mortgage &
property insights

Exploring more flexible lending to support first-time buyers and later-life borrowers Imagine being told you cannot borrow, despite having a steady income, savings in place, and affordable repayments. For thousands of people, this is the reality of today’s mortgage market. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recognised these frustrations and is considering whether lending rules should be updated to better reflect how people now live and work. Why the rules are being reviewed After the financial crisis, mortgage lending became

A solution for investors seeking quick and flexible funding In the rapid-paced property market, timing can be the key difference between securing an investment property and missing out. For investors needing quick and flexible funding, bridging finance offers a dependable solution. Also known as a bridging loan, it is a short-term funding option designed to ‘bridge’ a temporary gap until a longer-term financial arrangement is in place or an asset is sold. This form of finance provides immediate access to

Planning ahead can safeguard both your home and your financial security in later life The idea of selling a home to cover long-term care costs is a concern for many households. With increasing life expectancy and the high expenses of residential and nursing care, the family home often becomes central to funding plans. Although care must be taken in some way, there are strategies to control costs and plan ahead so that selling the property isn’t the only solution. How

Understanding the differences between unlocking cash and restructuring borrowing For many homeowners, property is not just a place to live but also a means of building wealth. Increasing values over the past two decades mean that significant amounts of equity are invested in homes across the UK. When you need money to fund retirement, pay for improvements, or support family, two options often come to mind: equity release or remortgaging. Each functions differently, offers its own benefits and drawbacks, and

Understanding the possible changes and their implications for homeowners Taxation plays a crucial role in the housing market, influencing the costs associated with buying, selling, and owning a home. Recently, both council tax and stamp duty have been reviewed, with increasing calls to modernise systems that many consider outdated. While reform is not certain, debates about fairness and efficiency keep it a topical issue for households across the UK. Why reform is being considered Council tax bands in England remain

Using property equity to finance improvements can be an option, but it involves considerations Home renovations can transform a property, whether by adding space, increasing efficiency, or modernising key rooms. For many households, the challenge is securing the necessary funds. One option is to remortgage, releasing equity built up in the home to cover renovation costs. This approach can provide access to large sums at relatively low rates compared to unsecured borrowing. Yet, as with any major financial decision, it