Budgeting over the Christmas Period

3 Dec 2024

The most wonderful time of the year can easily turn into the most expensive time of the year. Watching the pennies doesn’t mean that the Christmas festivities have to stop, following a few budgeting tips can mean you still have a special Christmas and don’t go into the new year in debt.  

How can I look after my mental health?

7 Oct 2024

Taking care of your mental health means looking after your emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. There are several ways we can practice self-care that will help to improve our physical and mental health. This can help to reduce our risk of illness, manage stress, and boost our energy levels!

A mortgage market rate war

9 Aug 2024

Following the recent decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the base rate from 5.25% to 5% (the first reduction seen in over four years), we have seen lots of lenders reducing their rates to remain competitive.

August in Bloom: Gardening Tips

7 Aug 2024

With August typically being the hottest year of the month, ensuring your garden is getting that extra bit of care is important. Here are some August gardening tips for you to read through - just remember to take the time to sit back and enjoy your garden!
 

Steps for decluttering your home

6 Aug 2024

Did you know that removing clutter within your home can reduce stress, help you be more productive, and improve your mood and self-esteem? Check out our steps to get you started.

6 Garden Tips to Add Value to Your Property

30 Apr 2024

If you are looking at putting your house on the market, you may want to consider giving your garden some TLC. Small changes can make your outside space a lot more attractive to potential buyers resulting in a faster sale.

Friyay Rate Reviews

6 Feb 2024

Every Friday our experts search the market for the latest rates from every lender saving our clients some serious £'s!

The 2023 House Price Drop

12 Jan 2024

In this blog we look at what happened in the housing market in relation to house prices last year, and look ahead at the forecast for 2024.

What is the Boxing Day Bounce?

13 Dec 2023

With many of us putting our feet up on 26th December after a full-on day of festivities, there are a significant number of people who find themselves checking out property portal sites!

Stress-Busting Tips

25 Oct 2023

We have written a short blog of some stress busting ideas that you may want to put into practice, whether you're in the process of buying a property, or not, you may find these tips and techniques helpful.

20 Budget-Friendly Activities

25 Aug 2023

With the cost of living affecting so many of us, we have made a list of budget-friendly activities and ideas for you.

Maidenhead & Windsor Business and Community Awards

2 Mar 2023

Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Maidenhead & Windsor Business & Community Awards.

The awards aim to bring together the business community to celebrate outstanding talent and effort from both businesses and the community.

The Number of Mortgages Available is Now at a 12 Year High!

Moneyfacts, the independent mortgage market monitor of all things ‘mortgage’ has reported that overall mortgage availability rose in January 2021, to 3,215 products!

The Latest Interest Rate Cut and How it Affects You.

Generally referred to as ‘the base rate’, when it falls it is usually (but not always) an indication that lending rates generally will also fall.

Mortgage Required Launch Video Appointments

If you can’t come to us we can quickly set up a video or phone appointment.

Mortgage Required have been awarded “Best Mortgage Firm”

Maidenhead business Mortgage Required has been awarded “Best Mortgage Firm” by leading Industry body Premier Mortgage Services.

Supporting the Government’s take 5 to stop fraud campaign

The campaign urges you to stop and consider whether a situation is genuine – and to stop and think if what you’re being told really makes sense.

We're Delighted to Support Maidenhead United.

We have continued our sponsorship of Maidenhead United FC, as they enjoy their first season in the national League.

Our Top Ten Favourite Property Apps

Apps are now playing a greater and more sophisticated role in the life of the homeowner and new home buyer. Here are a few of our favourites UK property apps for your mobile gadgets.

Mortgage Required Join the Equity Release Council

We are delighted to be able to announce that Mortgage Required has joined the Equity Release Council.

Next Saturday the Government will help you buy your next home - and here’s how.

For the second time, Mortgage required will be attending the enormously successful Help to Buy Show in Reading.

Afternoon Tea on the Thames

Mortgage Required were delighted to take 50 suffers of Altzeimers and their carers on a fantastic day on the River Thames.

Jack and Joe Join the Team

We are delighted to continue our apprentice programme with the arrival of our latests employees Jack and Joe

2017 ADS Santa Fun Run is Launched

Mortgage Required are once again the title sponsor for the annual ADS Santa Fun Run held at the famous Olympic rowing lake at Dorney.

Mortgage Required at Berkshire's Biggest Help to Buy Show!

6 Apr 2017

As one of the area’s largest Independent Mortgage Firms, Mortgage Required are delighted to announce we will be exhibiting at Berkshire’s biggest ‘Help to Buy’ Home Show on Saturday 8 April.

Brexit & Mortgages

6 Apr 2017

Article 50 has been triggered/ sent / delivered and negotiations have begun. If you haven’t taken advantage of the extremely low mortgage rates on offer, now is the time to grab one as Brexit or no Brexit, the only way is up.

