Why Are Mortgage Rates and Deals Changing So Quickly?
If a mortgage deal you were looking at has changed or disappeared in a matter of days, here’s why it happens and what the latest Base Rate rise means for you.
Read the articleNews & blogs
Plain-English articles on buying, remortgaging and investing in property, from our advisers.
Your First Home Scheme Confirmed: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know
The Government has now confirmed the details of its Your First Home scheme, including a 2.5% deposit, a 20% equity loan, income and price caps, and when it opens.
Read the articleCan You Get a Mortgage If Your Income Changes Every Month?
You’ve found a property you like. You’ve checked your budget. Everything seems to add up. Then a doubt creeps in: will a lender see my income the same way I do? If your income changes from month…
Read the articleWhat Is a Decision in Principle Used For?
If you’re planning to buy a home, obtaining a Decision in Principle (DIP) is often one of the first steps in the mortgage process. You may also hear it referred to as an Agreement in Principle…
Read the articleThe Modern Path to Homeownership: It’s Not a Straight Line Anymore
Why today’s route to homeownership looks different, and why that’s perfectly normal. Homeownership can sometimes feel like one of those goals that’s always a few years away. Between rising living…
Read the articleBefore You Buy: Will This Renovation Property Work as a Rental?
Before you offer on a fixer-upper, work out whether it will still stack up as a rental once the renovation, the finance and the compliance costs are all added in. A tired property with a low…
Read the articleFurther Advance vs Remortgage: What’s the Difference?
If you need extra funds and your mortgage isn’t up for renewal, you may have more options than you think. Maybe it’s a kitchen that finally needs doing, a bit of breathing room to consolidate some…
Read the articleSecond Charge Mortgages Explained: What They Are, What They’re Used For, and the Myths Worth Busting
If you’ve heard the term “second charge mortgage” and assumed it’s not for you, it might be worth a second look. Second charge mortgages have quietly become one of the more misunderstood corners…
Read the articleBuying Before You Sell: Mortgage, Bridging Loan, or Something Else?
You’ve found the house you want, but yours hasn’t sold yet. Here’s how to think through your finance options — without the knee-jerk reactions. It’s one of the most common dilemmas in property:…
Read the articleWhat Counts as a Credit Commitment? (And Why It Catches So Many Mortgage Applicants Out)
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders don’t just look at your income and deposit – they look at everything that’s already leaving your account each month, and some of it might surprise you. Why…
Read the articleBuying a Flat? What You Need to Know Before You Apply for a Mortgage
Flats can be a smart route into homeownership — but the mortgage process involves more checks than many buyers expect. Here’s what to get to grips with before you make an offer. Lenders assessing…
Read the articleSolicitor or Conveyancer — What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
When you are buying a home, there is a lot of new terminology to get your head around — and one question that regularly catches people off guard is whether they need a solicitor or a licensed…
Read the articleDo 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…
Read the articleShould 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…
Read the articleUsing 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…
Read the articleWhat 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,…
Read the articleCan 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…
Read the articleWhat 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…
Read the articleAn 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…
Read the articleWhat 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…
Read the articleWhat 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…
Read the articleSelf-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…
Read the articleBe Mortgage Ready: Complete Your Fact Find with Confidence
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a home mover, getting “mortgage ready” is one of the most important parts of your property journey. With lenders applying increasing scrutiny and criteria…
Read the articleCryptocurrency and Mortgages: What Buyers Need to Know
Cryptocurrency has become one of the most talked-about financial topics in recent years. From Bitcoin to a wide range of digital assets, many people hold crypto they might hope to use towards a…
Read the articleWhy Use Short-Term Finance or Bridging Loans?
Short-term finance, more commonly known as a bridging loan, was originally designed to help homeowners “bridge the gap” between buying a new property and selling their existing one. It provided a…
Read the articleFixed-Rate Mortgage Ending – What Are Your Next Steps?
Many homeowners choose a fixed-rate mortgage for peace of mind, knowing their repayments won’t change for a set period. But when your fixed term comes to an end, it can feel like a pivotal moment.…
Read the article7 Common Credit Score Myths Every Mortgage Seeker Should Know
When applying for a mortgage, your credit score can play a big role in what products are available and at what rates. But with so much misinformation out there, it’s easy to fall into traps that…
Read the articleBuying to Renovate? Here’s How Specialist Finance Can Help
For many people, the dream home isn’t found ready-made. It might be a dated house with huge potential, a fixer-upper bought at auction, or a property that needs a complete overhaul. Renovating or…
Read the articleWhy a Bank of England Base Rate Change Doesn’t Always Affect Your Mortgage Rate
When the Bank of England (BoE) changes its base interest rate, it often makes headlines, and you might expect your mortgage rate to change right away. But the truth is, not all lenders pass on…
Read the article5 Mortgage Myths That Could Be Costing You Money
When it comes to getting a mortgage, misinformation is everywhere. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, self-employed, or remortgaging, believing these common myths could be holding you back – or…
Read the articleHow to Get a Mortgage with Complex Income: A Guide for Contractors, Self-Employed & Freelancers
Getting a mortgage can feel like an uphill climb when your income doesn’t follow the typical PAYE pattern. Whether you’re a contractor, freelancer, limited company director or juggling multiple…
Read the articleIs It Time to Revisit Your Buy-to-Let Portfolio?
