Mortgage market review
It’s been a busy couple of months in the mortgage market, with rising interest rates and new product ideas dominating the discussion. Rate rises Following the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates, two million mortgage holders with standard variable rates or tracker mortgages are already facing higher repayments. Bank Rate increases will also […]
Small steps to sell with success
Planning to sell? You already know there’s a lot of big things to think about. But don’t neglect the small details either. Seemingly minor changes can make a significant difference to how a property is perceived and, ultimately, its sale price. Here are three top tips for putting the finishing touches to your home before […]
More home moves than pre-pandemic
The number of home movers fell 35% year-on-year in the first half of 20221, a drop that was widely expected following last year’s uniquely busy pandemic-influenced market. Still high In total, 172,510 people moved house in the first six months of this year, well below the 266,270 who moved in the first half of 2021. […]
In the news – Home Finance
Gardens uprooted A quarter (25%) of homeowners in the UK with outside space have turned all or part of their garden into a driveway and a further 17% plan to make this change1. As well as parking space proving to be popular, one in ten homeowners with outside space have replaced at least some of […]
Green home improvements adding value
With energy bills soaring, the advantages of improving energy efficiency are becoming evident to many homeowners seeking to reduce their outgoings. Research1 suggests that over a quarter (26%) of British homeowners want to carry out improvements in order to make their home more energy efficient. Give your home a price boost Not only could energy […]
Your protection, your peace of mind
We all know financial commitments are a fact of life. Mortgage repayments and household bills aren’t glamorous expenses, but they are unavoidable in spending our hard-earned cash. Protection insurance too should be seen as a certainty in your financial plans. With living expenses rising considerably, many people are having to tighten their spending reins. Cutting […]
Approach mortgages for over-65s positively
Are you over sixty-five and finding it challenging to get a mortgage? You’re certainly not alone, according to recent findings1. With the number of people in the UK aged over 65 soon expected to surpass those aged 18 and under, just 37% of potential borrowers aged 65 and over are offered the size of loan […]
Demand for energy-efficient properties strengthens
A growing proportion of house hunters are focusing on energy-efficient considerations when looking to buy a new home. Research1 suggests that rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis are having a significant impact on how buyers prioritise various desirable features, with an increasing number focusing on aspects related to energy efficiency. Key features Cavity wall […]
Considerations when buying new builds
Demand for new builds is on the up due to more people seeking energy efficient homes, but research1 has revealed other factors people wish they had considered before purchasing a new build. Top of the list (36%) is researching the property manager as well as the developer, closely followed (35%) by checking out the parking […]
Five common mortgage myths
Getting a foot on the property ladder is an aspiration that dates back generations. Unfortunately, some mortgage myths are just as old. If you’re looking to buy in 2022, it’s important to know fact from fiction. 1. MYTH: You need a perfect credit rating A bad credit history can have a negative impact on your […]