Why giving your mortgage a proper review could be one of the most useful financial jobs you do this year Mortgages have a habit of becoming part of the furniture. You arrange the deal, the monthly payment leaves your bank account and, for the next few years, it can be tempting to forget all about it.

A mortgage can run for decades, but a household’s income can change overnight. Illness, a serious diagnosis, redundancy and death create different financial problems, and no single insurance policy necessarily covers them all.

Britain’s latest heatwave has left many households struggling with sleepless nights, overheated bedrooms and homes that take hours to cool down. As periods of extreme heat become a more important consideration, buyers may need to think differently about what makes a property comfortable, efficient and affordable.

The Scottish Government’s LIFT Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme is open for applications. Eligible buyers can get funding of up to 40% toward the price of a home in Scotland.

The Government plans to replace the Lifetime ISA with a new savings account designed solely to help first-time buyers purchase a home. But several important details, including the bonus and property price limit, have yet to be decided1.

More than five million households are expected to face higher mortgage repayments by the end of 2028, according to the Bank of England. For homeowners approaching the end of a fixed deal, starting early could provide more time, more options and greater certainty

The rules around getting a mortgage could change if new proposals from the Financial Conduct Authority are approved. The Financial Conduct Authority, also known as the FCA, regulates the UK mortgage market and sets rules that lenders must follow.

Buying or selling a home should be one of life’s exciting milestones. Too often, however, it becomes one of the most stressful.

When the UK experiences a heatwave, most of the attention understandably turns to health, hydration and staying cool. That should always come first. Hot weather can affect everyone, particularly older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.

There have been encouraging signs in the mortgage market recently, with a number of lenders reducing selected mortgage rates.

If your mortgage deal ends later this year, or in early January 2027, now could be the time to start looking at your options. For many homeowners, the mortgage is the largest monthly bill they pay. Yet it is also one of the financial products most likely to be left until the last minute.

If you are thinking about selling your home this summer, the market may look encouraging at first glance. Asking prices have been holding up, homes are still selling, and many buyers remain active. But look a little closer and the picture becomes more complicated.

Britain’s record-breaking May heatwave has sent families into gardens, parks and beaches, with barbecues lit, patio doors left open and garden furniture brought out for the summer

Your mortgage is likely to be one of your biggest financial commitments, but it is easy to forget that your wider protection needs can change over time. If you arranged life cover, critical illness cover or income protection when you first took out your mortgage, the cover may have been suitable for your circumstances at the time. However, your life may look very different now.

If your current mortgage deal is due to end this year, it is worth reviewing your options sooner rather than later. Across the UK, many homeowners are expected to reach the end of fixed-rate mortgage deals during 2026. UK Finance forecasts that 1.8 million fixed-rate mortgages are due to end this year, which means many borrowers will be reviewing their next steps at the same time

Landlords in England should check whether they need to send tenants the new Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. From 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into effect. As part of this, private landlords and letting agents must provide tenants with the official government Information Sheet where it applies. The GOV.UK page states that the guidance is for private landlords and letting agents in England

As spring arrives, many people start thinking about making changes to their home. Longer days and better weather can make it a natural time to plan improvements, whether that means building an extension, converting a loft, replacing a kitchen, upgrading a bathroom, improving energy efficiency or making the home more suitable for family life.

The UK mortgage market has experienced a significant shift in March 2026, with the outlook changing dramatically in just a matter of weeks.

If you are a landlord, this spring is an important time to get up to date with the changes coming to the private rented sector in England.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is an important change that some people may need to prepare for now. From 6 April 2026, it becomes mandatory for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. HMRC says this will then extend to those with qualifying income over £30,000 from 6 April 2027 and over £20,000 from 6 April 20281.

Mortgage rates are back in the headlines, and if your current deal ends in 2026, this is a sensible time to review your options.

Mortgage brokers regularly speak to clients who are focused on the obvious household costs: mortgage payments, energy bills, council tax. Home insurance often gets treated as a simple renewal.

If illness or injury stopped you working, even for a few months, what would happen to the mortgage?

If you are thinking about selling this spring, now is the moment to get organised. Spring often brings more buyers back into the market, but it also brings more competing listings. Buyers have choice, and they tend to move fastest when a home looks well-presented and the sale feels straightforward.

If your mortgage deal is due to end this year, it is worth getting ahead of it now. Not because you need to panic, but because leaving it late can limit your choices and increase the chance of ending up on your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which can be higher and can change.