Is It Time to Revisit Your Buy-to-Let Portfolio? Why landlords are turning to specialist finance for smarter solutions With rising mortgage costs, new regulations, and changing tenant demands…
Read the articleHow to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early: Practical Strategies to Become Mortgage-Free
For many UK homeowners, learning how to pay off your mortgage early is a key financial goal. Becoming mortgage-free can bring peace of mind, reduce your financial burden, and give you more control…
Read the articleHow Can Parents Help First-Time Buyers?
With house prices remaining high and mortgage affordability rules tighter than ever, many first-time buyers are turning to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ to help them onto the property ladder. In fact…
Read the articleBeing Self-Employed Shouldn’t Affect You Getting a Mortgage
One of the most common myths in the mortgage world is that being self-employed makes it almost impossible to get a mortgage. But the truth? It doesn’t have to be. Yes, the process can be a…
Read the articleWhat Mortgage Can I Get as a First-Time Buyer?
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone – but when it comes to securing a mortgage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options, jargon, and paperwork involved. The good news? With the…
Read the articleWhat Does a Mortgage Broker Do for You?
When searching for a mortgage, the sheer number of lenders, interest rates, and loan types can feel overwhelming. This is where a mortgage broker comes in—acting as a trusted intermediary between…
Read the articleHow Much Can You Borrow When Remortgaging?
Remortgaging can be a great way to secure a better deal on your mortgage, reduce your monthly payments, or even release equity for other financial needs. However, one of the most common questions…
Read the articleGetting on the Property Ladder: What You Need to Prepare Before Seeing a Mortgage Broker
For many first-time buyers, the process of purchasing a property can seem overwhelming. However, working with a mortgage broker can make the journey far smoother. To ensure your broker can assist…
Read the articleDon’t Let Bad Credit Stop You from Getting a Mortgage
As a specialist mortgage broker, we take pride in helping individuals achieve their dream of homeownership—including those whose situation is more complex. Every day, we assist clients with a wide…
Read the articleNavigating Planning Delays: How Bridging Finance Keeps Your Property Projects Moving
In today’s competitive property market, landlords need fast and flexible funding options to stay ahead. Bridging finance has become an essential tool, enabling investors to seize opportunities and…
Read the articleA Simple Guide to Bridging Loans
Bridging loans are versatile and fast-paced types of short-term financing that can help individuals and businesses achieve their goals when time is of the essence. With rising property prices…
Read the articleA Simple Guide to Remortgaging: What You Need to Know
If you’re nearing the end of your fixed mortgage term, you might have started hearing the term “remortgaging.” But what does it mean, and how does it work? At Impact Specialist Finance, we’re here…
Read the articleKey Stamp Duty Changes You Need to Know Before April 2025
This month, we’re bringing you important news on the recent changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) following the Autumn Budget. These updates, including adjustments to the SDLT surcharge for second…
Read the articleSelf-Employed and Seeking a Mortgage? What You Need to Know
For self-employed individuals, securing a mortgage can seem like a complex task. Unlike salaried employees with regular pay slips, self-employed applicants often face unique challenges when…
Read the articleUnderstanding Property Ownership: Freehold, Leasehold, and Commonhold
When buying a property in England and Wales, one of the most important aspects to consider is the type of ownership you’ll be acquiring. Whether you’re purchasing a home or an investment property…
Read the articleHelp Us Improve the Home Buying and Selling Process: Take the OPDA Survey
At Impact Specialist Finance, we are committed to making the home buying and selling experience as seamless and efficient as possible. That’s why we are excited to support the Open Property Data…
Read the articleWhy an Agreement in Principle is Crucial for Your Home Buying Journey
When you’re in the market for a new home, the process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to securing a mortgage. One of the first steps in this journey is obtaining what’s known as an…
Read the articleIs Mortgage Debt Consolidation Right for You?
Debt consolidation is an appealing option for many people struggling with multiple debts, as it allows you to combine these debts into one manageable payment. One way to consolidate debt is by…
Read the articleTypes of Building Surveys Explained
When purchasing a property, a survey report is crucial for understanding the true condition of your prospective new home. Not only does it outline the necessary repairs and associated costs, but…
Read the articleImpact Specialist Finance Wins Best Specialist Mortgage Broker for Fourth Year at 2024 What Mortgage Awards
Impact Specialist Finance Triumphs Again, Winning Best Specialist Mortgage Broker for the Fourth Consecutive Year at the 2024 What Mortgage Awards Horsham, UK – July 2024 – Impact Specialist…
Read the articleHow to Save Thousands by Overpaying on Your Mortgage
Considering overpaying on your mortgage can help reduce the interest you pay and bring you closer to being mortgage-free. However, before committing to this strategy, it’s essential to ensure it’s…
Read the articleNavigating the End of Your Fixed Rate Mortgage: What Are Your Options?
