Here we look at what might happen to mortgages if the Bank of England take the unprecedented step of reducing mortgage rates below zero!
There are largely two main factors that drive interest rates in the UK mortgage market. They are The Bank of England’s Base Rate and LIBOR.
Flats, in particular, are usually owned leasehold because in very simple terms, to own the freehold of a property is basically to own the land below and the air above and, in the case of a flat, clearly this isn’t possible.
SMI or Support for Mortgage Interest is a loan paid by the government to help you pay all or part of the mortgage interest during times when you are unable to do so.
Whilst a Zero Hours Contract is a more precarious type of employment and does make obtaining a competitive mortgage offer more difficult, it is possible.
The Government's New First Homes Scheme is aimed at first-time buyers, key workers and veterans looking to buy a new-build home.
It’s easy to assume that once you’ve agreed to sell your home, it’s just a matter of your solicitor or conveyancer ‘doing the legal stuff’ and that’s that. Unfortunately, your job is still only partly done.
The process of obtaining a buy to let loan usually takes between 4 - 6 weeks, although, as with all purchases, there are a variety of steps to the process which will delay or even stall the process.
The benefits for expats retaining property in the UK whilst working abroad can be significant. Especially if you expect to return at some time in the future.
There is some good news for those keen to use the government’s existing Help to Buy scheme which is due to be replaced by a more restrictive scheme in April 2021.
Each mortgage lender seems to be approaching this issue in a different manner. Some lenders are taking each case on its own merits.
If you have applied previously, but would like to extend the holiday then you may do so but there is no guarantee that an extension to such a holiday will be granted.
What can you do to improve your negotiating position? Here are a few simple tips that too many people ignore.
Regularly referred to as an EPC, the Energy Performance Certificate was introduced by the UK government to audit the UK’s built environment and to assess its energy efficiency and nudge/require owners to improve the energy efficiency of their property.
The definition of a first-time buyer has been set out by the government in a guidance note published in 2018. It states the following...
The chancellor has announced a temporary holiday on stamp duty up to £500,000 as part of a number of measures to help stimulate the economy. We have listed below the key facts following this announcement.
One thing that has come out of lockdown is a steady stream of First Time Buyers ready to get on the housing ladder.
Applying for a mortgage can seem an intimidating and complicated process. Thankfully this is something we do every single day, so we can do much of it for you. Simple.
You must have an Energy Performance Certificate before you start marketing your property. Buildings that don’t need an EPC include...
25 Feb 2026
If your current fixed rate is due to come to an end within the next six months, you will want to start thinking about the options available to you.
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.