Owning a home offers significant savings opportunities

Owning a home offers significant savings opportunities

Owning a home can create significant long-term savings when compared with renting  Renters in London and Bristol are missing out the most on savings opportunities  Despite challenges, many younger renters are optimistic about owning their first home  Research1 has compared the average cost of buying versus renting, highlighting the investment opportunities that homeowning can offer.  By […]

In the news

View of people walking in hilly seaside towards resort village in the bay at sunset; swimming beach and sunset sky in background

Buyers are willing to pay a premium for a home with a sea view  One million UK homes have risen in value by at least 50% since 2020  6.5 million homeowners in the UK have some regrets about the property they bought  Buyers pay more for a sea view  Buyers are willing to pay a premium for […]

Buying later and borrowing longer

Buying later and borrowing longer

More first-time buyers are purchasing homes later in life to manage affordability challenges  Longer mortgage terms help keep monthly payments manageable but extend debt into later years  Professional guidance can help buyers select the most suitable mortgage for their circumstances  Getting onto the property ladder has become harder in recent years and that’s had a noticeable impact. People are […]

The cost of home insurance

The cost of home insurance

Average home insurance costs vary depending on property type and size The most common reasons for claiming are water damage and accidents Renewing policies early, ideally 25 days before expiry, can help reduce costs The latest home insurance statistics compiled by one industry source1 have revealed the trends and patterns of 2025.  The average buildings […]

Selling through the seasons

Selling through the seasons

Buyers can be swayed by seasonal features depending on when they’re buying  Winter buyers prioritise warmth, so would pay more for a fireplace and insulation  Summer buyers are drawn to gardens, pools and air conditioning when purchasing  Thinking of putting your home on the market? The time of year you do it could affect how well your […]

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme launched

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme launched

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is now permanently available across the UK  Lenders are insured against losses, supporting availability of high LTV mortgages  When borrowing at higher loan-to-value levels, it’s important to tread carefully  The government’s new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme became permanently available in July 2025.  The scheme, which was part of Labour’s election manifesto, aims […]

Autumn housing market outlook

Autumn housing market outlook

Buyers gain negotiating power with more homes available and improving mortgage affordability  Sellers must adopt competitive pricing strategies as overpriced homes risk being overlooked  Modest price growth is expected, but steady activity could sustain momentum through autumn  As summer fades, the UK housing market moves into autumn with steady momentum. A high volume of homes […]

Homing in on the mortgage challenges facing gig workers

Homing in on the mortgage challenges facing gig workers

76% of UK gig workers face mortgage and loan application rejections despite good credit  Traditional credit systems don’t reflect gig workers’ multiple income sources  Expert guidance helps gig workers improve mortgage approval odds by validating diverse income  Variable income streams. Multiple employers. Seasonal side hustles. This is business as usual for gig economy workers, freelancers […]

Demand for second homes falls: what does it mean for local buyers and sellers? 

Demand for second homes falls: what does it mean for local buyers and sellers? 

Council Tax hikes on second homes are triggering a surge in holiday property sales  In popular holiday destinations the number of properties being listed for sale has increased over 40%  This shift in property ownership has the potential to impact entire communities   From country cottages to seaside retreats, the second home market is facing challenges. […]

Mortgage overpayments: small sums add up

Mortgage overpayments: small sums add up

A third of homeowners are currently making overpayments on their mortgage  40% of homeowners don’t have the confidence to overpay their mortgage  Most lenders allow you to make overpayments of up to 10% of your mortgage balance each year without incurring any penalties  UK homeowners could collectively save £2.3bn on mortgage interest each year by […]