It’s 2025 and we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act which, amongst other measures, made it possible for women to get a mortgage without a man’s countersignature. It’s a great time to reflect on how far we have come in promoting financial equality between the sexes. In recent years, we have […]
Category archives: Mortgages & General Property News
Could ‘right-sizing’ help the housing market?
With the UK housing market facing an array of problems, experts have suggested almost as many solutions. One concept that could help resolve the current shortcomings is ‘right-sizing.’ ‘Right-sizing’ refers to the process of moving to a more suitable property for your requirements, generally one with fewer bedrooms. Closely related to downsizing, some analysts think […]
A reminder of recent property tax changes
The Autumn Budget made the headlines with a host of announcements, mostly on taxation. Housing did not play a large part in the key fiscal event, but there are a few points to be aware of. Second homes From 31 October 2024, people buying a second home pay an extra 2% of the entire property […]
In the news – Home Finance
Significant gains for homeowners over 20 years Analysis reveals1 that UK homeowners who purchased their properties in the last 20 years have seen an average increase of £80,000 in value. In comparison, those who sold within the last year made an average gain of £65,000. Homes in high-value areas and commuter towns, including the Cotswolds […]
‘Freshen-uppers’ the most desirable property type
Are you looking to move house in 2025? If so, a recent study1 has found that the most desirable property type for 49% of people is a ‘freshen-upper,’ with prospective buyers keen to personalise their new home with small scale improvements. The days of the full ‘fixer-upper’ property are fading, as time-poor purchasers increasing look to […]
Record sales in 2024 and a surge expected in early 2025
In the latter part of 2024, the UK housing market experienced robust sales momentum, driven largely by higher disposable incomes and easing rates on some mortgages. What can we expect for the housing market as we enter 2025? Last year marked the highest level of new sales since late 2020, with house prices rising modestly […]
Ambitious sellers beware!
Selling a house is the biggest financial deal many people will ever make. Understandably, sellers want to get the best possible price; new research1 has cautioned, however, that aiming too high is not without risk. Discount dangers Analysis by Rightmove of sales over the past five years has revealed the risks associated with pricing your […]
Hopeful FTBs consider buying with friend or sibling
Did you know that 46% of aspiring first-time buyers would consider buying a home with a friend or sibling to help them get onto the property ladder?1 Most people (62%) would ideally like to purchase a home with a partner; however, many have been forced to look at alternative options. The main reason for considering […]
Buy-to-let market update: Trends and insights
The UK buy-to-let (BTL) market has seen notable changes recently. The number of new BTL mortgages granted has decreased sharply. This decline is largely due to higher interest rates and stricter taxation measures, which have served to cool investor enthusiasm. Additionally, the overall size of the BTL mortgage market has contracted. Investors are encountering more […]
Many young mortgage holders do not have life cover
Research has found that 28% of young UK homeowners do not have life insurance1. It is estimated that 1.7 million adults aged 18-40 do not have appropriate cover in place, despite having a mortgage. This oversight puts their dependants in a precarious financial position in the event of their death. Why risk it? Of those […]
