It looks like mortgage rates are on the increase. Scottish Widows, Halifax and NatWest have all announced they are withdrawing rates this week and new products will have higher rates.
If you are already on a fixed rate, give yourself a pat on the back, if you are in the process of applying for a fixed rate – you’ve done well, if you are sitting on your lender’s standard variable rate…. you need to do something. TODAY!
It was back in March 2009 that the Bank of England’s Monitory Policy Committee (MPC) voted to decrease the base rate to the all-time low of 0.5%. Following the Brexit vote in the summer of 2016, the MPC reduced the rate further to 0.25% , in order to stabilise the economy
I’m not sure if it’s the predicted inflation, Theresa May’s Tory Conference Speech or the progress with Brexit negotiations, but lenders are starting to edge their interest rates up a couple of blips. It could of course just be that they have had enough of not really making any money out of borrowers who are paying a meagre 1.2% interest.
Despite economic forecasters predicting rate increases every other month for the last 6 years, nothing has happened with the bank of England base rate. Last month, 2 out of 9 members of the MPC voted for an increase. The latest talk is of an increase by the end of the year. Who know when it’s coming, but we seem to have seen the start.
Today is the day.
2 days ago
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Nationwide is the first lender to allow mortgage deeds to be signed electronically and without the need for a witness.
‘My First Mortgage’ from major high-street lender Santander is specifically for those wanting to buy their first property. It allows first-time buyers to purchase 98% of the property’s value. However, certain criteria must be met to be eligible.
Maidenhead, Berkshire – 26th January 2026 – Dedicated independent mortgage experts, Mortgage Required, are delighted to have acquired fellow experienced brokerage, Y-Not Finance.
The acquisition connects two well-respected brokerages, both with a wealth of experience and shared values, to continue providing the best advice on all aspects of the mortgage market.
As part of the UK government’s plans to change the leasehold system to help families struggling with unaffordable ground rent costs.
The Prime Minister announced this morning (27 January) that ground rents will be capped at £250 per year, reverting to a peppercorn rate after 40 years.
Additional borrowing, also known as a further advance, is when you borrow more money on your existing mortgage for a specific reason agreed with your lender.
Here are five of the most common reasons for additional borrowing.
30 Dec 2025
Property search site Zoopla has estimated that the UK housing market will end 2025 with approximately 1.15 million completed sales – 4.5% more than the previous year.
Take a look at the 2025 summary of the UK housing market.
29 Dec 2025
If buying your first property, or moving home, is on your to-do list this year, the new year can be a great time to take this big step. In this short blog, we look at what you need to consider as you plan and prepare for your home-buying journey.