When you’re moving home, it comes with a lot of expenses and you may be looking for ways to reduce costs. However, paying a mortgage broker to work on your behalf can add value and mean you save money over the term of your mortgage. The mortgage market can seem complex at any time, but given the current situation, a mortgage broker is more important than ever. Following Covid-19 restrictions, UK mortgage applications reached a 12-year high and...

House prices have reached a record high following the introduction of the Stamp Duty holiday and viewings now being allowed after a temporary ban due to Covid-19. The Halifax House Price Index reports house prices have increased by 5.2% year-on-year; the strongest growth since 2016. Despite current economic uncertainties, the average house price is now more than £245,000. This is the highest ever average recorded by Halifax. This rapid...

The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to be the catalyst for significant workplace changes, including more flexible working options. It’s a trend that could affect the housing market as aspiring buyers shift their priorities. When searching for a home, ease of getting to work has long been a priority for buyers. Sellers with properties that have benefitted from excellent transport options or are located in commuter towns have benefitted from rising...

Are you thinking about taking on a second mortgage? Perhaps you want to purchase a holiday home for your family to enjoy, or maybe you want to invest in the Buy to Let market to provide an income in retirement. There are plenty of reasons why you may want a second mortgage, but it’s a big commitment that needs to be carefully assessed too. It’s easy to see why a second property can be attractive. Property prices have soared in recent decades...

When it comes to finances and mortgages, language can be filled with jargon and acronyms. If you’re looking for a mortgage product, whether you’re a first-time buyer or stepping up the property ladder, you’ve probably come across LTV when searching. While it’s easy to overlook, it’s an important part of getting a competitive deal. What is LTV? LTV stands for loan-to-value. It refers to how much you’re borrowing through a mortgage in...

Millions of Brits have faced losing their jobs or a reduction in pay as the coronavirus pandemic has forced businesses to take action. Some firms have been forced to close due to the nationwide lockdown, whilst others will have reduced working hours or laid off staff to minimise losses during uncertain times. For some, it may mean struggling to keep up with usual outgoings, such as mortgage repayments, but steps have been taken to offer...

Millions of people are now self-employed, and it could provide more flexible opportunities for those that are traditionally employed. But, as your income may fluctuate, it can be more difficult to secure a mortgage from high street lenders. If this is something you’re struggling with or have concerns about the future, there are things you can do to improve your chances. More than 4.8 million people are self-employed in the UK. This accounts for...

Taking out a mortgage is a big step. Whether it’s for your first home or as you’re moving up the property ladder. With the length of mortgage increasing and house prices rising considerably over the last few decades, getting the right mortgage is essential. It could save you money and come with other benefits. You may be thinking of going down the DIY route when choosing a mortgage. But there are reasons why choosing to work with a mortgage...

House prices and rental yield have risen significantly over the last few decades. So, it’s no surprise that becoming a landlord is often seen as an attractive way to supplement income or create a nest egg for retirement. However, research shows that landlords have to contend with significant costs too. If you’re thinking of using property to build up your wealth, it’s important that you go ahead with a clear understanding of how much a...