It’s been an interesting month at Mortgage Required, as we launched our 2016 campaign,” Saving Britain, one Mortgage at a time.” As well as making the staff dress up as Superheroes (yes really), we hit the road to take the message round the Thames Valley, that just like any other household bill, homeowners can also save money on their mortgage.

mortgage required challenge

The basis of the campaign is to get people to “Take the Mortgage Required Challenge” and check what interest rate they are paying to see if it can be beaten! As we all suspected, in a lot of cases (71% at last count), it can!

Most of the people we spoke to were paying their lender’s standard variable rate, which is simply the rate the bank or building society choose to charge. This ranged from 2.5% to a staggering 5.99%!

The most interesting thing about the campaign has been the reasons given why these borrowers have done nothing previously to try to save money. In no particular order the reasons given were:

1. “I thought it would cost a lot of money to swap,” (the fees are generally nominal compared to the savings)

2. “I didn’t know I was allowed to swap lenders” (you are)

3. “It’s too long and complicated to do it,” (generally it takes 6 weeks and the savings are worth the pain!)

4. “I didn’t know where to start,” (start here!) My favourite by far is the client who told me “I think my mortgage is with Halifax,“ (it wasn’t), “I think it’s about £450 per month,” (it was £720) “but I think it’s a really good deal so I doubt I can save any money,” (we saved her £205 per month)!

It seems that although we are now all getting better at swapping our car insurance and comparing energy tariffs on line, borrowers really want to talk to someone when it comes to something as important as their mortgage. The biggest problem I am told is knowing where to find a good broker who you can trust. I suggest you ask around, take a recommendation or failing that, click here to take the Mortgage Required Challenge now or speak to a super hero mortgage adviser on 01628 507477.

Recent posts

Deals of week web larger

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.

Team MR Y Not PR   Web Larger

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.

Ground Rents 250   Web Larger

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.

Five Common Reasons Additional Borrowing   Web Larger

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. 

2025 Round Up   Web Larger

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.

New Home   Web Larger

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.

Why Rate Not Reduced   Web Larger

Just because the Bank of England decides to reduce the base rate, this doesn't automatically mean that your mortgage rate will go down.

Autumn Budget Summary   Web Larger 1

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has delivered the Autumn 2025 budget. We have summarised the government's plans for tax and spending.