An AIP indicates how much you could borrow based on the information you have provided, it performs various criteria and credit reference agency checks, and gives a conditional decision to lend based on its findings.

Annual Percentage Rate of Charge - this shows the overall cost of borrowing, taking into account the term, interest rate and other costs.

A fee which may be charged if the amount borrowed is more than a given percentage of the value of the property. The lender will use the fee for an insurance policy to protect them against financial loss in the event of a borrower not meeting their mortgage payments. The fee is usually payable in full up front. You may be liable for any mortgage shortfall debt if after possession the sale proceeds are not enough to repay your outstanding debt. Choose a Post Office mortgage and the Higher Lending Charge is paid by the lender for mortgages above 75% LTV. No Higher Lending Charge is payable for mortgages up to 75% LTV. See the Lending Criteria for more information.

It’s the amount of mortgage expressed as a percentage of the value of the property or purchase price, whichever is lower. For example, a mortgage of £80,000 on a purchase price of £100,000 would be 80% LTV. If the valuation of the property is lower than the price you've agreed, the LTV will be based on the valuation.

The total cost of a loan, including interest charges and product fees, shown as a percentage rate. The calculation assumes that you keep the mortgage for the full term. APRC is the industry standard calculation and allows you to directly compare mortgages from all lenders.

Product fee: This is a fee charged on some mortgages as part of the product. It can be paid upfront or added to the loan. If you add it to your mortgage it will increase your outstanding balance and interest will be charged for the duration of the mortgage. Standard legal fees: If your mortgage states that standard legal fees are paid by the lender, the lender will pay the fees if you use their nominated solicitors. Terms and conditions apply, additional legal work may incur additional fees, please refer to the General Lending Criteria for full details.

Also known as a lender's valuation, this is a basic assessment that’s carried out on a property to establish its condition and value. If your mortgage states that valuation fee is paid by the lender, the lender will pay for one standard valuation on the application.