Kit Sproson

Senior Money Writer – Mortgages Expert

As one of MSE's Money writers, Kit's main topics include mortgages, Council Tax, wills, funeral plans and scams. He previously covered credit scoring, students and buy now, pay later. Before joining MSE in 2019, Kit worked as a digital journalist for ITV News as well as a court reporter.

Kit has been nominated for the Mortgage Journalist of the Year Award at the Headline Money Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

In his spare time, Kit enjoys reading, football, travelling and volunteering at Shelter from the Storm.

Latest from Kit Sproson

It's possible to pick up repossessed and distressed properties at 20% – and in some cases nearer to 30% – off the market price. If you're willing to put the renovation work in, these properties can represent some of the best buys available. This quick guide runs through how buying a repossession works, where to find bargain properties, using the top auction houses and more.

15 July 2025

If you're moving home you face the question of whether to take your existing mortgage with you or get a brand new deal – but the choice may not always be yours. This guide explains the process of porting a mortgage, whether you're likely to be able to do it and if it's the right option for you.

15 July 2025

First Homes scheme: how it works and who can apply.

Some first-time buyers in England could get up to a 50% discount off the price of a new-build home as part of the government's First Homes scheme. The First Home scheme is aimed at those who earn less than £80,000 a year (or £90,000 in London). Here we explain how the scheme works, and by how much it can reduce the cost of a new-build home.

1 July 2025

Mortgage guarantee scheme: 5% deposit mortgages

A mortgage scheme designed to increase the number of deals available to homebuyers with a low deposit or limited equity is running until mid-2025. Several major lenders are taking part in the Government's mortgage guarantee scheme, where want-to-be homeowners have access to 95% mortgages. However these are not special mortgages and they're certainly not the cheapest – here's what you need to know.

30 June 2025

A property's price isn't the only figure you need to consider when buying a home. There is also a raft of fees, charges and taxes you'll have to pay before (and after) you can get your hands on the keys to your new pad. This guide explains what extra costs you'll need to factor in when arranging a mortgage. We've included a list of what you'll have to shell out, when you'll need to pay the cost, and who you'll need to pay it to.

10 June 2025

There are different fees when it comes to remortgaging, so it's crucial to know the costs when working out if it's worth it. This guide explains what fees and charges you're likely to face. Some won't apply to you, but we've listed them in a timeline of what you'll have to pay, when, and to whom so you can get a rough idea of how remortgaging can cost.

10 June 2025

If you're struggling to meet your monthly repayments, mortgage charter help lets you temporarily switch to interest-only payments or extend your mortgage term – without it impacting your credit file. Here we take a deep dive in to both options, plus we've a mortgage help calculator which lets you work out how much each could save you.

13 May 2025

Getting a new mortgage deal doesn't have to mean switching lender. If you prefer, you can get a new deal from your current lender – known as a 'product transfer'. In fact, this route can often be quicker, easier and possibly cheaper than switching lender. Check if a product transfer could save you £1,000s by following our four simple steps.

13 May 2025

Three wooden houses on a table with a wooden % sign next to them.

Interest rates on fixed mortgage deals have continued to be cut ahead of this week's decision by the Bank of England on whether to change the base rate. But will fixed rates move much further – and should you fix now or wait?

6 May 2025

Inheriting a pension: what happens and is there tax to pay?

A pension can often be passed on if there's money left in it at the time of your death. In some cases, pensions can even be inherited tax-free – though this will depend on a number of factors. This guide explains the types of pensions that can be passed on, and whether you're likely to need to pay tax if you're inheriting pension savings.

22 April 2025

Under the Right to Buy scheme, some council and housing association tenants have the opportunity to buy their property at a discounted price. This guide explains how the Right to Buy scheme works, who can take part and what size discount you can get.

9 April 2025

Council Tax bills will rise for millions of households from 1 April, with most local authorities in England preparing increases of 5% – adding around £109 to a typical band D bill. In Scotland, most councils are planning rises of at least 8%, while in Wales bills will go up by between 4.5% and 9.5%.

18 March 2025

I'm a mortgage prisoner – what can I do?

Mortgage prisoners are homeowners who typically took out a mortgage before 2008, when lending rules were more relaxed. They're now trapped on pricey mortgage deals unable to switch to cheaper ones, mainly because they don't pass current strict affordability tests. With some paying interest rates as high as 9%, the picture is bleak. This guide has things to try if you can't easily switch mortgage.

28 February 2025

Scale model of a house balancing precariously on a wooden block tower

Mortgage prisoners stuck paying extortionate interest rates have described their fears after it emerged their loans were being transferred to yet another inactive lender – this time with just days' notice.

25 February 2025

Row of brick semis with cars parked on the driveways

Interest rates on fixed mortgage deals have fallen below 4% for the first time since November 2024 – but will rates come down further? We've spoken to four mortgage brokers to see what they think – and whether you should fix.

18 February 2025

Since 2020 MSE Kit has discovered a hobby that's helped him keep fit, learn things, make new friends and spend more time outdoors. And considering all these benefits, this hobby costs him relatively little.

27 January 2025