How lifetime mortgages can assist the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’
More than half of all first-time buyers received financial assistance in getting on the housing ladder last year, suggesting that without help from parents (and grandparents) getting the requisite deposit together is an impossible task for most. Research from estate agent Savills reveals that 173,500 first-time buyers received on average £55,572 in gifted funds, with […]
Bank of England votes to hold the base rate at 4.25 per cent in June 2025
The Bank of England have today voted to hold the base rate at 4.25%. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.25% at today’s meeting. Members voted by a majority of six to three in favour of a hold, with three preferring a quarter-point reduction to 4%. As underlying UK […]
Purchasing a listed property? Understand your finance and insurance options
How to finance and insure a listed property Buying a listed home may feel like a daunting prospect, but potential buyers may dream of owning their own little slice of history. These properties often have an important place in our national heritage with distinctive characters and features which need preserving. However, with old buildings you […]
Fixed-rate mortgages: Why planning is key to help manage the end of your fixed-rate period
Recent weeks have seen some welcome reductions in mortgage rates, with more sub 4% products available to choose from. However, borrowers who are remortgaging this year may still be in for a significant increase in their monthly payment or so called ‘payment shock’. Many are coming off rates starting with a ‘1’ or a ‘2’, […]
Demystifying bridging finance: A short-term solution to the restrictions of standard mortgages
Bridging finance might sound like complex financial jargon, but it’s actually a practical solution that helps people navigate property transactions that don’t quite fit the standard mortgage model. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where timing is critical or traditional financing options aren’t viable, bridging finance could be the answer you’re looking for. […]
Bank of England votes to cut the base rate to 4.25 per cent in May 2025
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.25% at today’s meeting. Members voted by a majority of five to four in favour of a quarter-point cut, with two preferring a 0.5 percentage-point reduction. Two members voted to maintain bank rate at 4.5%. The […]
Boost for Borrowers as Lenders Ease Affordability Criteria
Hardly a day goes by without another lender reducing its mortgage rates for new purchases and remortgages. Falling Swap rates, which underpin the pricing of fixed-rate mortgages, mean sub-4% mortgage rates have become more readily available in the past couple of weeks, with a number of lenders offering borrowers several choices at this level. This […]
Navigating Expat mortgages: An insider’s guide to buying property from abroad
The modern professional landscape is increasingly global and while many British workers are finding themselves building careers across continents, the desire to maintain a connection to the UK property market remains strong. However, the path to securing a mortgage while living abroad but still a British citizen is often shrouded in complexity and misconceptions. Beyond […]
Reaction to the Spring Statement 2025
UK Spring Statement 2025: Cautious optimism amid global uncertainty Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, used the Spring Statement on Wednesday 26 March to set out the Labour government’s plans for the UK economy. It was the first official opportunity for the Chancellor to provide an update on the economy since her fiscal statement last […]
Lifetime mortgages: Modern financial solutions for later life
In the world of later life finance, things have changed dramatically over recent years. Gone are the days of restrictive equity release products that once dominated the market and were of dubious quality. “Today, lifetime mortgages offer flexibility, security and peace of mind for homeowners aged 55 and over.” says Andy Shaw, Director of Later […]