25 Jun 2025
Potential new mortgage rules could boost home ownership
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a discussion paper about the future of the mortgage market in a bid to improve access for first-time buyers, self-employed, and those borrowing in retirement.
The point of the paper is to spark a public conversation to help those looking to buy their first home to get onto the property ladder, and those in retirement manage their mortgage more effectively, with the goal being to support long-term growth.
The paper looks at possible changes to improve flexibility and allow borrowing to be more accessible by offering tailored products to customers to cater to their specific needs.
Key areas include:
- Updating responsible lending rules
- Addressing the growing need for later-life-lending (equity release)
- Enhancing consumer understanding
- Encouraging innovation in lending practices
The FCA are looking for thoughts on whether the stress test for mortgages should be changed. They are also looking into the number of homeowners who need to access their housing wealth to help financially support them in retirement.
This could be a positive move by the FCA provided borrowers are not overstretched.
Recent posts
Your First Home Scheme for First-Time Buyers
5 days ago
Saturday 26th September, Andy Burnham announced a new equity loan scheme called “Your First Home”. The scheme, which will be confirmed at next month’s budget, is aimed at first-time buyers looking to purchase a new-build property from a developer signed up to the scheme.
Autumn Budget 2026: Key Points
7 days ago
On Wednesday 28th October, Chancellor John Healey delivered the 2026 Autumn Budget.
We have summarised the key points relating to property and tax.
In September 2026, they extended this to a wider range for those moving home. Eligible homeowners looking to purchase their next property can access the delayed start mortgage, which could help with the overlap between properties, solicitor, removal, and repair costs.
Best UK Mortgage Rates this Week
13 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.
What is a Mortgage Stress Test?
15 days ago
A mortgage ‘stress test’ revolves around predicting future ‘affordability’. It is seen by many borrowers as just another hurdle to overcome, but it’s important to understand why it was introduced and who it is meant to protect.
There are several scenarios for a landlord where standard buy-to-let lending isn’t enough for their investment. For more complex properties, ownership structures, or borrowing circumstances, a specialist buy-to-let mortgage may provide options that are not available through mainstream lenders.
Leaseholders to be given extra protection
30 Sep 2026
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has announced a new measure to protect leaseholders in England and Wales from high fees and poorly regulated property management companies.
What Happens to My Mortgage if I Lose My Job?
25 Sep 2026
Losing your job or finding yourself ‘between jobs’ is, unsurprisingly, a stressful place to be. Keeping a cool head and taking action is important.
More information
Trusted by
