A mortgage enables you to purchase a home by covering the majority of the property's cost, which you then repay over time with interest. This allows you to spread the financial burden, making homeownership accessible without the need for a large upfront cash payment. By providing a deposit, typically between 5% to 20% of the home's price, you can secure a mortgage for the remaining amount, thus breaking down the total cost into manageable monthly payments over an agreed period.