Budget Tax Risk Clouds Housing Demand
Housing demand is showing signs of stability, but buyers and developers remain cautious ahead of the October Budget. Berkeley Group has called for property-tax reform, including a proposed 1% stamp duty cap for first-time buyers and downsizers and removal of the additional property surcharge. Separately, Propertymark has warned that proposed new council-tax bands for higher-value […]
Credit Access Broadens as Deposits Stay Pressured
Low-deposit lending has reached an 18-year high share of mortgage issuance, while Gable Mortgages has added its zero-deposit range to Mortgage Brain’s Sourcing Brain platform. At the same time, Tipton & Coseley Building Society has expanded its Credit Plus range for borrowers with more complex credit histories. These developments widen options for prospective buyers who […]
Faster Remortgages Need Controlled Automation
Mortgage distribution is accelerating through technology. Barclays is reported to be introducing a fast-track remortgage journey that could issue an offer within 24 hours and complete in five days for eligible switchers, while Project 28 is working across lenders, conveyancers and estate agents to make property transactions faster through earlier information sharing. For advice firms, […]
AI Trust Gap: A Compliance Priority
FCA research finds that 56% of younger investors trust AI tools, ahead of traditional media and social-media influencers. Yet 44% mistakenly believe AI-generated financial information is regulated, 38% think it is acceptable to make an investment decision solely from AI output, and 32% expect FSCS or Financial Ombudsman protection if AI guidance proves wrong. The […]
Fixed-Rate Rises Put Remortgages First
Mortgage pricing is moving higher again, with Moneyfacts reporting average two-year and five-year fixed rates at 5.67% and 5.72% respectively after weekly increases of 7bps and 8bps. Repricing by major lenders, alongside market expectations for further Bank Rate tightening, makes early engagement with clients approaching the end of a fixed deal increasingly important. Remortgaging remains […]