Mortgage brokers regularly speak to clients who are focused on the obvious household costs: mortgage payments, energy bills, council tax. Home insurance often gets treated as a simple renewal.

After a few uncertain years for the housing market, there may be some steadier news for homeowners According to new figures from Rightmove, UK house prices are expected to rise by around 2 per cent during 2026, marking a modest improvement after a relatively flat period1.

If you took out a two, three or five-year fixed mortgage a few years ago, 2026 could be an important year for you. Around 1.8 million homeowners are coming to the end of fixed-rate deals taken out in 2021, 2022 and 20231. As those deals expire, borrowers face a decision about what happens next and doing nothing may not always be the best outcome.

Once you own a home, it is easy to put everything on autopilot. Your mortgage ticks along, insurance renews automatically and paperwork stays filed away. But over time, small details can drift out of line with your circumstances, sometimes without you realising.

As the year draws to a close and households prepare for the busy winter months, many people take time to review their finances. Mortgage rates, energy bills and day-to-day costs can all shift throughout the year, making autumn a sensible moment to check whether your financial safety nets are still fit for purpose.

The buy-to-let market continues to evolve. With rental demand remaining strong and borrowing costs higher than in previous years, choosing the right investment property has become a more strategic decision than ever.

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, your lender may already have contacted you with a new rate. It often looks simple. You log in, click a few buttons, and switch to the next deal. However, before you do that, it is important to ask whether that offer is truly the right one for you.

Renters and landlords are facing the biggest shake-up in housing law for more than thirty years after the Government’s Renters’ Rights Act officially became law. The legislation, which received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, will end “no-fault” evictions, tighten property standards and create new rights for tenants. It aims to make renting fairer and more secure while giving responsible landlords clearer rules and stronger legal certainty.

New figures have revealed that first-time buyers are now paying an eye-watering £163,047 on rent before they are able to purchase their first home. This represents a 40 per cent increase in a decade, according to research from specialist mortgage lender Perenna

The Bank of England base rate is currently 4.0%, having fallen from a peak of 5.25% over the past year¹. While this downward trend has provided some relief to borrowers, the key question for homeowners and landlords is how low rates might go and when.

Fraudsters pretending to be the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have targeted thousands of people this year, with almost 5,000 fake FCA scams reported in the first half of 2025

When your mortgage deal comes to an end, most people focus on securing the best new rate. However, remortgaging is also the perfect time to step back and look at the bigger picture. It is not only about lowering your monthly repayments, it is also about ensuring that your financial safety net continues to protect you and your family.

With A-level results day now a distant memory, many young people are preparing to move away from home for the first time to begin their university journey. Alongside clothes and kitchen items, students will often pack laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras and even bicycles. These possessions can be extremely valuable, and without suitable insurance, a single theft or accident could cause significant disruption and financial strain.

Homeowners coming to the end of a fixed mortgage deal are finally getting some good news. For the first time in nearly three years, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate has slipped below five per cent.

Thousands of young homeowners are putting themselves at risk of losing their homes because many have no insurance cover to protect against life’s unexpected shocks. New research has revealed that a large number of people aged 18 to 34 have little understanding of essential financial protection, and even fewer have taken steps to safeguard themselves.

Landlords across Britain are being warned to prepare for a major tax shake-up that will affect thousands from April 2026. Under new HMRC rules, many property owners will soon have to report their rental income and expenses to the taxman every three months, rather than just once a year.

Homeowners whose fixed-rate mortgage deals expire in early 2026 are being urged to start planning ahead, as a new wave of rate rises and higher payments could be on the horizon. UK Finance data shows that around 1.6 million fixed-rate mortgage deals are due to end in 2025, with a similarly high number expected to mature in 2026. If you are one of them, it is important to act early to avoid the shock of increased monthly payments and to secure the most suitable deal for your circumstances.

Millions of households across the country are heading for a financial jolt as their fixed-rate mortgage deals start to come to an end. These deals were often taken out during the pandemic when interest rates were at record lows. Now, with those rates no longer available, many borrowers could see their monthly repayments rise sharply.

Summer is the perfect time to tackle those home improvements you have been putting off. But instead of just ticking off a list of repairs, why not focus on the projects that can actually add value to your property? Whether you are planning to sell soon or simply want to enhance your living space, these simple updates could increase your home’s appeal and potentially boost its value by thousands of pounds.

