the most competitive rate that fits your needs.
By working with us as your mortgage broker, you gain access to a wider range of mortgage lenders and options, giving you the flexibility you need to secure the best mortgage for you.
What Are the Different Types of Mortgage Rates?
There are three main types of mortgage rates, and each comes with is own advantages, drawbacks, and considerations:
What is the Best Mortgage for Me?
Choosing the right mortgage is not as simple as going to your existing bank and asking for their mortgage. While this may work, it’s unlikely to result in the best mortgage deal for you.
Clifton Private Finance is a professional mortgage broker able to work with you to compare mortgage rates and different mortgage lenders to ensure you get a deal that best suits your personal circumstances. We will discuss with you:
- Your true financial situation - Developing an honest overview of your finances, what you can afford, and realistic plays for comfortable repayment is the beginning of a successful mortgage journey.
- The different mortgages on offer - We know the different types of mortgage, from the broad overview to the fine points that often get overlooked. By understanding your needs, we can ensure you get a mortgage that fits.
- The best mortgage deal for you - Best does not always mean ‘lowest rate’. There are many things to consider when getting a mortgage and only by aligning your aims with the right flexibility and terms will you get a mortgage deal that works.
Find the Best Mortgage Deal with Clifton Private Finance
At Clifton Private Finance, our advisers work with your best interests at the core. As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we have access to the full marketplace of UK lenders - both household names and niche specialists. Together, we will assess every aspect of the mortgage to match you with the lender and product you need.
Our experience means we can help with:
- Understanding the process
- Smoothing your application
- Preparation advice and documentation
- Selecting a mortgage that best fits your individual circumstances
- Difficult applications, such as bad credit, self-employed status, or irregular income
- Complex mortgages, such as for specialist properties or renovation work
- Bridging finance to seize opportunities at auctions or elsewhere
Speak to our mortgage team today to discover the true mortgage best buys and get the very best mortgage deal for you.
