Anthony Beachey

The Forces Help to Buy Scheme is designed to help Armed Forces personnel onto the property ladder. It means that servicemen and women can borrow up to 50% of their salary, up to a maximum of £25,000.

A joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage, or JBSP mortgage, allows parents or others to help you buy a home without them taking co-ownership of the property. You own the property, but up to four people can support you with mortgage repayments, which can help you meet affordability criteria.

A tenants in common mortgage enables two or more people to purchase a property together while each owning a share. This split doesn’t have to be equal and these shares can be sold without the approval of other parties. Find out more about how this agreement works and some of the pros and cons.

Peer-to-peer lending, whereby borrowers and lenders are matched via websites, known as platforms, offers distinct advantages to borrowers and investors. But it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.

Before applying for a loan you’ll want to be clear about the criteria you need to meet. We explain what lenders consider, the checks they make and what you can do to prepare.

A lifetime mortgage is an equity release scheme that allows you to access some of the wealth you have tied up in your home. With a lifetime mortgage you can receive a lump sum or regular cash payments, and carry on living in your home until you die or move into residential care.

Home reversion plans let you sell your home while continuing to live there rent-free. They are an equity release option for people aged over 60.

Exploring the alternatives to equity release is essential if you want to unlock the value stored in your home. Remortgaging, a RIO mortgage or a secured loan can all deliver funds without needing to sell up. Alternatively, downsizing might be an option if you’re happy to move elsewhere.