Almost one million homes across Great Britain are being urged to check their electricity meters following an important announcement from the energy regulator. A nationwide switch-off of a decades-old system could affect how heating and hot water are delivered in many properties. If you or someone you know has an older electric meter and uses an off- peak electricity tariff, this could be essential reading.

Getting on the property ladder has never been easy, but for many renters today, it feels almost impossible. You pay your rent on time every month often more than what a mortgage would cost but saving a deposit? That’s a whole other challenge. That’s where Skipton Building Society’s Track Record Mortgage comes in. It’s a product that’s made headlines and raised a few eyebrows but also offers a genuine lifeline to first-time buyers struggling with the deposit hurdle. Let’s break it down.

For most people, their mortgage is their largest monthly financial commitment. However, few take the time to consider what might happen if they were suddenly unable to work due to illness or injury. With rising household costs and increasing NHS waiting times, now is an ideal time to ask a simple but important question: could you still pay your mortgage if your income stopped for a few weeks or months?

The UK property market has made a confident start to spring, with the average asking price of a home reaching a new record high. This comes despite the end of the temporary stamp duty relief at the beginning of April, demonstrating that both buyers and sellers remain active and engaged. According to the latest figures from the April House Price Index, the average asking price for a UK property now stands at £377,182. This represents a monthly increase of 1.4 per cent and an annual rise of 1.3 per cent. Buyer demand has grown by 5 per cent compared to this time last year, while the number of new sellers entering the market has increased by 4 per cent year-on-year. Stock levels are now the highest for this time of year in over a decade.

In a move widely anticipated by markets, the Bank of England has reduced the base interest rate from 4.50% to 4.25% today.

A shift is taking place across the mortgage market, bringing a wave of opportunity for both prospective buyers and existing homeowners. Leading lenders are responding to expectations of falling interest rates by reducing mortgage pricing and easing affordability criteria. This development could enhance borrowing potential for many households in the months ahead.

The Labour Government has announced plans to ban the sale of new leasehold flats in England and Wales, replacing them with a commonhold ownership structure. If passed into law, this change would mean that future flat buyers will own their property outright, rather than leasing it for a set period and paying service charges and ground rent to a freeholder.

If your five-year fixed mortgage deal is coming to an end, you might be wondering what to do next. Many homeowners who locked in a low fixed rate several years ago are now facing a different mortgage market, where rates have changed.

The Scottish Government’s LIFT Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme is open for applications. Eligible buyers can get funding of up to 40% toward the price of a home in Scotland.

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when saving for a deposit, understanding mortgage options, and navigating rising house prices. If you or someone you know is trying to get onto the property ladder, there are government schemes and mortgage options that can help make buying a home more achievable.

The UK government has announced plans to increase the tax reporting threshold for side incomes from £1,000 to £3,000 by the end of 2029. This change is expected to remove up to 300,000 people from self-assessment tax returns, simplifying tax obligations for individuals earning from small-scale trading, freelancing, and online selling.

Millions of rental homes must meet stricter energy efficiency rules – and tenants could feel the impact. Landlords are being warned of hefty costs after the government confirmed that all rental properties must achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030.

For many people, the idea of building their own home has long been seen as a luxury—complex, expensive, and out of reach for all but the wealthiest. However, the UK government’s Help to Build scheme is seeking to change that, offering financial support to those who want to design and construct their own homes rather than buy on the open market.

For most homeowners, a mortgage is the biggest financial commitment they will ever make. It’s a long-term promise – one that provides security, stability, and a future for your family. But what happens if you suddenly can’t make your payments? Many people assume that if the worst happens, the government will step in to help. The reality? State support is minimal, delayed, and, in some cases, simply another loan. The question isn’t whether financial risks exist – it’s whether you are prepared for them.

If your two-year fixed mortgage is about to expire, you might potentially be in for some positive news. Back in early 2023, many borrowers locked into deals with interest rates as high as 6.86%, as the Bank of England battled stubborn inflation with relentless interest rate hikes. Now, however, the tables have turned—and you could be paying much less when you remortgage.

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make, so it’s crucial to consider all potential risks before committing. This winter, flooding has once again made the headlines, affecting many homes across the UK, and highlighting the importance of factoring in flood risk when searching for your next property. For some UK buyers, this means carefully evaluating the possibility of purchasing a home in a flood-prone area. With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, understanding and assessing flood risks is vital to safeguarding your investment—and your peace of mind.