As the end of your fixed rate mortgage term approaches, you might be wondering about your next steps. Transitioning from a fixed rate period can seem daunting, but it’s also an excellent…
Read the articleCommon Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Mortgage
Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting and complex process. With so many steps and considerations, it’s easy to make mistakes that can delay or even derail your plans to buy a home.…
Read the articleMastering Your Credit File: A Crucial Step Before Applying for a Mortgage
Embarking on the journey of purchasing a home is an exciting milestone. However, before you dive into the mortgage application process, it’s imperative to ensure your credit file is in top shape.…
Read the articleMortgages for the Self-Employed: What You Need to Know
Navigating the mortgage market when you’re self-employed can seem daunting. However, with the right information and preparation, securing a mortgage is absolutely within reach. In this blog, we’ll…
Read the articleWhy Do I Need a ‘Decision in Principle’ to Make a Property Offer?
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you’ll ever make. In the housing market, having a Decision in Principle (DIP) is a crucial step that can significantly impact…
Read the articleThe Rise of the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’: Understanding Gifted Deposits
Many first-time buyers are increasingly turning to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ to step onto the property ladder. For some, achieving saving for a deposit is an unachievable goal without family…
Read the articleThe Role of a Mortgage Broker: How They Help You Find the Right Deal
In the maze of the UK mortgage market, finding the perfect deal can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With numerous lenders, varying rates, and complex terms, navigating the world of…
Read the articleWe’ve Been Shortlisted – What Mortgage Awards 2024
Thanks to your invaluable support, we’ve secured a nomination for a prestigious mortgage award! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve once again been shortlisted for the coveted title of Best…
Read the articleSwitching mortgage deals at the opportune time
Looking to remortgage? Don’t assume you have to wait until your existing deal finishes before you can start the ball rolling. If your current mortgage deal ends within the next six months and you…
Read the articleThe Vital Role of Your Credit Report in Securing a Mortgage
Owning a home is a dream for many, and for most of us, it involves taking out a mortgage – a significant financial commitment that requires careful consideration and planning. One crucial aspect…
Read the articleQuick Guide to Later Life Lending
Later life lending is the umbrella term for any mortgage product aimed at homeowners over the age of 55. The flexibility of these mortgage solutions makes them suitable for various purposes, such…
Read the articleUnlocking Success: A Guide to Holiday Let Investments
Embarking on the journey of owning and managing holiday lets presents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to enter the world of short-term property rentals. In this guide, we’ll take…
Read the articleTips for Maintaining a Good Credit Score
When applying for a mortgage, your credit score is one of the most important measures of your financial health. It tells lenders how responsibly you use credit. The better your score, the easier…
Read the articleBuildings & Contents Insurance
If you own your own home, you will want to protect it, and your belongings, with buildings and contents insurance. You’ll need to have buildings insurance in place to ensure you can pay for any…
Read the articleImportance of Making a Will
Writing a Will or updating an existing one should be considered whenever there is a significant life event. You may want to review your Will when you have a child, when you get married, when you…
Read the articleThe Value of Protection
Protection insurance is a crucial safety net for consumers, offering financial security and peace of mind in the face of life’s uncertainties. From unexpected illnesses to unfortunate accidents…
Read the articleOvercoming Credit Hurdles
In a world where financial stability plays a pivotal role in our lives, your credit history holds immense significance. It can be the key to unlocking opportunities, such as securing a mortgage…
Read the articleThe Buy-to-Let Dilemma
This is a challenging period for individuals considering property investments for rental purposes. With rising mortgage rates, less favourable tax conditions, and stricter regulations, the…
Read the articleUnlocking Your Home’s Hidden Value
It’s been two years since the rising cost of living became a major concern for all of us. Unfortunately, it seems like this challenge will stick around for a while. As consumers, you’ve probably…
Read the articleComplex Income Mortgages
UK mortgage borrowers who are self-employed and/or have complex income sources, such as dividend income, or partnership in a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), often encounter significant…
Read the articleAutumn Holiday Let Insights
Autumn approaches, marking the end of a busy summer for holiday let landlords. This year, we’re seeing increased interest from property investors seeking insights into the holiday let sector and…
Read the articleNavigating the Challenges of Large Mortgages
We understand that purchasing a dream home or making a significant property investment is a thrilling prospect. However, obtaining a large mortgage comes with its fair share of challenges. Here we…
Read the articleHorsham based mortgage broker wins national award for third year in a row
Impact Specialist Finance, based in Horsham, has been awarded Best Specialist Mortgage Broker for the third year in a row at the 2023 What Mortgage Awards. The What Mortgage Awards recognises and…
Read the articleRefurbishment Finance: Borrowing options for investors
Property refurbishment loans are a form of short-term financing typically used by investors and landlords to refurbish, convert or build residential properties or commercial premises. Loans are…
Read the articleWhat are the alternatives to Help to Buy in London?
