Build to Rent Demand and Specialist Lending Expand
Handelsbanken’s Property Investor Report found that 71% of professional property investors plan to invest in Build to Rent, despite a sharp fall in new BTR homes starting construction. Elsewhere, lender activity continues across specialist property finance: Paragon has cut selected buy-to-let fixed rates, Redwood Bank has launched residential BTL bridging products, and Quantum Mortgages has […]
First-Time Buyers: Higher LTIs, Persistent Affordability Pressure
Coventry for Intermediaries has introduced lending of up to 6.5 times income for eligible first-time buyers on residential purchases up to 95% LTV, subject to a minimum income of £30,000. Ecology Building Society has also launched a Scottish First Homes mortgage, offering up to 95% LTV on eligible new-build and existing homes valued at up […]
Remortgage Wave Meets Softer Mortgage Pricing
More than one million borrowers are reported to be coming off cheaper two-year fixed deals, with an average monthly payment increase of £283 cited by Compare the Market. This refinancing need comes as several lenders, including Paragon, Principality, HSBC and Newcastle Building Society, have announced selected rate reductions; Newcastle has also added Bank Rate tracker […]
AI Mortgage Journeys: Opportunity With Guardrails
Twenty7tec has launched Steppl, an AI-ready client-engagement platform intended to let advice firms configure digital client journeys. At the same time, sector reporting points to young adults increasingly using AI for mortgage information, creating a clear demand for faster, digital-first interactions. For advisers, AI can help organise fact-finds, explain process stages, prompt document collection and […]
Specialist Lending Broadens Adviser Conversations
Specialist mortgage developments are widening the range of cases advisers may need to assess. Coventry for intermediaries has introduced lending of up to 6.5 times income for eligible first-time buyers, including purchases up to 95% loan-to-value, while More2life has partnered with Verified Building Services to address essential repairs that can otherwise prevent lifetime-mortgage cases progressing. […]
Borrowing Slows as House Prices Stabilise
Bank of England data showed net mortgage borrowing falling to £4.3bn in July, down from £7.7bn in June and below the previous six-month average of £5.3bn. Meanwhile, Nationwide reported annual UK house-price growth of 1.6% in August, with prices up 0.2% month on month. The combination suggests a market that is active but measured: borrowers […]
Rate Cuts Offer Fresh Mortgage Options
Paragon, Principality and HSBC have reduced selected mortgage rates, with Paragon cutting fixed-rate buy-to-let pricing by 15 basis points and rates starting from 3.40%. The changes underline continuing lender competition even as borrowers remain highly sensitive to affordability and future rate expectations. For advisers, AI-enabled product monitoring can help flag repricing quickly, compare available remortgage […]
AI Mortgage Advice Meets Refinancing Pressure
More than one million homeowners who took out mortgages in 2024 are expected to roll off two-year fixed deals, with Compare the Market data pointing to an average monthly repayment increase of £283. For advisers, this creates a substantial remortgage and payment-shock planning opportunity. Mortgage Strategy also highlights growing interest among younger adults in using […]