Help to Buy – A fantastic way to get on the property ladder!

20 Mar 2017

Mortgage Required are approved Help to Buy Mortgage Advisers and have helped lots of clients to buy a home through this government fantastic scheme.

What is a Help to Buy Equity Loan?

A help to buy equity loan is part of the Government’s initiative to help both existing homeowners looking to move and first-time buyers trying to get onto the housing ladder.

Nationwide’s ‘Mortgage Broker of the Quarter’ awarded to Craig Head.

28 Feb 2017

All of us at Mortgage Required were delighted to receive confirmation earlier this month that our head broker, Craig Head, was nominated by Nationwide’s Business Development Manager.

“Help to Buy” Government Loan Scheme now available at Mortgage Required

The shared ownership and Help to Buy schemes are only available through recognised and authorised agents. Mortgage Required is delighted to announce that we are now able to offer our clients mortgages for both schemes as approved Help to Buy mortgage advisers.

How to Repay Your Interest Only Mortgage

11 Jan 2017

If you are still working, there are plenty of lenders happy to extend terms on a interest only mortgage. 

75% of Borrowers Could be Missing Out on the Opportunity to Pay Less for Their Mortgage!

23 Dec 2016

New research shows that 75% of borrowers could be missing out on the opportunity to pay less for their mortgage.

Why does Virgin Money suggest you use a Mortgage Broker?

It has long been recognised that the best way to secure the right mortgage deal is to fully explore the market and what is on offer to whom. As the financial markets have expanded and matured, it has become harder for the layperson to interrogate the market completely and with the level of forensic understanding required if the best informed decision is to be made.

Free Protection Review with Every Mortgage

As a professional, responsible company Mortgage Required believe all clients should be aware of the risks associated with every loan. With this in mind we offer all customers a free protection review.

Mortgages post Brexit

7 Jul 2016

One of the silver linings of Brexit — for now — is that mortgage rates remain very competitive My advice on what to do now is to Remortgage to an excellent deal without delay, in case these deals  are replaced or withdrawn.

Mortgage Required Challenge | We'll Beat Your Interest Rate Quote

25 Jan 2016

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.

ADS Santa Fun Run 2015

30 Nov 2015

Despite the weather doing its best to disrupt the annual ADS Santa Fun, sponsored by Mortgage Required it was the biggest and best yet.

New Buy to Let Mortgages

3 Nov 2015

Interest rates are so low that mortgage lenders can’t really cut them any more in order to win business. Instead of fighting it out in a rate war, providers are looking for new markets or niche areas for lending.

Mortgage Required Partners with Northwood Estate Agents

23 Sep 2015

Mortgage Required are delighted to have partnered with Northwood of Maidenhead, to supply mortgage advice to their clients.

Katie Lavender - Passes her Ce-Map 2

29 Jul 2015

Katie Lavender one of our Mortgage Advisors has just passed her Ce-map 2 exam meaning she is only 1 exam away from becoming fully qualified.

Tim Atkinson sails the Atlantic

24 Jul 2015

Tim Managing Director of Mortgage Required ticked a box in his bucket list in June when with two other sailors on a 42 foot Yacht he crossed the Atlantic.

J.P. Morgan Round the Island Race 2015

1 Jul 2015

We enter a team every year in what is fast becoming a Mortgage Required tradition. The Round the Island Race was first run in 1931 with just 25 entries. It is now a firm part of the British Summer Season and Social Calendar

 
 

Recent posts

Many households are still being affected by the high cost of living, with several people worrying about how they can make ends meet on a monthly-basis. Unfortunately, the cost of bills including, water, council tax, and energy are still rising. Here are some things you can do.

The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant milestone designed to enhance the rights and protections of tenants in the rental market. This comprehensive bill aims to foster a more balanced and fair rental sector, ensuring that tenants can enjoy greater security and equitable treatment. It is likely to become law in late 2025.

Owning a buy-to-let property in your sole name versus through a limited company each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Data from Rightmove shows that Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey was the number one house price hotspot in 2024. The prices in this area climbed an impressive 12.5% - increasing from an average price of £527,005 in 2023 to £592,926 in 2024.

On the 31st October 2024 stamp duty for those purchasing additional properties increased by 2% from 3% to 5%.

From 1st April 2025 the threshold will be reducing from £250,000 to £125,000

Research from Metro shows that those who chose to move home didn’t actually move that far away. With a 430g pack of chicken costing on average almost double in London than the rest of the UK, it's no wonder some people are choosing a change of scenery to save a few pennies.

Following recent changes in the Buy to Let market, some investors may find this product less appealing. However, if done correctly, building a buy to let portfolio can be very profitable.

Helping you understand the upcoming changes in stamp duty (SDLT) from April 2025.