The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is now permanently available across the UK Lenders are insured against losses, supporting availability of high LTV mortgages When borrowing at higher loan-to-value levels, it’s important to tread carefully The government’s new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme became permanently available in July 2025. The scheme, which was part of Labour’s election manifesto, aims […]
Category archives: Mortgages & General Property News
Autumn housing market outlook
Buyers gain negotiating power with more homes available and improving mortgage affordability Sellers must adopt competitive pricing strategies as overpriced homes risk being overlooked Modest price growth is expected, but steady activity could sustain momentum through autumn As summer fades, the UK housing market moves into autumn with steady momentum. A high volume of homes […]
Homing in on the mortgage challenges facing gig workers
76% of UK gig workers face mortgage and loan application rejections despite good credit Traditional credit systems don’t reflect gig workers’ multiple income sources Expert guidance helps gig workers improve mortgage approval odds by validating diverse income Variable income streams. Multiple employers. Seasonal side hustles. This is business as usual for gig economy workers, freelancers […]
Demand for second homes falls: what does it mean for local buyers and sellers?
Council Tax hikes on second homes are triggering a surge in holiday property sales In popular holiday destinations the number of properties being listed for sale has increased over 40% This shift in property ownership has the potential to impact entire communities From country cottages to seaside retreats, the second home market is facing challenges. […]
Mortgage overpayments: small sums add up
A third of homeowners are currently making overpayments on their mortgage 40% of homeowners don’t have the confidence to overpay their mortgage Most lenders allow you to make overpayments of up to 10% of your mortgage balance each year without incurring any penalties UK homeowners could collectively save £2.3bn on mortgage interest each year by […]
In the News – Home Finance
A dressing room can boost your home’s value by up to £40,000 Over 65’s hold £2.9trn in mortgage-free property wealth in the UK House purchases now take 124 days on average – 41% longer than expected Dressing rooms – the new must-have Once seen as a luxury, dressing rooms are gaining popularity among everyday homeowners […]
Home insurance premiums and claims increase
UK combined home insurance premiums rose 8.5% to an average of £231 according to recent data Material shortages, labour expenses and inflation rates have driving up repair and rebuild costs Make sure you don’t invalidate your insurance by leaving a spare key where it can be easily found Extreme weather conditions. Rising construction costs. Higher […]
Summer housing market update – records, challenges and changing trends
Average asking prices hit record highs, but growth is slowing, as analysts suggest we’re in a buyers market Moving costs have risen sharply across the UK due to changes in tax and associated fees First-time buyers see improved affordability supported by flexible mortgage products As summer begins, the housing and mortgage markets are experiencing a […]
UK cities see strong property market growth
The UK property market experienced a boost in 2024, with nearly 50% of homes listed receiving offers or selling Cities like Sunderland, Leicester, and Liverpool saw notable increases in buyer activity, while London’s growth was subdued Rising buyer confidence, stabilising mortgage rates and positive market conditions are expected to keep demand strong The UK property […]
Home Finance – In the news
Older borrowers are increasingly taking out ultra-long mortgages, with a 156% rise in the last five years Half of UK homes saw price increases in 2024, there’s a clear north-south divide in property values Rent costs for tenants under 45 hit a record £56.2bn due to rising mortgage rates Retiring with a mortgage With a […]
