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Tim Leonard

Tim Leonard

Lead Writer & Content Strategist

Resume

Education

  • BA (Hons) Industrial Economics, University of Nottingham

Previous Experience

  • Finance Editor, Future
  • Associate Editor, Moneyfacts
Tim is a lead writer at NerdWallet and holds the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Level 3 Certificate in Mortgage Advice. He has over 20 years’ experience writing about almost all aspects of personal finance. During his career at Moneyfacts, Virgin Money and Future, Tim has shared his high-level technical understanding of financial products and regulation with both consumer and IFA audiences.

Tim's picks

Compare Mortgage Rates September 2025

Mortgage rates and deals are constantly changing. That’s why it’s important to keep track of and compare mortgage rates before getting a new deal. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving…

Compare Best Secured Loans September 2025

Secured loans allow you to borrow using your home as security or collateral. Use our star ratings to help compare some of the best secured loans and lenders in the…

Best Mortgage Lenders 2025

Finding the best mortgage lender and deal for you is essential. Of course, the mortgage rate you can get is important. But making sure a lender offers the type of…

The latest from Tim

Best Free Business Bank Accounts September 2025

Free business bank accounts are offered by a number of UK business banking providers. However, details can vary greatly between products and providers. Compare our top free business accounts available…

Compare Start Up Business Loans

Looking for a loan for your startup business? Our guide to the best business startup loans will help you find the right lender for your small business.

Notice of Default: What Is It and What Should You Do?

You might receive a notice of default from your lender if you miss loan repayments. If you can't pay your debt, you risk defaulting on your loan.

Fixed or Variable Mortgage: Which is Right for You?

The main difference between a fixed and variable mortgage is that your mortgage rate stays the same for a set period with a fixed-rate mortgage, while with a variable rate…

What is a Tracker Mortgage & Is it a Good Idea?

A tracker mortgage is where the interest rate you pay tracks another rate. Usually this will be the Bank of England base rate, though the rate you pay on a…

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Peace of Mind Over Your Repayments

With a fixed-rate mortgage your interest rate, and therefore your monthly repayments, will stay the same for the duration of the period you’ve chosen to fix. Most fixed-rate mortgages are…

No Deposit Mortgages: Getting a 100% Mortgage Without a Deposit

A no deposit mortgage may be an option if you’re struggling to raise the deposit for a home, though you’ll probably need a family member or friend to be your…

95% Mortgages: Getting a Mortgage With a 5% Deposit

95% mortgages only require you to have a 5% deposit. They are mainly used by first-time buyers, and sometimes by existing homeowners who are looking to move or remortgage but…

Interest Only Mortgages

With an interest only mortgage you’ll only pay off the mortgage interest each month, but none of the original loan.

How Much Deposit Do You Need for a House?

A deposit of 5% is usually the minimum needed to get a mortgage to buy a home, but saving a larger deposit can help you secure a lower mortgage rate.

Compare Remortgage Deals UK

Taking time to compare remortgage deals can save you money. That's why we want to help you find the best remortgage deal for you.

What is a Mortgage in Principle and How do You Get One?

Getting a mortgage in principle can give you an idea of whether a lender will offer you a mortgage and for how much.

When Can You Remortgage?

It’s possible to remortgage whenever and how often you like, but there may be charges if you remortgage before your current deal ends.

How Long Does it Take to Remortgage?

The remortgaging process may take one to two months if you’re switching to a new lender, or it could be less than a week if you stay with your current…

Should You Remortgage with the Same Lender or Switch?

Remortgaging with your current lender can be easier and quicker than changing mortgage providers, but a different lender may offer better remortgage deals.
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