After a turbulent 2022, the new year brings hope and uncertainty in equal measure. So, what does 2023 have in store for the housing and mortgage markets? Back to normal? Average mortgage rates rose sharply after the ‘mini-budget’ announced by former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in September 2022. Although significantly higher than at the start of […]
Category archives: Mortgages & General Property News
On the rise – protection insurance payouts
Claims paid out under protection insurance totalled £6.8bn in 20211, a second consecutive yearly high, with more than £18.6m paid out every day in life insurance, income protection and critical illness claims. Last year was the third year in a row where the overall average individual payout increased, rising by 9% year-on-year to reach £14,994. […]
Equity release increase driven by cost-of-living pressures
In recent years, equity release has become an increasingly popular way for older homeowners to unlock cash tied up in their properties. Equity release products enable homeowners over the age of 55 to access equity locked up in their homes while still being able to live in their property. New research suggests that many homeowners […]
Mortgage market update
It’s been a busy couple of months in the mortgage market, with rising interest rates and new product ideas dominating the discussion. Rate rises Following the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates, two million mortgage holders with standard variable rates or tracker mortgages are already facing higher repayments. Bank Rate increases will also […]
Selling with success
Planning to sell? You already know there’s a lot of big things to think about. But don’t neglect the small details either. Seemingly minor changes can make a significant difference to how a property is perceived and, ultimately, its sale price. Here are three top tips for putting the finishing touches to your home before […]
Housing market resilience
The number of home movers fell 35% year-on-year in the first half of 20221, a drop that was widely expected following last year’s uniquely busy pandemic-influenced market. Still high In total, 172,510 people moved house in the first six months of this year, well below the 266,270 who moved in the first half of 2021. […]
In the News – Home Finance
Gardens uprooted A quarter (25%) of homeowners in the UK with outside space have turned all or part of their garden into a driveway and a further 17% plan to make this change1. As well as parking space proving to be popular, one in ten homeowners with outside space have replaced at least some of […]
Can green home improvements add value?
With energy bills soaring, the advantages of improving energy efficiency are becoming evident to many homeowners seeking to reduce their outgoings. Research1 suggests that over a quarter (26%) of British homeowners want to carry out improvements in order to make their home more energy efficient. Give your home a price boost Not only could energy […]
Mortgages for over-65s – mission possible!
Are you over sixty-five and finding it challenging to get a mortgage? You’re certainly not alone, according to recent findings1. With the number of people in the UK aged over 65 soon expected to surpass those aged 18 and under, just 37% of potential borrowers aged 65 and over are offered the size of loan […]
Strengthening demand for energy-efficient properties
A growing proportion of house hunters are focusing on energy-efficient considerations when looking to buy a new home. Research1 suggests that rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis are having a significant impact on how buyers prioritise various desirable features, with an increasing number focusing on aspects related to energy efficiency. Key features Cavity wall […]