Category: Blogs

01 Jun
Mortgage

Do You Really Need a 20% Deposit to Buy Your First Home?

If you have been putting off buying your first home because you do not think your deposit is big enough, you are not alone — and you may be closer to the property ladder than you think. Recent industry research suggests that a significant number of aspiring homeowners are holding back based on assumptions about […]

01 Jun
Home

Should You Fix Your Mortgage Now — Or Wait for Rates to Fall?

If you’re coming to the end of a fixed rate deal — or you’re buying a home and trying to decide when to act — you’re probably asking the same question as thousands of other borrowers right now: is now the right time to fix, or could better deals still be on the way? It’s […]

05 May
Debt

Using Your Mortgage to Consolidate Debt — Could It Help You?

If you are juggling multiple debt repayments every month — credit cards, personal loans, buy-now-pay-later balances — the financial pressure can feel relentless. The minimum payments alone can eat into your budget, and with interest building across several accounts, it can feel like you are barely making a dent. For homeowners, there is an option […]

10 Apr
Smiling

What Actually Happens After You Apply for a Mortgage (And Why It’s Not Always Straightforward)

If you are applying for a mortgage, it is easy to assume that once your application is submitted, the hard work is done. In reality, this is where the process really begins. Behind the scenes, lenders carry out a detailed assessment of your circumstances, your finances, and the property itself. While some applications move through […]

08 Apr
Broker

Can I Borrow More in 2026? What New Mortgage Changes Mean for You

If you are planning to buy a home or move in 2026, you may be wondering whether you can borrow more than before. For some borrowers, the answer is yes. However, it will depend on your circumstances and the lender you approach. Recent shifts in the UK mortgage market mean affordability assessments are starting to […]

12 Mar
Professional

What to Do if Your Mortgage Application Has Been Declined

Being declined for a mortgage is frustrating, especially if you’ve already tried your bank or another high‑street lender before speaking with a broker. Many people seek broker support after facing higher‑than‑expected rates, stricter criteria, or a decline. Even when a broker checks the details carefully before submitting your application, lenders can still say no. Policies […]

17 Feb
Today’s Mortgage Options

An Overview of Today’s Mortgage Options for First-Time Buyers, Homeowners and Property Investors

Buying your first home, reviewing an existing mortgage, or expanding a property portfolio can feel confusing given the range of lenders, products, and criteria available today. In 2026, the UK mortgage market offers significant choice — from high-street lending designed for straightforward cases to specialist funding supporting more complex circumstances such as self-employment, credit blips, […]

13 Feb
Moving in

What Is a Decision in Principle – And Why Do You Need One?

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard the term Decision in Principle (DIP). It might sound technical, but it’s actually one of the simplest — and smartest — first steps in the mortgage process. Before you start booking viewings or making offers, here’s what you need to know. What Is a Decision […]

05 Feb
Landlords

What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Landlords & Renters in England

On 1 May 2026, one of the most significant overhauls of the private rented sector in decades takes effect. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is designed to rebalance the relationship between landlords and tenants — giving renters greater security and transparency, while setting clearer rules for landlords to follow. It’s a landmark shift with wide-ranging […]

19 Jan
Self employed

Self-Employed and Looking for a Mortgage? What You Need to Know

Being self-employed offers flexibility and independence, but when it comes to applying for a mortgage, the process can feel less straightforward. Many self-employed borrowers worry that irregular income or complex accounts will limit their options. The reality is that self-employed mortgages are very achievable — provided lenders understand your income properly. At Impact Specialist Finance, […]