News & Insights

Demand from property buyers was flat in April due to rising mortgage rates, according to the latest UK Residential survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), although it is expected to pick up over the next 12 months.

May 17, 2024

Interest rates kept at 5.25% in May

The Bank of England left rates unchanged in their May announcement

May 9, 2024

Mortgage rates rise – grab a good deal while you can!

Mortgage rates have edged up in recent weeks amid speculation that the Bank of England may not reduce the base rate until August at the earliest.

May 2, 2024

Where are the most and least affordable areas for first-time buyers?

Ayrshire in Scotland is the most affordable area in the UK for first-time buyers, according to a new study from L&C, with the top 10 most expensive areas all in London.

April 30, 2024

UK inflation falls to lowest level since 2021

The UK rate of inflation fell to 3.2% in March, down from 3.4% in February, and reaching its lowest level since September 2021.

April 17, 2024

Nearly half of landlords due to remortgage in 2024

Nearly half of landlords are due to remortgage this year, according to research, with current competitive mortgage rates meaning it could make sense to secure your next deal sooner rather than later.

April 11, 2024

House prices edge lower in March

House prices were down 1% in March compared to February, according to Halifax’s latest House Price Index, the first time they’ve fallen for six months.

April 9, 2024

Yorkshire launches £5k deposit mortgage for first-time buyers

Yorkshire Building Society has launched a new first-time buyer mortgage designed to help those who can only afford to put down a small deposit.

April 6, 2024

Bank of England holds base rate at 5.25%

The MPC first voted to leave the base rate at 5.25% in September last year, and it has remained at this level ever since.There was only one member of the Committee that voted for a cut this month. However, it was the first time that there were no votes for a rate hike since base rate hit the current level last August. Last month two members had preferred to see another increase to rates so this shift suggests that we may be edging closer to the point when rates could fall.In the meantime the MPC continues to state that inflation must be under control before they will start to reduce rates.

March 22, 2024

Marathon mortgage terms on the rise

Growing numbers of first time buyers are opting for ‘marathon’ mortgage terms of 35 years or more to help reduce the cost of their monthly payments, despite the fact they could end up paying more overall.

March 20, 2024

House prices see first annual rise in a year

The average property price increased by 0.7% in February, the building society said, bringing the price of an average home in the UK to £260,420, up from £257,656 in January. House prices are still around 3% lower than the all-time highs seen in summer 2022 when they reached an average of £273,751.

March 6, 2024

Positive signs for property market

The property market is enjoying an early Spring bounce according to data from Rightmove, with agreed sales in the first six weeks of the year up 16% compared to the same period last year. The property website’s latest House Price Index shows that average new seller asking prices rose by 0.9% in February, adding an average of £3,091 to prices and bringing the average cost of a home in the UK to £362,839

March 1, 2024

How do cashback mortgages work?

Given the costs associated with buying a new home, cashback can really help boost the appeal of a deal, with the amounts offered typically ranging from a couple of hundred pounds to as much as a few thousand. Cashback tends to be offered as a set lump sum, but can also be a percentage of the amount you are borrowing.

February 16, 2024

Could 99% mortgages be on the cards?

The Government is reportedly considering introducing 99% mortgages to help boost the number of first-time buyers getting onto the property ladder.

February 15, 2024

What are the pros and cons of buying a property jointly?

Nearly two-thirds of first time buyer mortgages (63%) are taken out in joint names according to Halifax.

February 13, 2024

Positive start to the year for house prices

UK house prices rose by 0.7% in January 2024, according to Nationwide’s latest House Price Index, with prices down by just 0.2% annually, the strongest figure since January 2023.

February 9, 2024

Base rate held at 5.25% in February 24

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted by 6-3 to leave the base rate unchanged at 5.25% in February, despite an unexpected rise in inflation in December. Two members preferred to see base rate rise while one member of the committee voted for a cut.

February 1, 2024

Landlords benefit from lower mortgage rates

The mortgage price war has brought some much-needed good news for landlords, who like residential homeowners have been hit with steeper mortgage costs over the past year.

January 29, 2024

What could the rise in inflation mean for your mortgage?

A surprise rise in inflation in the year to December could have an impact on mortgage rates, so if you’ve found a competitive deal you like, you may want to secure it now if you can.

January 23, 2024

8 essential steps to take if you’re remortgaging or buying in 2024

8 essential steps to take if you’re remortgaging or buying in 2024 The past year has been a rollercoaster ride for the property and mortgage market, but if you’re planning to buy or remortgage in 2024, there are several steps you can take to help things go more smoothly. Here’s our rundown of some of the things you can do to secure the deal you want and prevent you from paying too much. Check when your current deal ends If your mortgage is due to finish this year, make a note in your

January 16, 2024

House prices rise for third month in a row

House prices rose for the third consecutive month in December according to the latest Halifax House Price Index, increasing by 1.1%.

January 9, 2024

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Mortgage approvals hit highest level in six months

Buyers are gradually returning to the property market, new data shows, with falling mortgage rates likely to tempt more people to make purchases in coming months.

January 9, 2024

New Year New Start for 2024

The New Year is a great time to take stock and look at ways you might be able to make your life healthier and happier.

January 5, 2024

Interest rates left unchanged for third consecutive month

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 6-3 to leave interest rates at 5.25% in December, the third consecutive month it has left rates unchanged.

December 14, 2023

House prices rise for second consecutive month

UK house prices continued to rise in November, according to Halifax’s latest House Price Index, with prices up 0.5%, following a 1.2% increase in October.

December 13, 2023

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Buyer demand eases in April while property listings rise