Now Help to Buy London is closed, there are still other forms of help available when it comes to getting a foothold on the property ladder in the capital. Shared ownership Shared Ownership is also…
Read the articleThere are more challenges than ever when it comes to buying a home
There’s no glossing over the fact that buying a property is tougher than it used to be. Budgets are being squeezed like never before as interest rates are at a 15-year high, low-cost mortgages are…
Read the articleCan you remortgage early?
Looking to remortgage? Don’t assume you have to wait until your existing deal finishes before you can start the ball rolling. If your current mortgage deal ends within the next 6 months, or you’re…
Read the articleUnderstanding bridging loans and their benefits
Property investors have a range of different finance open to them, each of which can work for various scenarios. If a landlord wants to purchase a regular property to add to their portfolio, they…
Read the articleFirst-time buyers: how can parents help?
Halifax reports that the average age of a first-time buyer is now 32. More and more parents are now having older children who have moved out to go to university, but have since moved back home…
Read the articleTips and advice for getting on the property ladder
Getting your foot on the property ladder can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be, once you read our tips and advice. How do you make your dream of buying your first home a reality? With UK…
Read the articleWould now be a good time to buy a house?
Would now be a good time to buy a house? That’s something many people might be asking as they wonder where UK house prices will go in 2023. According to the latest data from online real estate…
Read the articleHomebuyers should benefit from a downturn in the property market
UK house prices fell 1.5% in December, with the average house price now £281,272, down from £285,425 in November, the latest data from Halifax shows. This may not sound like much but it’s the…
Read the articleWhat does the capital gains tax hike mean for buy-to-let landlords?
Second homeowners, landlords and property investors will face a higher tax bill on their profits following changes made in last week’s Autumn Statement. The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt halved the…
Read the articleEnd of Help to Buy
The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme was first introduced in 2013, though it has evolved over the years with the latest guise seeing the introduction of regional property price caps. Essentially, it…
Read the articleHow much can I borrow?
As anyone currently looking for a mortgage knows, the chaotic scenes at the top of government have had big repercussions when it comes to home loans. The speculation over likely increases to the…
Read the articleMortgage Update – What we are experiencing
Only one word can express the start of this newsletter – Chaos! At the time of writing, many lenders have stopped lending completely and most others have increased their rates substantially. The…
Read the articleLife after Help to Buy (Views from Vida Homeloans)
March 2023 is the date set to see the end of Help to Buy . What is more, anyone looking to use this scheme must secure a property by the end of October – when Halloween is upon us. This is a scary…
Read the articleThe benefits of overpaying on your mortgage
If you are considering overpaying on your mortgage, you will be looking to reduce how much interest you pay and bring forward the day you are mortgage-free. But before going ahead with this…
Read the articleMortgage borrowers could save by switching from lender standard variable rates
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued information suggesting that as many as 370,000 borrowers could save money by switching their mortgage. This figure is down from 800,000 in 2016. It…
Read the articleUpcoming EPC changes and renovations for older housing stock
With the proposed deadline to meet the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements for rental properties only a couple of years away, many landlords throughout the UK are currently in the…
Read the articleDebunking the myth you can’t get a mortgage with poor credit
Understanding the world of mortgages can be difficult at the best of times. If you have bad credit, it’s important to remember that contrary to what you might have heard already, you can still…
Read the articleConsidering adding an HMO to your property portfolio?
Have you considered adding a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to your property portfolio? Nowadays, many landlords looking for ways to maximise yields and minimise risks are turning to HMO…
Read the articleBroker advice crucial as affordability crisis worsens
The recent announcement by the Bank of England that the base rate was to rise for the fourth time in five months did not really come as much of a surprise. With the rate of inflation at a 30-year…
Read the articleMoving into buy-to-let: How do I become a landlord?
Taking your first step on the buy-to-let mortgage ladder is as exciting as it is daunting. Paul Brett, MD of Landbay for Intermediaries has the answers to the top questions on every would-be…
Read the articleTime to prepare for EPC changes
Regulations requiring all rental properties to have an EPC rating of C or above for new tenancies come into force in 2025, before extending to include all tenancies by 2028. This has significant…
Read the articleBuy to let ‘Tax Guide: UK tax relief on finance costs’
Kent Reliance for Intermediaries has worked with EY on the tax aspects of this guide which has been created to aid broker knowledge. The full implications of the restriction to the deductibility…
Read the articleTo fix or not to fix?
