Sales of 100% LTV mortgages highest in five years

April 18, 2026 by Brendan O'Neill

Mortgage Advisors

The number of 100% loan-to-value (LTV) products that were sold last year was the highest in five years, which reflects ongoing affordability pressures.

This was discovered by Compare the Market after submitting a Freedom of Information request. The actual figures were provided by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). What they show is that during the first three quarters of 2025, 574 100% LTV mortgages were sold. By way of comparison, the number for the same three quarters of 2021 was 402.

Sales of these products hit a low of 135 in the year after this, but they have been rising steadily ever since. In 2023, the number sold was 248, followed by 423 the year after that.

In terms of UK regions, the South West and North West were the ones where these products were most popular. Both regions saw 76 of them sold over the course of last year.

100% LTV mortgages enable people to buy without the need for a deposit, but they carry greater risks of negative equity too. What Compare the Market also found is that the costs over the lifetime of the mortgage are higher than those of 95% LTV five-year fixes. This is due to higher rates and more interest being paid.

The growing popularity of the products despite such issues shows how much buyers are being stretched. Rising bills and rents are making it harder for people to save deposit money.

Mortgage advisors with CeMAP training can make buyers aware of the risks before they sign up for one of these loans.