mortgage &
property insights

First-time buyers, the broader housing market and setting a distinct course from the previous policies As the UK enters a new era following a Labour government victory during the July 4 general election, what do we know about Labour’s approach to the future of housing and mortgages under a government led by Prime Minister Starmer? House prices have been on a seemingly never-ending treadmill, perpetually rising higher. Amidst these growing concerns over affordability and access to housing, Mr Starmer says

Redistributing wealth to younger generations and paying for care Many older homeowners are looking to unlock the equity in their properties to address a range of financial needs as they age. Research shows that more than three in five (61%) UK homeowners, which equates to approximately 18.7 million individuals, are contemplating some form of equity release[1]. By leveraging the value of their homes, these homeowners aim to bolster their spending during retirement. This shift marks a notable increase from the

Accept the offer, outright reject it, or engage further by presenting a counter-offer Selling your home is a monumental moment in your life, encapsulating the culmination of years spent within its walls and a significant financial transition. When the moment arrives, and you receive an offer, the path you choose next is critical. Fundamentally, you’re faced with three distinct courses of action: you can accept the offer, outright reject it, or engage further by presenting a counter-offer. This is the

Should you improve your existing home or purchase a new one? Deciding between improving your existing home or purchasing a new one can take considerable time and effort. If your family is expanding, your workspace is spilling onto the kitchen table, or your bathroom feels more like a closet, it might be time to upgrade your living arrangements. But should you renovate your existing home or pack up and move to a new one? This is a significant decision that

Lending criteria, eligibility, and affordability If you purchase a property to rent it out, you cannot use a traditional residential mortgage. Instead, you will need a specialist buy-to-let mortgage designed for individuals who purchase a property to lease to tenants rather than as a personal residence. Such an investment should be considered medium to long-term. The rules for buy-to-let mortgages are similar to those for regular mortgages, but there are crucial differences in lending criteria, eligibility, and affordability. Most buy-to-let