The UK housing market is showing signs of a strong start in 2025, with significant increases in new property listings and a rise in average asking prices. Estate agents Rightmove report that the average price of properties coming to market has increased by 1.7% (£5,992) this month, reaching £366,189—the largest new year price jump since 20201. Despite this growth, average prices remain approximately £9,000 below the peak reached in May 2024, reflecting ongoing affordability considerations for buyers.

The Bank of England has announced that interest rates are to be reduced again, this time going down to 4.50%. This is the second reduction in interest rates in recent times, following a long period of interest rate rises, where they peaked at a 16-year high of 5.25%.

There’s some potentially good news on the horizon for homeowners and aspiring buyers: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is considering shaking things up in the mortgage world. With house prices soaring and affordability feeling like a distant dream, these proposed changes aim to make borrowing simpler, fairer, and more accessible. If you’ve ever felt the stress of scraping together enough for a deposit or struggled to meet strict lending rules, this could be the break you’ve been waiting for.

January often feels like one of the longest months of the year. With extended gaps until payday and the financial strain left by the festive season, many find their budgets stretched to the limit. If you’re feeling the squeeze right now, take it as an opportunity to plan ahead for the future.

With a significant surge in demand for homes that are chain-free, the UK property market is buzzing as buyers seek a speedy move to beat the looming stamp duty hike. A recent report by Zoopla highlights that 32% of homes currently on the market are listed as chain-free, a significant draw for those keen to finalise their purchase before the April deadline.

In an age where our cars are more advanced than ever, so too are the methods used by car thieves. Today’s criminals are tech-savvy, using everything from signal jammers to relay attacks to outsmart security systems and steal vehicles in a flash.

Are you on the mortgage deal that fits your current circumstances? In today’s ever-changing financial landscape, it’s easy for mortgage deals to become outdated before you know it, and increasingly important to be aware of what’s out there that could be of interest to you.

Christmas is a time for celebration, family, and creating special memories, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Tracker mortgages have gained significant traction in the UK housing market throughout 2024, with recent data showing a 67% surge in uptake compared to 2021. The appeal of these products stems from their flexible nature, offering interest rates that follow the Bank of England’s base rate, which has become especially attractive amidst ongoing economic uncertainty and fluctuating interest rates.

In a world where NHS waiting lists stretch endlessly, more people are turning to private healthcare. Could Private Medical Insurance (PMI) be your fast track to better health? Let’s explore if it’s worth considering and how it could impact your peace of mind.

The Bank of England has announced that interest rates are to be reduced again, this time going down to 4.75%. This is the second reduction in interest rates in recent times, following a long period of interest rate rises, where they peaked at a 16-year high of 5.25%.

As the leaves turn golden and the temperature begins to drop, many UK homeowners may find themselves wondering if autumn is the right time to make a move. For homeowners considering selling or buying a property, the housing market can present both opportunities and challenges at this time of year. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of moving before winter and what you should consider if you’re thinking of taking that step.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered Labour’s first Budget since 2010, after the party’s return to power in July’s general election. We wanted to provide you with a summary of the most notable points that were made in yesterday’s speech.

Fraudsters are taking advantage of cutting-edge AI technology, and it’s time we all start paying attention. According to shocking new research from Starling Bank, over a quarter (28%) of UK adults have been targeted by AI voice cloning scams in the past year alone. The worst part? Nearly half (46%) of Brits don’t even know these scams exist, leaving them wide open to being tricked.

The energy price cap rises from October 1st, UK homeowners are facing the harsh reality of increased energy bills – and it’s those living in the least energy-efficient homes who will feel the biggest pinch. According to new data from Rightmove, households in properties with the lowest energy performance ratings (EPC F-G) could see their annual bills spike by £558 under the new price cap.

With the summer holidays now behind us, the Autumn home-selling season has kicked off in full force – and this year, it’s busier than ever! After a quieter property market in 2023, where many prospective buyers and sellers held back due to soaring mortgage rates and stubbornly high inflation, it seems 2024 is seeing a rebound.

Owning a property is likely to be one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you purchased your home recently or some time ago, ensuring that your Will accurately reflects your property ownership is crucial.

With A-Level results delivered, excitement is building as families across the UK prepare to send their children off to university. But amidst the flurry of packing and planning, have you considered how to protect your child's expensive gadgets and treasured possessions?

As house prices continue to rise, getting onto the property ladder feels more like a distant dream for many first-time buyers. But here's some good news: it's not as tough as it seems!

