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Following three years of pandemic disorder in the buy-to-let (BTL) sector, 2023 is shaping up to be another eventful year for landlords. With several major legislative reforms due to come into force this year, what can landlords do to prepare? So, what’s changing? The Renters’ Reform Bill, which is set to be voted on before…

Preparing your documents Understandably, lenders are often handing over hundreds of thousands of pounds every time they agree a mortgage so it should come as no surprise that they are going to want to complete some due diligence to ensure that you are in a position to pay that money back. The extent of how…

Applications are now closed for the Help to Buy loan scheme in England and there has been no announcement of a replacement, so what other help is available? Shared Ownership is another scheme that helps first-time buyers get onto the property ladder where you start by buying 25% of your home and pay rent on…

Mortgage rates fell back in the last few months of 2022, having surged after September’s ‘mini-budget’. If you’re thinking about remortgaging, could now be a good time to secure a deal? Bank Rate blues The Bank of England has increased Bank Rate throughout 2022 and is expected to continue doing so in the new year.…

There is a natural connection between protection and homeowners, but new research suggests that renters could in fact gain more from the benefits of cover. Rent rise The number of households renting privately in the UK rose by 63% in the decade to 20171, reaching an estimated 4.5 million. As the rising cost of living…

The start of a new year is an ideal time to reassess your finances. Protection should be near the top of your list in 2023. Get protected The right protection for your unique needs is an indispensable safety net against any unexpected downturn in your financial situation. As we head into 2023, ask yourself if…

Unpredictability was certainly a theme for UK housing in 2022, with political turbulence, Bank Rate hikes and shifting post-pandemic supply and demand patterns all contributing to an uncertain and fast-changing market. As we move in 2023, questions still abound. House prices to fall Foremost among these questions is – how far will house prices fall?…

What is an offset mortgage? An offset mortgage works in the same way any other mortgage works with the addition of the ability to reduce the amount of mortgage interest you pay. This is done by utilising a savings pot to reduce the amount of the mortgage balance that you are charged interest on. For…

NatWest and Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax, Birmingham Midshires, and Scottish Widows) have recently announced they will be changing their criteria in early 2023. They will no longer require an EWS1 form on any blocks of flats over 5 storeys high for properties in England. This change is set to benefit thousands of homeowners living…

The days of cheap mortgage rates appear to be a thing of the past for homebuyers and home movers alike for now. Many will be confronted by the harsh new reality when their existing fixed-rate deals come to an end in the coming months. In the summer of 2021, mortgage interest rates were historically low…

Following Labour’s landslide election win, much of the nation is waiting to find out what is in store for the UK housing market. Many major policy changes will be announced in the Autumn Budget on 30 October, but Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has already announced the new draft of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF),…

It was a disappointing Spring Budget for anyone looking to get onto the housing ladder. There was a distinct lack of announcements concerning Lifetime ISAs (contrary to expectations), no replacement for Help to Buy and no changes to Stamp Duty thresholds, a disappointment for many. Just a few days ahead of the key fiscal event,…

What next now Help to Buy has ended? Property experts are calling on the government to support SME builders and boost housing delivery after its Help to Buy (HTB) scheme ended on 31 March, having granted over 375,500 interest-free equity loans. The scheme was designed to support first-time buyers and boost the housing market by…

Life insurance first timer? Getting life insurance for the first time can seem daunting. Having to think about something as significant as how your loved ones will cope financially once you are no longer here can be quite overwhelming. We’re here to help break things down and help you make the right decision for your…