Mortgage rates have been rising in recent months. The Bank of England (BoE) raised interest rates again on March 17 with the intention to counter an expected global surge in inflation caused by…
Read the articleHow can I improve my credit score?
Your credit score is one of the most important measures of your financial health. It tells lenders how responsibly you use credit. The better your score, the easier you will find it to be approved…
Read the articlePrevious credit problems and trying to get a mortgage? Don’t despair, we may be able to help
For many people, job losses, salary cuts, multiple income streams, payment arrears and the escalating cost of living such as rising energy costs and soaring consumer price inflation has started to…
Read the articleBuy to let landlords. Do you know about the upcoming changes to EPCs?
Have you got a buy to let? Are you aware of the changes regarding your property’s energy efficiency? Properties risk becoming ‘unrentable’ if landlords do not make the necessary changes required…
Read the articleTrying to save for a deposit? Don’t despair – there are other options and there are more than you’d think!
For most first time buyers trying to save for a deposit, it’s a hard slog especially when rent and other day to day expenses mean very little is left at the end of the month to put away. Doubly…
Read the articleNo need to ‘panic buy’ mortgages
No need to ‘panic buy’ mortgages just yet. There’s plenty to go around! In fact, lenders are in the middle of an amazing interest rate price war. Just in the last few days, we’ve seen lenders…
Read the articleOptions for mortgage borrowers with adverse credit
As a consequence of the pandemic, more people who have adverse – poor – credit are applying for mortgages. According to research conducted by Pepper Money, customers with adverse credit are more…
Read the articleImpact Specialist Finance wins two prestigious national awards
Impact Specialist Finance, based in Horsham, has been awarded Best Specialist Mortgage Broker and was Highly Commended in the Best Broker – Customer Service category at the 2021 What Mortgage…
Read the articleDid the High Street Bank say no? We may be able to say yes!
People often struggle to access affordable mortgages because they don’t meet the vanilla criteria of high-street lenders, but this doesn’t need to be the case for you. Our lender partners make…
Read the articleAdverse Credit? Clients shouldn’t be shamed into thinking they need not apply for a mortgage
A recent study by Aldermore Bank* showed that first time buyers are more likely to be rejected for a mortgage than they were a year ago. Unfortunately, more than two in five said that they had…
Read the articleOn Your Marks, Get Set, Buy – Getting First Time Buyers to the starting blocks
It will not have escaped your attention that lower deposit mortgages are now back which is great news, although due to their higher rates and more stringent criteria only a lucky few may be able…
Read the articleShared ownership and Help to Buy – how the schemes are changing
With changes to both Help to Buy and Shared Ownership due to come into force at the beginning of April 2021, it’s vital that you remain fully up to speed on how you may be affected by these…
Read the articleImpact provides 24h bridging offer for last-minute chain-break
The application for the £365,000 bridging loan concerned clients who were subject to a last minute chain-break, and whose vendor was not prepared to wait for the chain to be closed again. The…
Read the articleThe value of specialists
The financial impact of COVID-19 is likely to be experienced in many different ways by many different people for quite some time. This virus has changed the way we live our lives and is also…
Read the articleThe issues facing first time buyers, homeowners and potential movers!
To say that the government is currently under a substantial amount of pressure is something of any understatement. Keeping political points of view or persuasion on the sidelines, the handling of…
Read the articleYou’d use a local shop over a supermarket. It should be the same with your local mortgage broker.
Through this unprecedented time, we cannot stress enough that you should be using a mortgage broker to review your requirements and help arrange your re-mortgage to cut down your costs. Yes, you…
Read the articleA number of factors are driving activity throughout the Buy to Let sector
It’s fair to say that the money pages often tend to focus on the negative parts of the Buy-to-Let (BTL) market rather than the positive ones. I’m sure you will continue to see headlines around…
Read the articleHousing market buzzing following stamp duty tax break
The purchase market is currently buzzing. In a throw-back to some of the heady days of old, we’re hearing stories of bidding wars and properties being snapped up before they even come onto the…
Read the articleThis is a great time for First Time Buyers to take the leap
Recent changes to the stamp duty threshold have attracted a growing number of enquiries from First Time Buyers (FTB) looking to take advantage of this short-term tax break in order to get their…
Read the articleBeing self-employed should not stop you getting a mortgage
There are many concerns in the current climate relating to job security and especially how lenders look at the self-employed following lockdown with regards to consistency of ongoing income and…
Read the articleImpact Specialist Finance ‘highly commended’ in the 2020 What Mortgage Awards
Impact Specialist Finance has been highly commended in the Best Specialist Mortgage Broker category at the 2020 What Mortgage Awards, for the second year running. Now in its 27th year, the What…
Read the articleLenders attitudes to risk and operational capacity affect higher LTVs
Loan-to-value (LTV) has always played a huge role in the mortgage market, although borrowers can often be unaware of the activity swings going on behind the lending scenes and the reasons for…
Read the articleEven on Furlough, lenders may consider you for a mortgage
Just because you’re on the Furlough Scheme (or have been on it), does not necessarily mean you cannot get a mortgage. Several lenders have issued guidelines to accommodate those on Furlough and…
Read the articlePhysical valuations are back, but with conditions
‘Back in Business’, ‘Business as Usual’, ‘When we come out of this’ – all terms I’m sure you’ve heard a lot recently. I think it is now very clear to say that any form of ‘normality’ will be a…
Read the articleThis should be a time used wisely, not only to review life goals, but also financial situations
Due to the current unfortunate circumstances, we are now becoming very used to the Coronavirus lockdown. However, perhaps this should be a time used wisely, not only to review life goals but also…
Read the articleYou’d use a local shop over a supermarket. It should be the same with your mortgage broker.
