Budget incoming – keep calm and carry on
There has been plenty of speculation about what an Andy Burnham government could mean for the housing market It is important to distinguish speculation from policy as it is unlikely to help homeowners or buyers make decisions The sensible approach is to keep calm and carry on and wait for any relevant announcements That time […]
A more cautious housing market
Higher borrowing costs and economic uncertainty continue to weigh as mortgage rates remain unpredictable Lloyds’ House Price Index showed the average UK property price was just 0.1% higher than a year earlier The autumn market is likely to remain price-sensitive, with affordability continuing to influence decisions As we move into autumn, the UK housing market […]
A new shape to homeownership
First-time buyers are now entering the market later than previous generations, around age 33 on average Longer mortgage terms and later entry naturally lead to borrowing extended well into later life Refinancing is now popular for older borrowers. Many are remortgaging to secure better rates or release equity The traditional journey of buying a home, […]
Remortgaging on the rise
Remortgage applications have risen sharply as pandemic-era fixed deals come to an end Shorter-term mortgage fixes are gaining popularity in uncertain interest rate conditions Landlords are increasingly refinancing to improve returns and release equity Remortgaging is firmly back in focus. Recent analysis1 shows applications surged by around 45% in Q1 2026, driving overall mortgage activity […]
Keep your cool in the housing market
Organisation and preparation are key to helping reduce stress throughout the homebuying journey Realistic budgeting and taking account of all costs helps avoid affordability issues and unexpected expenses Future planning can prevent the need for repeating the whole process again too soon and resulting in an unexpected move Few people imagine buying a house to […]
In the news
Many buyers remain positive but affordability pressures continue delaying home purchase decisions Property investors face lower profits, requiring greater adaptability in changing market conditions Multi-generational living is driving demand for flexible and independent home spaces Buyers hesitate despite market confidence Research1 shows that around 41% of prospective buyers are delaying their move while waiting for […]
Key home insurance trends homeowners should know
Everyday accidents now account for a nearly a third of home insurance claims with the average claim rising significantly Flood risk is becoming an increasing concern, even for newer properties. Understanding flood exposure is now key Period homes, though still highly desirable, often attract higher premiums due to specialist repair requirements The home insurance landscape […]
Selling this summer? Follow the seven-day rule
Initial early pricing decisions can have a lasting impact on whether a home sells quickly or not Marketing, presentation, photography and property details have an influence on engagement before viewings occur Having mortgage arrangements in place early can put you in a stronger position for the right property The first week a property is listed […]
Summer housing market snapshot
House price performance varies significantly across regions, with northern areas outperforming parts of the south Borrowers are increasingly favouring tracker and shorter-term fixed mortgages amid rate uncertainty Market activity remains steady, although affordability and pricing sensitivity continue influencing buyer decisions As we enter the summer months, the UK housing and mortgage markets are showing a […]
Sea view or swimming pool? The top property searches
Garages and annexes were the most searched property features in 2025 Rural homes and large gardens gained popularity Swimming pools ranked above sea views in buyer demand What features do you think of first when you imagine your new property? If your mind went straight to a garage or annexe, you are not alone: new […]