Wherever you go on the high street or online, you will see ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ (BNPL) schemes advertising that you can buy that item you want or need now and pay back the money borrowed, plus interest, over several weeks or months. Some providers add a sweetener by giving the borrower an initial interest free or fee-free period.

For prospective landlords, understanding the rental yield can be crucial for making informed decisions about the property you intend to purchase and let out.

Good news, the Bank of England has announced that interest rates are to be reduced to 5.00%

With holiday season in full swing and many of us looking at leaving our homes for a week or two in search of the sun, the thoughts of advertising your home as a holiday-let to make a bit of spare cash may seem quite appealing.

With prime holiday time approaching fast, many will have already booked breaks at home or abroad. With prices of holidays rising, it makes sense to insure your holiday so that you are not out of pocket should the unexpected happen.

If you are in debt, or have a family member who is, it can be the loneliest place to be and no matter how resilient you are, eventually it will wear you down. However, there are strategies you can adopt to alleviate the situation and get yourself back on track.

Have you got someone in the family who’s just a driving test away from qualifying to drive? If you have, you will probably be aware that passing the driving test is not the only barrier to being able to take to the roads alone.

It can often seem like you’re running out of space, no matter how large your home is. We’ve put together a few nifty tips for some neat storage ideas that might work in your property.

With voting taking place next week for the General Election, many homeowners and prospective buyers are wondering how the results might impact their mortgages.

What happens if the institution that looks after your savings goes bust? While memories of the 2008 banking crisis are receding with each passing year, there will always be a concern that money placed with any bank or other institution could be at risk.

If you have a trip booked this summer, the last thing you want is to worry about your home security while you’re away. You’ve worked hard all year and deserve a well-earned break. Holidays are important, and it’s likely you have something planned that you’re looking forward to. The last thing you want is a phone call saying your home has been burgled while you’re enjoying your holiday.

Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make. While it’s exciting to imagine your new space, it’s crucial to keep your finances in check. Here are some fun and practical ways to save money during your home-buying journey.

Gardens have long been desirable and known to add value to property, and with the increase in hybrid working in recent years, the desire for outdoor space can make for a key area that can add both value and appeal to your home.

This month welcomed the new Tax Year, that started back on 6th April. We look at a number of checks you can make to ensure your finances are given the ‘spring clean’ for the year ahead.

In these challenging economic times, an interesting report has revealed that one in six people are choosing property investment as a pathway for generating income, so we look further into the drivers behind this.

Early April saw the Government’s 2% reduction in National Insurance on wages take effect, which represents a welcome bonus for many, however we look ahead to a potential risk of tax increases further down the line.

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a fresh opportunity for property sales. The months of March through May are historically the prime time for the property market, yielding consistent sales each year1. If you’re contemplating a sale, here are five compelling reasons to make Spring the season to showcase your property on the market.

The process of buying a home or arranging a remortgage can feel stressful enough, but it’s being made more challenging by recent data that reveals the average shelf-life of a mortgage product has dropped from 28 days down to just 15 days1, making it more important than ever to act fast to help secure a deal that’s suitable for you.

If you have an elderly family member or someone you know who is in receipt of the state pension, it’s worth checking to see if they are eligible for the Attendance Allowance.

With a shortage of properties available in certain parts of the UK, we look at whether it could be the ideal time to consider the popular self-build home route and create your own ‘Grand Design’.

A Cambridge University study once found that a person’s financial habits were established by the age of just 7, so we look at some ways that could get kids off to a flying start.

If you and your family are thinking of needing extra space – the natural thought can be to simply search for a new property. However, with the turbulent housing market and rising cost of mortgages – one answer might be right under your feet.

Recent times have seen a dramatic rise in interest rates, and we’ve all seen the impact on monthly mortgage payments as a result, but what’s less publicised is how your savings could now be working harder for you. We take a look at some tips on how to make the most of higher interest rates.

According to recent figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the UK fell into a recession for the final three months of 2023. Here, we look further into this to find out what it can mean for the average person with a mortgage.

With days getting longer, and a certain something in the air – Springtime has been proven to be the best time to sell a home. We look at a few quick tips on how to seize the moment and get your home ready for sale.

Spring is a great time for moving home, however property viewings can be an overwhelming experience, so we’ve a few top tips to help you focus on the most essential items.

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to remortgage, however it’s always worthwhile seeking advice to check whether the mortgage you hold is right for your current situation.