[MargaretR]

I recall when I applied for my first mortgage in 1961.
Then you had to have at least 20% in savings in the building society that you were asking, and you had an interview to judge your ability to repay. It looks like those days have returned, but that may well be a good thing in the long run - default and repossessions were very rare happenings.

Also -It wasn't possible to have another mortgage for a house to let out or use as a holiday home.