Buying your first home in the UK? Feeling overwhelmed by all the mortgage options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Finding a bank that makes the mortgage process simple can be the difference between getting your dream home and missing out. With the right lender, you can access low-interest home loans, quick mortgage approvals, and first-time buyer support without all the stress.
In this full guide, we’ll explore the UK banks that give mortgage loans easily, what makes them special, and how you can improve your chances of approval. We’ll also share expert tips and tables for comparison throughout to help you make smart financial decisions.
Why Choose the Right Bank for a Mortgage?
Mortgages are long-term commitments, often lasting 25 to 35 years. Choosing the right bank can save you thousands of pounds in interest, reduce paperwork stress, and speed up approval.
Here are a few things the right lender offers:
- Low mortgage rates
- Fast approval times
- Flexible terms for self-employed or low-income earners
- Fewer credit checks or better bad credit options
- Helpful first-time buyer support
Top UK Banks That Give Mortgage Loans Easily in 2025
Below is a list of popular banks in the UK known for their easy mortgage processes, flexible credit criteria, and competitive rates.
| Bank Name | Known For | Mortgage Approval Time | Interest Rate (Variable/Fixed) | Ideal For |
| Lloyds Bank | First-time buyer support, online tools | 2–4 weeks | 4.3%–5.9% | First-time buyers, employed |
| Halifax | Low deposit options | 1–3 weeks | 4.0%–5.5% | Low deposit & fixed income |
| NatWest | Fast-track online applications | 2–5 weeks | 3.9%–5.8% | Quick approvals |
| Barclays | Good for remortgages | 2–4 weeks | 3.8%–5.2% | Existing homeowners, refinancers |
| Santander | Flexible options for freelancers | 2–5 weeks | 4.2%–6.0% | Self-employed & gig workers |
| Nationwide | Excellent for joint mortgages | 2–4 weeks | 3.7%–5.3% | Couples, families |
| HSBC UK | International & expat friendly | 3–6 weeks | 4.1%–5.6% | Expats, foreign income earners |
1. Lloyds Bank – First-Time Buyer’s Best Friend
Lloyds is known for its friendly service and easy-to-navigate mortgage process. They offer tools like a mortgage calculator, agreement in principle online, and £500 cashback for first-time buyers.
Why it’s easy:
- 5% deposit deals available
- Online mortgage in principle in minutes
- Dedicated first-time buyer team
Best For: Salaried professionals and first-time homebuyers.
2. Halifax – Low Deposit and Fast Approval
Halifax offers great Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, and low-deposit mortgages, making it perfect for those who don’t have a lot saved.
Why it’s easy:
- Approves buyers with as little as 5% down
- Fast online application
- Good credit not always required
Tip: Halifax has some of the best fixed-rate mortgage deals in the UK market today.
3. NatWest – Speed and Online Simplicity
NatWest stands out for its quick online mortgage process. You can apply, upload documents, and track your application in real-time through their app or website.
Why it’s easy:
- Instant agreement in principle
- Real-time updates via the app
- Great for busy professionals
Best For: Employed individuals with a stable job.
4. Barclays – Best for Remortgages and Switching Lenders
Barclays is the go-to for people looking to switch lenders or get a better rate. It’s also suitable for buyers with existing credit history or those who want to borrow more later.
Why it’s easy:
- Flexible remortgaging options
- Tools to manage mortgage online
- Competitive fixed-rate mortgages
Extra Perk: They often waive some legal fees during remortgages.
5. Santander – Great for Self-Employed and Freelancers
Santander understands modern work. If you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or business owner, they offer mortgage solutions tailored to your income type.
Why it’s easy:
- Accepts 1 year of self-employed income
- Allows a mix of salaried + freelance income
- Dedicated brokers to help you qualify
Tip: Have your financial statements and tax returns ready!
6. Nationwide – Best for Joint Mortgage and Couples
Nationwide offers a smooth path for partners, couples, or families applying together. Their joint mortgage options are some of the easiest to get approved for.
Why it’s easy:
- Allows co-borrowers who are not married
- Offers 95% LTV mortgages
- Shared ownership schemes available
Extra Benefit: Loyalty mortgage discounts for existing Nationwide customers.
High-Paying Jobs, and Scholarship Opportunities
7. HSBC UK – Expat-Friendly and International Buyers Welcome
Planning to buy property in the UK while living abroad or earning income overseas? HSBC UK specializes in helping expats, foreign investors, and non-residents.
Why it’s easy:
- International mortgage advisors
- Accepts income from multiple currencies
- Branches across Asia, Europe, and Middle East
Note: Some applications might take longer due to international verification.
Key Terms to Know Before Applying for a Mortgage
| Term | Meaning |
| LTV (Loan-to-Value) | The percentage of your property price that the bank will lend you |
| Fixed-rate mortgage | Your interest stays the same for a set number of years |
| Variable-rate | Your interest may change with the market |
| AIP (Agreement in Principle) | A basic check to see how much you could borrow |
| Repayment mortgage | You pay both the interest and part of the loan each month |
| Interest-only | You only pay interest now, full loan is paid later |
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage Easily
1. Build Your Credit Score
Pay your bills on time, lower your credit card debt, and avoid new loans.
2. Save for a Bigger Deposit
Banks prefer 10–20%, but even 5% can work with certain lenders.
3. Get Pre-approved
An agreement in principle makes you look serious to sellers and agents.
4. Use a Mortgage Broker
Brokers have insider info and can match you with the best lender.
5. Don’t Change Jobs Last Minute
Lenders prefer 6–12 months of stable employment history.
First-Time Buyer Programs You Should Know
| Program Name | What It Offers | Available Through |
| First Homes Scheme | 30%-50% discount on new-build homes for locals | Local councils & builders |
| Shared Ownership | Buy a share (25%-75%) of your home, pay rent on rest | Housing associations |
| Lifetime ISA | Government adds 25% bonus to your savings | Nationwide, Moneybox, etc. |
| Help to Buy (Wales) | Equity loan for up to 20% of the property value | Regional governments |
Documents You’ll Need to Apply for a Mortgage in the UK
Make the process easier by gathering the following:
- Passport or ID
- Proof of address (utility bills, etc.)
- Payslips (3–6 months)
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- P60 or tax return (for self-employed)
- Credit report
Mortgage Calculator Table – Estimate Your Monthly Repayment
| Property Price | Deposit (10%) | Mortgage Amount | Interest Rate | Monthly Payment (25 years) |
| £200,000 | £20,000 | £180,000 | 4.5% | £1,000–£1,100 |
| £300,000 | £30,000 | £270,000 | 4.2% | £1,400–£1,550 |
| £400,000 | £40,000 | £360,000 | 4.0% | £1,700–£1,850 |
Use your bank’s online calculator for accurate numbers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to too many lenders at once (hurts credit)
- Taking out new loans or credit cards before applying
- Ignoring hidden fees (valuation, solicitor, etc.)
- Choosing variable interest when rates are high
Final Thoughts – Get the Keys to Your Home Faster
Finding a bank that gives mortgage loans easily in the UK doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, self-employed, or just looking for fast approval, there’s a bank that fits your needs.
Do your research, compare rates, and get pre-approved. The process can be faster and simpler than you think.