Data suggests that confidence is growing among new and existing equity release customers. Equity release customers rose by 12% in Q2 of this year, with total lending increasing by 15% to £578m1. There was also a quarterly and annual increase in the average loan size, which indicates that customer confidence is being restored. More taking […]
Category archives: Mortgages & General Property News
In the news
Northern cities surge in mortgage searches As buyers consider more affordable housing options beyond the capital, the six major Northern cities of Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle have witnessed a significant increase in purchase mortgage searches and now account for almost 11% of all mortgage search activity, up by two-thirds on last year1. […]
The new Renters’ Rights Bill – what does it mean?
The Labour government has designed a Renters’ Rights Bill, aiming to improve the rights and protections for tenants. Changes have already been made to improve rights in Scotland and Wales, so the proposed Bill will be applicable to renters in England, with some elements stretching to Wales. No more no-fault evictions The Bill will include […]
Proportion of cash homebuyers reaches 10-year high
The proportion of homebuyers choosing to pay in cash has hit a 10-year high1, analysis has found. In 2023, cash buyers were responsible for a third (34.5%) of all property transactions – the highest percentage seen since data became available in 2013. This trend carried on into this year, as 32.8% of market activity was […]
Autumn housing market outlook
The summer was largely positive for the housing market due to a boost in confidence following the General Election and the reduction to Bank Rate. So, where are we now and what does the autumn have in store? Lenders and buyers alike were already showing signs of confidence before the election, as mortgage approvals steadily […]
Aberdeen is the cheapest city for FTBs
Jobs permitting, those looking to get on the property ladder may start flocking to Aberdeen, as a report has found it is the most affordable city to be a first-time buyer (FTB)1. Under the assumption that a FTB home has two bedrooms or fewer, the average asking price for a property in Aberdeen is £102,601. […]
Advice for first-time buyers
Getting a foot onto the property ladder has always presented challenges. Research suggests FTBs could currently be experiencing the most expensive conditions in 70 years1. Who is most affected? In the current property market, a successful first purchase often requires two high incomes plus financial support from family members. Therefore, those who are buying alone, […]
Landlords upping their EPC game
Research has found that some landlords are improving the energy performance of their properties even though it is no longer a potential legal requirement. Keen landlords Last year proposed regulations for all private rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C were shelved. However, 37% of portfolio landlords are still upgrading their properties […]
Buying a new build – what to consider
Are you thinking of buying a new build? The good news is there are more regulations than ever that protect buyers of newly built homes. It can be difficult to keep up with these changes, so here’s what you need to know. Codes of conduct Most developers are signed up to a code which lays […]
Home Finance – In the news
Location, location, location Homeowners are willing to pay more for convenience, as a short walk to a town centre or high street could boost a home’s value by more than £80,0001. In England, homes that are close to a town are worth 27.6% more than the average property. Interestingly, proximity costs an extra 14.2% in […]
