21 Jul 2023
Moving soon? It's never too early to get organised! Be prepared and avoid unwanted stress by checking out our list of tips to get you ready for moving day.
21 Nov 2021
Getting a foot on the property ladder is becoming more and more difficult for people of all ages. Not only is the price of property in many parts of the UK continuing to rise, but the majority of businesses still only pay their employees minimum wage, so many fear that they will never be able to own their own home.
The Help to Buy scheme allows first-time buyers to purchase a new-build property with just a 5% deposit.
Moneyfacts, the independent mortgage market monitor of all things ‘mortgage’ has reported that overall mortgage availability rose in January 2021, to 3,215 products!
First-time buyers that wish to buy a new-build home will be able to apply for an Equity Loan from the government for up to 20% of the home’s value.
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.
What can you do to improve your negotiating position? Here are a few simple tips that too many people ignore.
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.
The government had intended to abolish the scheme completely in 2023, but are now being asked to reconsider in the light of current events.
April 2020 brings with it the end of this phasing. Landlords no longer enjoy tax relief on interest and instead will be faced with a flat tax credit of 20% for mortgage interest.
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.
If you can’t come to us we can quickly set up a video or phone appointment.
A Lifetime ISA, like other ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) is a savings account, the interest on which is shielded from tax.
The Help to Buy Schemes continue to be used by home buyers keen to get into the housing market. 2017 was an busy year with over 32,000 new-build homes purchased.
Shared ownership is nothing new but it is becoming more popular as house prices continue to grow out of the reach of even well paid individuals - especially in the South East of England.
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.
The scheme works on the basis that rather than having to put together a deposit and mortgage to purchase the whole of the property, a buyer can now purchase part of the property with the other 25 - 75% of the home being owned by a third party under the terms of this scheme.
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.
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.
9 Nov 2016
It looks like the Government’s Help to Buy 2 scheme will come to an end on 1st January 2017 as planned.
With ‘Help to Buy’, the Government lends you up to 20% of the cost of your newly built home, so you may only need a 5% cash deposit and a 75% mortgage to make up the rest. To reflect the current property prices in London, from February 2016 the Government is increasing the upper limit for the equity loan it gives new home-buyers within Greater London from 20% to 40%.
30 Nov 2015
The Government has launched an “Own your Home Campaign,” offering various initiatives to help people onto the property ladder. 1st December 2015 sees the launch of the government’s Help to Buy ISA scheme for first-time buyers.
13 Aug 2015
Just as all memories of the “Help to Buy” ISA announced in the last budget were fading, the Treasury has named the first six banks and building societies that will offer first time buyers said “Help to Buy ISA.” The Treasury has confirmed that the list is not intended to be exhaustive and that there is still time for other providers to join the scheme and offer the account to savers.
3 Mar 2015
The Chancellor took me by surprise last week when he announced the “Help to Buy ISA”in the budget. After the help he’s already given first time buyers when he adjusted the Stamp Duty thresholds last year.
2 Mar 2015
Two years ago the Government launched the first phase of it’s "Help to Buy" scheme, which has now seen more than 80,000 borrowers purchase a home.
Through the first phase of Help to Buy, (let’s call it H2B1), the Government provides an equity loan worth up to 20 per cent of the value of a new build home, interest free for the first 5 years, which can be repaid at any time or when the home is sold, with the borrower putting up a 5 per cent deposit.
13 Nov 2013
I was delighted to see that Accord Mortgages have entered the 95% mortgage arena, but fairly gobsmacked to find that the products don't form part of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme or require any family guarantee.
3 days ago
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, many people across the UK are struggling financially, many of whom are finding it hard to get debt-free.
According to research by StepChange, there are five common reasons people don’t seek help and advice with debt concerns.
6 Feb 2024
Every Friday our experts search the market for the latest rates from every lender saving our clients some serious £'s!
2 Feb 2024
Are you looking to extend your property? There are many benefits to adding an extension to your existing home, here are a few.
30 Jan 2024
Put simply, Equity Release is where you can release equity (money) tied up in your home for any purpose you like. In this short article, we share some reasons why you may want to consider Equity Release.
17 Jan 2024
The team at Mortgage Required may not be able to lower the prices in your local supermarket, but we have come up with a list of tips to help you lower your food shopping bill.
14 Jan 2024
Every year Big Energy Saving Week takes place to raise awareness about energy efficiency, reducing energy bills, and combating fuel poverty. Below are some ways you can get involved and hopefully make a saving!
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.
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!