🏠 Buying Your Own Home in the UK 

If you want to buy your own home in the UK, most people need to get a mortgage (loan to buy a house). 

💷 What Is a Mortgage? 

  • A mortgage is money you borrow from a bank, building society, or another lender to help you buy a house. 
  • You must have a job and a regular income. 
  • You pay the mortgage back every month, with interest (extra cost added by the bank). 
  • You also need to pay a deposit – this is money you pay at the beginning. It’s usually around 10% of the house price. 

 📍 House Prices in Leeds 

  • House prices are different in each area of Leeds. 
  • Some areas are more expensive than others. 
  • How much you pay every month depends on: 
    • 🏦 The type of mortgage you choose 
    • 📈 The current interest rates in the UK 

🔗 More info here: Money Helper – Buying a Home 

 🔍 How to Check House Prices 

You can get an idea of house prices by visiting estate agents or websites:

 🌍 Migrants and Mortgages 

Not everyone can get a mortgage. It depends on your immigration status and financial history. To get a mortgage, you may need: 

  • ✅ Proof of your income 
  • 🧾 Your UK address history 
  • 📊 A UK credit history – for example: 
    • Have you paid bills or credit cards on time? 
    • Have you paid your mobile phone bill regularly? 

 📝 How to Apply for a Mortgage 

  1. ✅ First, check if you’re eligible. 
  2. 🏦 Then talk to a bank or building society. 
  3. They will tell you: 
    1. If you earn enough 
    2. How much you can borrow 

📏 You can also use a free online tool to check:  Money Helper – Mortgage Calculator 

 🏢 Where to Get a Mortgage 

If you want to find out more about your options, you will need to speak to mortgage lenders such as banks or building societies. You can do this over the phone, online or in their branches on the high street.

ℹ️ Learn more here: Overview of UK Banks and Building Societies 

 🏘 Help to Buy Schemes 

Help to Buy is a scheme run by the government to help make buying a home more affordable. As with any type of mortgage, not all migrants will be eligible so you will need to check. These schemes may let you: 

  • Pay less money upfront 
  • Own part of the property 
  • Pay rent on the rest 

⚠️ Not all migrants are eligible, check before applying. 

🔗 Find out more here: Help to Buy Schemes

Last Updated: 6 June 2025

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