mortgage &
property insights

Safeguarding your home and loved ones from financial hardship Getting a mortgage is one of the main reasons people take out life insurance. Although it is not strictly mandatory when buying a house, having a policy can provide crucial financial security for your loved ones if you die while still paying off your home. Getting life insurance means your family might be able to stay in the family home rather than facing the stress of selling it if they cannot

How sustainability is reshaping the UK rental market Green rental properties are poised to revolutionise the UK housing market as new regulations and changing tenant preferences encourage landlords to enhance energy efficiency. Developers might soon be obliged to install heat pumps and solar panels in all new builds. For property investors, this transition indicates stricter environmental standards and rising tenant expectations, directly affecting rental yields and long-term asset values. Demand is already shifting quickly in this direction, with more investors

Practical tips to help landlords boost their income and keep reliable tenants Maximising rental yield is a key priority for any buy-to-let investor. Whether you’re an experienced landlord or new to the market, understanding how to calculate and enhance your yield is essential for long-term success. Rental yield, expressed as a percentage, is a simple yet effective way to assess the profitability of your property investment. While gross yield gives a quick snapshot, considering net yield, which subtracts expenses like

A clear step-by-step guide to the process Many homeowners hope to take out an equity release to support their children and grandchildren financially. While it is highly commendable to want to help your family, there is an important caveat: any financial gift should be carefully planned. It is essential to ensure that releasing equity does not place undue pressure on your finances later in life, especially if you currently receive any means-tested benefits or may need access to additional funds

Discover first-time buyer schemes to help you buy a home Getting onto the property ladder can feel really challenging, with saving for a deposit, rising house prices, and securing a mortgage being common concerns for many buyers. If saving for a deposit or finding the right home at an affordable price makes it difficult to buy on the open market, it is definitely worth exploring the government house-buying schemes currently available. These initiatives are specifically designed to help people get

Needs-driven borrowing surges as younger demographics reshape the market Borrowers under the age of 70 now account for 55% of all new lifetime mortgages. Data from 2025 highlight a significant increase from just 36% two years earlier[1]. Meanwhile, borrowing among those over 80 has fallen sharply, to 7% in 2025 from 15% in 2023. This changing demographic shows a clear trend towards needs-based borrowing. Repaying existing debts and clearing standard mortgages are now the main reasons for taking out these