19th November 2024

Equity release update

Data suggests that confidence is growing among new and existing equity release customers.  Equity release customers rose by 12% in Q2 of this year, with total lending increasing by 15% to £578m1. There was also a quarterly and annual increase in the average loan size, which indicates that customer confidence is being restored.  More taking […]

12th November 2024

In the news

Northern cities surge in mortgage searches   As buyers consider more affordable housing options beyond the capital, the six major Northern cities of Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle have witnessed a significant increase in purchase mortgage searches and now account for almost 11% of all mortgage search activity, up by two-thirds on last year1. […]

5th November 2024

The new Renters’ Rights Bill – what does it mean? 

The Labour government has designed a Renters’ Rights Bill, aiming to improve the rights and protections for tenants.    Changes have already been made to improve rights in Scotland and Wales, so the proposed Bill will be applicable to renters in England, with some elements stretching to Wales.  No more no-fault evictions   The Bill will include […]

15th October 2024

Proportion of cash homebuyers reaches 10-year high

The proportion of homebuyers choosing to pay in cash has hit a 10-year high1, analysis has found.  In 2023, cash buyers were responsible for a third (34.5%) of all property transactions – the highest percentage seen since data became available in 2013. This trend carried on into this year, as 32.8% of market activity was […]

8th October 2024

Autumn housing market outlook 

The summer was largely positive for the housing market due to a boost in confidence following the General Election and the reduction to Bank Rate. So, where are we now and what does the autumn have in store?  Lenders and buyers alike were already showing signs of confidence before the election, as mortgage approvals steadily […]

17th September 2024

Aberdeen is the cheapest city for FTBs

Jobs permitting, those looking to get on the property ladder may start flocking to Aberdeen, as a report has found it is the most affordable city to be a first-time buyer (FTB)1.  Under the assumption that a FTB home has two bedrooms or fewer, the average asking price for a property in Aberdeen is £102,601. […]

10th September 2024

Advice for first-time buyers

Getting a foot onto the property ladder has always presented challenges. Research suggests FTBs could currently be experiencing the most expensive conditions in 70 years1.  Who is most affected?  In the current property market, a successful first purchase often requires two high incomes plus financial support from family members. Therefore, those who are buying alone, […]

4th September 2024

Landlords upping their EPC game 

Research has found that some landlords are improving the energy performance of their properties even though it is no longer a potential legal requirement.    Keen landlords    Last year proposed regulations for all private rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C were shelved. However, 37% of portfolio landlords are still upgrading their properties […]

20th August 2024

Buying a new build – what to consider 

Are you thinking of buying a new  build? The good news is there are more  regulations than ever that protect  buyers of newly built homes. It can be  difficult to keep up with these changes,  so here’s what you need to know.    Codes of conduct    Most developers are signed up to a code which lays […]

13th August 2024

Home Finance – In the news

Location, location, location  Homeowners are willing to pay more for convenience, as a short walk to a town centre or high street could boost a home’s value by more than £80,0001.  In England, homes that are close to a town are worth 27.6% more than the average property.  Interestingly, proximity costs an extra 14.2% in […]