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Our expert views and commentary on what’s happening in the world of mortgages and sometimes beyond.

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Modest improvement in affordability but challenges remain

Housing affordability in the UK has shown a “modest improvement” over the past year, according to Nationwide, although buyers continue to face challenges particularly in certain areas.

January 24, 2025

UK borrowing costs jump – what does this mean for your mortgage?

The New Year has seen a sharp spike in UK borrowing costs, leaving many homeowners and buyers wondering what impact this will have on mortgage rates.

January 13, 2025

Bank of England leaves interest rates unchanged at 4.75%

After weeks of speculation that we might see one more interest rate reduction in December, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has voted 6-3 in favour of leaving the base rate at 4.75%, with 3 members voting for a cut.

December 20, 2024

Renters choosing ‘fixer-uppers’ to keep buying costs down

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of homebuyers who are currently renting would consider a ‘fixer-upper’ property if it meant being able to buy at a lower price.

November 18, 2024

Should I downsize now my children have gone to university?

It’s no secret that sending your children off to university is an expensive endeavour, and if you’re rattling around in a house which now feels empty, you may be wondering if downsizing could give you some extra financial freedom.

October 16, 2024

Property market brightens...but will the Budget cast a cloud?

Lower mortgage rates helped boost the housing market last month with a growing number of chartered surveyors reporting an increase in new buyer enquiries.

September 17, 2024

House prices jump to a two-year high

Property prices in August rose to their highest level since 2022, according to Halifax’s latest House Price Index, with the average price of a home in the UK now at £292,505.

September 13, 2024

House prices rise at fastest rate since 2022

House prices are up 2.4% compared to this time last year, according to Nationwide, the fastest rate of annual growth seen since December 2022.

September 4, 2024

Buyer demand grows following rate cut

August’s base rate reduction has boosted buyer demand, according to property website Rightmove , with buyer numbers up by nearly a fifth compared to the same period last year.

August 28, 2024

House prices see summer boost

House prices edged up in July following three relatively flat months, with prices increasing by 0.8% in July and 2.3% annually, the highest annual growth rate seen since January this year.

August 16, 2024

Buyer demand eases in April while property listings rise

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

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

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

Property more affordable but mortgage rates push up buying costs

Housing affordability has improved thanks to falling property prices and strong wage growth, although rising interest rates are making it expensive to buy, according to new research by Halifax.

September 8, 2023

Energy efficiency increasingly a priority for prospective homebuyers

Many homeowners are taking steps to make their homes greener or have plans in place to make changes

August 24, 2023

Could a 100% mortgage be right for you?

Skipton Building Society has launched a 100% mortgage which allows first-time buyers to purchase a home without a deposit, using their rental history to boost affordability.

May 16, 2023

Green mortgage options increase

Borrowers wanting green mortgages have a growing number of options to choose from, with lenders recognising the Government’s push for homes to be made more energy efficient.

March 17, 2023

Ways to make your property more energy efficient

Soaring gas and electricity costs mean that many of us are looking at ways to make our homes more energy efficient to help keep bills down.

January 4, 2023

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme extended for a year

Homebuyers with small deposits have an extra year to use the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, after the Government announced it has been extended until December 2023.

December 30, 2022

Six mortgage and property resolutions for 2023

The New Year can be a great time to review your financial situation and look at ways you might be able to make your money work harder for you.

December 29, 2022

Bank of England to withdraw mortgage affordability rules

Mortgage affordability tests will be scrapped this summer, the Bank of England has announced.

July 21, 2022

SVR Watch June 22

The Bank of England has increased base rate to 1.25%. Here's our rundown of how lenders are reacting to the rise.

July 19, 2022

Nine mortgage myths busted

We've de-bunked nine of the most common mortgage myths that might be putting you off and explain what the real facts are.

June 29, 2022

Help to Buy scheme to close to new applicants in October

The deadline to use the government’s Help to Buy scheme will be 6pm on 31st October 2022, giving first-time buyers less than five months to apply.

June 27, 2022

Fifth consecutive rise for interest rates

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to raise the base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25% in June, the first time it has exceeded 1% for 13 years.

June 16, 2022

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