Sellers accept discounts in late 2023

Here for you in 2024 – come what may

As research1 reveals that 45% of UK adults are losing sleep over money, we’re here to remind you of the value of professional advice.

Counting cost-of-living sheep

The squeeze on people’s finances caused by the cost-of-living crisis is understandably a key reason why people are struggling to get enough shut-eye. If you’re awake with worry, you are not the only one struggling.

High mortgages may mean more equity released

It’s no secret that higher interest rates have caused mortgage repayments to increase significantly.

Should you fix or track your mortgage?

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, you may be deciding whether to fix or get a tracker. With mortgage rates starting to drop and uncertainty whether Bank Rate has peaked, there is a lot to consider…

Mortgages won’t be paid off by age 65.

Research* has found that 32% of mortgage holders do not think they will pay off their home loan by 65.

‘When will mortgage rates drop?’

Research has shown that online searches for the phrase ‘when will mortgage rates drop?’ surged from practically zero a year ago, to almost 7,000 during June and July this year, as worry clearly dominates for UK mortgage holders.

With mortgage rates at their highest since the 2008 financial crisis1, those looking to remortgage have more to think about than usual.

Many whose deals are coming up for renewal will have agreed their mortgage at a time when Bank Rate was just 0.1%. Now, it stands at 5.25%.

If your deal is coming to its end, what do you need to think about before signing on the dotted line?

The majority of UK lenders have signed a government charter to support borrowers.

The charter includes allowing borrowers to contact their lender for help without impacting their credit file and enabling borrowers whose payments are up to date to switch when their fixed term ends without another affordability check.

Considering choosing a ‘mammoth mortgage’?

A standard mortgage used to run for 25 years but there is a growing trend for so-called ‘mammoth’ loans spread over up to 40 years as first-time buyers and movers opt for lower monthly payments.

Can I get a Mortgage on an Annex?

I sometimes get enquiries from people looking to buy a house with an annex. But getting a mortgage on a property with an annex is not always straight forward.

When I am discussing a client's needs and requirements on a mortgage the discussion always brings up the question as to whether the client is happy to pay a lender fee. This fee is usually called a product fee, booking fee or lender's arrangement fee.

Lenders make their money from either interest charged on a mortgage, or interest charged and a fee. Many lenders sometimes offer deals either with or without a product fee.

When you commence a mortgage it most cases you have a 'deal' for an initial period. This is typically 2, 3 or 5 years although sometimes there are 1 or 10-year initial periods.

Moving home is an exciting and often stressful process. One crucial aspect that should not be overlooked is the importance of hiring a good solicitor. A skilled and experienced solicitor can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth and successful home-buying or selling experience.

For many individuals, owning a home is a lifelong dream. However, purchasing a house often requires financial assistance in the form of a mortgage. When considering a mortgage, understanding the relationship between income and affordability becomes crucial. This article aims to shed light on this important aspect of the home-buying process.

The decision to choose between a shorter mortgage term and overpaying on a mortgage can have a significant impact on your financial future. Both options come with their own set of benefits, and understanding them can help you make an informed choice. Let's delve into the advantages of each approach.

For someone who is interested in both the housing market and the potential of blockchain technology I recently came across the idea of virtual worlds or ‘Metaverses’. Such ‘worlds’ you may have seen in films such as Tron, Ready Player One or even any of The Matrix films.

Many people I have spoken to have concerns house prices will fall. I personally don’t think they will. The main factors that affect the property market are supply/demand, the economy and employment and interest rates. There is still a lack of instructions being listed with estate agencies and I have many clients still looking for a suitable home.

You may have seen information in the media recently regarding ‘Green Mortgages’ and wondered what it’s all about?

The UK government, like most governments around the world are trying to encourage people and companies to be more energy efficient.

Following the government’s announcement in the budget on 3 March 2021 that they will support 95% loan to value mortgages for launch in April, some mortgage lenders have in advance of this have launched some 95% mortgages over the last couple of weeks. This is fantastic news especially to first time buyers. It means if you buy a property for £200,000 you now may only need £10,000 deposit.

It depends on whether you are going from one employed job to another, going from employed to self employed, or you have had a gap in employment. We’ll look at each scenario in turn.