Through this unprecedented time, I can’t stress enough that you should be using a mortgage broker to review your requirements and help arrange your re-mortgage to cut down your costs. Yes, you can…
Read the articleImportant Government update on purchase applications
Message from one of our lender partners and we anticipate others will also issue similar notes shortly: UK Finance has been seeking urgent clarification from the government about whether home…
Read the articleMortgage Payment Holidays, Rates, Home Working, Valuations and more … seek advice
What a difference a week can make! Testing times for us all. I want to review a few key issues this week, hence the slightly bigger column than normal! Let’s start with Mortgage Payment Holidays…
Read the articleTested in a way we’ve never been tested before”……and Bank Base cut by 0.5%
We’re being tested in a way that our generation has never been tested before. These are uncertain times and no one can predict what the future days, weeks, months will bring. The Bank of England…
Read the articleCovid-19 Mortgage Repayment Holiday Q&A
As the impact of Coronavirus is felt across the UK, you may be worried about how it could affect you and your home. With the Government announcement yesterday, that they have extended the…
Read the articleCompleting a fact find and be mortgage ready!
First-time buyer or home mover? Either way, know the process and be mortgage ready! On any new purchase, the selling agent will seek to agree a number of deadlines with you, including the…
Read the articleBridging finance can be much quicker to arrange than a normal mortgage
Bridging finance (also known as Short Term Lending) is a solution that can be used to provide fast access to funding for a number of different circumstances. Often, bridging finance can be much…
Read the articleVisits to property website up 7% on January 2019
I’ve just read that visits to Rightmove surpassed 150 million for the first time in January, making it the busiest month ever recorded. There were said to be over 152 million visits to the…
Read the articleFixed or Tracker rate? What’s your preference?
So, do you go Fixed, or do you go Tracker? A question we are asked many times every day! With a fixed rate, you know that every month your mortgage payment will be exactly the same until the…
Read the articleBeing self-employed shouldn’t affect you getting a mortgage
A large myth suggests that because you are self-employed, you will find it harder to get a mortgage. Lender criteria have changed, and many lenders now consider self-employed applicants. Yes, the financial crash took its toll on the…
Read the articleBe aware of your mortgage rate and options
In historic columns I have used the word ‘panic’ to describe the possible rush to secure a good mortgage deal before they vanish when rates rise. It’s not quite at that stage just yet, but we have…
Read the articleMortgage borrower demands are shifting!
In recent months there has been some much-needed attention drawn to customers who have experienced some type of adverse credit. Many specialist lenders and building societies are leading the way…
Read the articleAre you financially prepared for the year ahead?
And so another year begins, have you made any resolutions? If not, make one to review your mortgage! Now that the election is out of the way and we have a ‘clearer’ route to Brexit, lenders will…
Read the articleMoving forward to the challenges ahead… and Happy Christmas!
This time last year, I was predicting that we’d have got over the shenanigans of Brexit and be moving forward in to the unknown, yet positive, challenges that lie ahead. How we can be no further…
Read the articleWhich mortgage calculator do you use?
There is a wide range of mortgage calculators and affordability calculations available which will help you to find out ‘How much can you borrow?’. However, the only true response will be from the…
Read the articleLenders to help those classed as ‘mortgage prisoners’
The Financial Conduct Authority recently issued its statement around those it considers to be a ‘mortgage prisoner’. It is estimated that around 140,000 people with mortgages are currently classed…
Read the articleA large portion of the UK adult population has experienced credit problems
The festive period is traditionally a time for giving, but for some people – especially those with a family to support – it can prove to be a difficult one to successfully manage. It is a season…
Read the articleComplex deals are considered depending on the clients scenario
Actually placing a mortgage with a lender is not normally difficult. The hardest part, in the recent climate, is getting the mortgage through to completion! However, a number of lenders are happy…
Read the articleYour mortgage broker should ‘get to know you’…
Arranging a mortgage can take time. But actually, the process, regardless of whether you are a first time buyer, home mover or simply re-mortgaging, will be roughly the same. On any new purchase…
Read the articleDon’t be pressured to make a mortgage decision!
