Rumoured property tax reforms and the Autumn budget
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that her budget will be on 26 November 2025. While it is still some way off, there is already much speculation as to what might be included, with Rachel Reeves reportedly having a far larger multimillion-pound black hole to fill than was the case with her maiden budget […]
The impact of Inheritance Tax changes on non-doms, and how to protect your wealth
A recent report from Henley & Partners, widely reported across the UK press, predicts a major exodus of millionaires from the UK in 2025. Many have left the UK either since, or in anticipation of, the non-dom rule changes announced last April. This was when Long-Term Resident (LTR) rules were introduced, resulting in more individuals […]
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgages – helping purchasers onto the housing ladder
A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage enables multiple individuals (usually, but not always, parents of the offspring buying the property) to combine their incomes to help their child get the mortgage they need. Crucially, only the child legally owns the property – the parents, or assistors, are on the mortgage but not on the deeds […]
Why there’s more to small business finance than loans and credit cards
Most business owners of SMEs are familiar with traditional financing options, such as business loans and credit cards, yet take-up rate is low. Figures from the UK government for Q4 of 2024 show just 46% of SMEs were using external finance, and over 50% of businesses that invest exclusively use internal or personal funds for […]
Mortgage reforms aimed at first-time buyers
Getting on the housing ladder is a challenge, particularly for those who don’t have financial assistance from the Bank of Mum and Dad, so plans to relax affordability requirements could encourage more activity among prospective buyers. In her Mansion House speech, the Chancellor attempted to address the challenges by announcing plans to cut red tape […]
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. […]
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 […]