First-Time Buyers and Later-Life Planning
Low-deposit mortgage lending has reached an 18-year high, while lenders including Coventry are expanding borrowing options for some first-time buyers. At the same time, reports of stronger buyer enquiries and a modest market stabilisation suggest advisers may see a broader mix of purchase cases entering the pipeline. Affordability remains the central issue. Clients using overtime, […]
Smarter Lending, Faster Remortgages
Technology is becoming a more visible part of the mortgage proposition. Barclays is reportedly preparing a fast-track remortgage service for eligible switchers, aiming for an offer within 24 hours and completion within five days. Separately, Westmarq—formerly Legal & General Surveying Services—has adopted the tagline “The marq of intelligent lending decisions”, highlighting the strategic importance of […]
Buy-to-Let Faces a Compliance Reset
Landlords face a more demanding backdrop: tightening regulation, pressure on margins and uneven rental and property-market conditions. A national landlord database is due to roll out in December, adding another compliance consideration for brokers supporting private rented sector clients. Meanwhile, Landbay has cut selected 75% LTV buy-to-let rates by up to 0.20%, and Aldermore reports […]
AI Mortgage Advice: Trust Needs Guardrails
FCA research finds that 56% of investors aged 18 to 40 trust AI tools, ahead of TV, radio, press and social-media influencers. Yet 44% wrongly believe AI-generated financial information is regulated, while 32% think they could access FSCS or Financial Ombudsman protection if AI-led guidance goes wrong. Although the research concerns investing, the implications for […]
Mortgage Pricing Splits as Market Stabilises
UK mortgage pricing is moving in different directions. Nationwide has increased selected fixed and tracker rates by up to 0.20%, while Barclays, Atom and Landbay have announced reductions across parts of their residential and buy-to-let ranges. With the Bank Rate held at 3.75% in July, advisers should avoid treating headline rate movements as a uniform […]