Some mortgage lenders are sending out letters to those coming to the end of their product term offering them new rates, but giving them a time deadline in which to switch. We had one customer…
Read the articleDon’t be loyal to your current mortgage provider when rates are so low, think of number one!
It really appears to be a race to the bottom! In the last few weeks, we’ve seen five year fixed rates available from 1.45% and two year fixed rates starting from just 1.19%. Obviously, terms and…
Read the articleBuying at Auction, with short term finance
Auction purchases can sometimes offer properties below market value, although there are risks, and property values can fall as well as rise. Typically, a property will be listed via an auction because it may be…
Read the articleBuy to Let trends and Landlord confidence
At the Property Investor and Homebuyers show at the London ExCel last weekend, it was a great opportunity to talk to professional landlords, as well as those looking to take their first steps onto…
Read the articleYour mortgage scenario is not out of the ordinary to us!
You might think that your scenario is out of the ordinary and maybe a lender won’t look to assist you. And you might be right, if you are purely looking at the mortgage lenders on the high street.…
Read the articleShared Ownership popular outside of London
Help to Buy has benefited from an increased profile in recent times (probably due to the impending closure date!) and this has helped more FTBs recognise its attributes – which is a good thing…
Read the articleBe prepared in advance of applying for a mortgage
When applying for finance, if you don’t appear on the electoral roll or don’t have any credit, some lenders may consider that you don’t exist, financially! This has been a hurdle in the finance…
Read the articleLooking at Buy to Let? Visit the Property Investor Show
If you are contemplating moving into the Buy to Let sector (buying a property to rent out), then I would recommend making a visit to the Property Investor Show that takes place on 4 th and 5 th…
Read the articleLooking to build, renovate or extend?
You can’t miss the vast amount of building work going on locally. In the main, it is by large property developers/builders, but we are receiving enquiries for those privately looking to build…
Read the articleBank of Mum & Dad now 10th largest lender in the UK!
First Time Buyers trying to get on the property ladder will turn to the Bank of Mum and Dad to borrow more than £6.3bn this year, according to a report from Legal & General. This equates to being…
Read the articleLenders reject 33% of customers using comparison sites
It’s always a little surprising when customers contact us for a mortgage who have been totally unaware that they have had a number of credit searches carried out following recent searches for…
Read the articleProduct innovation – Hero Mortgage, 95% Loan, Large income multiples and Help to Buy
Innovation is key in the current climate and we must applaud the lenders who are defining the way of the industry and providing mortgages for certain types of customer. The main issues currently…
Read the articleLending down, purchases up and are you suitably protected?
UK Finance has confirmed that mortgage lending was down 4% year on year in June, amounting to £21.9bn. Despite this, house purchases increased nearly 3% as 48,539 approvals occurred, compared to…
Read the articleIt’s the holiday period… but be wary of how you spend, if you’re planning to change mortgages soon.
The holiday period is most definitely in full swing and it’s precisely why I feel the need to be a pain and reiterate that whatever is spent on credit cards has to be repaid! If you are looking to…
Read the articleDon’t jump on the first offer. Always do your homework!
So, your mortgage is coming to the end of its product term. You may have fixed for an amount of time, maybe two, three or five years. And now your rate is due to change to the lenders variable…
Read the article‘Highly Commended’ by What Mortgage / Fixed rates proving popular!
Firstly, we are delighted to have been recognised and ‘highly commended’ in this year’s ‘What Mortgage?’ awards Best Mortgage Broker category. This is a great testament to the team we have and…
Read the articleAVM, Homebuyers, Building Survey – Which valuation is right for you?
With every mortgage, the lender will require to know that they are lending money on a suitable property. This will entail a valuation and normally a surveyor will visit the subject property. This…
Read the articleA computer can’t listen to your mortgage needs and requirements!
With technology taking over the world, and so many transactions taking place over the internet, it might be easy to be attracted to products online. There is so much information readily available…
Read the articleWhy use Short Term Finance / Bridging Loans?
Short term finance (Bridging) was initially used as a way to mend a broken link in a housing chain and typically used to ‘bridge’ the gap between a house sale and completion. However, bridging is…
Read the articleLenders have seen your scenario before. You may be surprised how they can help!
You have a default? A CCJ? Missed a payment or two here and there? Yes, the high street lenders will probably say they can’t help, but there are other lenders who may be able to. These days, competition is…
Read the articleSpecialist lenders also offer Help to Buy
In the eyes of many industry commentators and members of the opposition, the Help to Buy scheme sits somewhere between being the Governments greatest achievement within the housing market, and a…
Read the articleEquity Release is not right for everyone. What are the other options?
It seems to be that you can’t turn on the TV without seeing an advert for Equity Release. This is one area of the market that continues to gain momentum. It gets a huge amount of airtime and…
Read the articleBe aware of the technology around your mortgage application
There’s been a lot of talk recently about new technology, especially regarding the new ‘open banking’ opportunities and how your private transactions will come under scrutiny by lenders decision…
Read the articleTesco Bank and Which? Mortgage Advisers gone. Yet others launch new products.
Market conditions continue to cause huge uncertainty and as such, we’ve seen some lenders pull out of the market until more stable conditions return and others completely stop lending. The most…
Read the articleBuy, Sell, Renovate, Rent? So many opportunities.
There have been a number of remortgage applications recently for those looking to raise funds to purchase other properties or to make improvements to their current homes. Just around the local…
Read the articleCryptocurrency still not widely accepted in the mortgage world.
There’s been a lot of hype around the rise of ‘Cryptocurrency’. Specifically, relating to Bitcoin and other similar electronic currencies. Currently they are not regulated and their price can…
Read the articleUnited Trust Bank launch a market friendly mortgage offering. But be quick!
Let’s not beat around the bush, it’s tough out there! We have seen numerous local and national retail outlets and banks recently confirm they are to reduce their store or branch numbers as the…
Read the articleThe word to sum up these last three months is ‘uncertainty’
With the first quarter of 2019 now over, we can safely say that the word to sum up these three months is uncertainty. Already we’ve seen three lenders stop lending or pull all of their products…
Read the articleConfusion regarding Buy to Lets and how lenders look at affordability.
Last weekend, we exhibited at the Property Investor and Homebuyers show at the London ExCel. It was a great opportunity to talk to professional landlords, as well as those looking to take their…
Read the articleSelf Employed? There are options.
A large myth suggests that because you are self employed, you will find it harder to get a mortgage. Lender criteria have changed, and many lenders now consider self-employed applicants. Yes, the financial crash took its toll on the…
Read the articleWhat is mortgage affordability?
One of the most frequent questions to start a mortgage interview tends to be around ‘How much can I borrow?’. Only a few years ago, that could easily have been up to 8 x income with the minimal of…
Read the articleComing to the end of your mortgage deal? What next?
Some lenders are distributing letters to those coming to the end of their product term offering them new rates, but indicating a deadline in which to switch. We had one customer recently who was…
Read the articleAnother lender closes it’s doors citing ‘cost of funding’. Should we be worried?
I mentioned last week that the mortgage market is buoyant. And it is. However, there have been some ‘ripples’ in this with three well known lenders (in the specialist sector) closing their doors…
Read the articleSome lenders incurring delays due to some amazing deals being available!
The good news is that the mortgage market is really buoyant with good business volumes and mortgage product choice at its highest for some years. There are some fantastic rates and opportunities…
Read the articleNot all mortgage options and information is easily accessible
There’s a world of information and product availability in the mortgage sector. But not all of it is as easily accessible to the consumer as it should be. Did you know you can borrow 100% of the…
Read the articleMore changes for Buy to Let – take professional advice
Have you looked at your mortgage requirements recently? Do you own investment properties? Do you know about the upcoming changes to EPCs? Are you prepared for the changes to mortgage interest tax…
Read the articleOver 65? There may still be options
Just because you’re over 65, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a mortgage! But sometimes it can be harder to get a mortgage that is right and affordable, due to age restrictive terms, once you reach…
Read the articleWhich type of property valuation is right for you?
On every property, the lender will require to know that they are lending money on a suitable property. This will entail a valuation and normally a surveyor will vist the subject property. This is…
Read the articleCredit scoring is not right for everyone.
I haven’t mentioned it for a while, but it certainly is causing a lot of customers an issue. Credit scoring! This is an assessment on all available financial information and calculates a ‘score’…
Read the articleBrexit, uncertainty, opportunity!
Wow, February already! Time flies. It also brings us another month closer to Brexit. Uncertainty remains and nobody knows what lies around the corner. However, we’ve been through this before.…
Read the articleMortgage prisoner? There’s light at the end of the tunnel…for some.
Around 140,000 people with mortgages are currently classed as ‘mortgage prisoners’. This means that they could be with a lender who is no longer active, or a lender who has ‘bought’ a number of…
Read the articleDon’t stay on the lenders standard variable rate for the sake of it!
2019 has started as expected, with the main stay being uncertainty. Already we’ve seen three lenders stop lending or pull all of their products due to ‘costs of funding’ and ‘uncertain times…
Read the articleThank you for voting us ‘Bridging broker of the year!’ – have a fantastic Christmas!
Wow, another year gone! Time is flying by and it’s certainly a case of ‘blink and you’ll miss it’! 2018 has been pretty flat with a predicted overall mortgage volume of circa £260bn, slightly up…
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