BTL Stays Resilient, Risks Rise
Buy-to-let lenders are cutting selected rates, and analysis suggests gross yields have reached their highest level in more than 15 years. Industry commentary nevertheless points to a market that is professionalising under pressure from the Renters’ Rights Act, changing funding conditions and tougher operating costs, rather than simply expanding unchecked. For advisers, this reinforces the […]
First-Time Buyers Face New Options
The proposed Your First Home scheme has drawn attention for its 2.5% deposit requirement and government-backed equity loan of up to 20% of a property’s value. Yorkshire Building Society data also points to continued first-time-buyer resilience despite affordability pressures and wider economic uncertainty. Advisers should prepare for demand by building a consistent fact-find around deposit […]
AI Moves Into Mortgage Decisions
Gen H has introduced automated valuation models at decision-in-principle stage to provide initial property approval, while Molo has adopted Rightmove valuation technology through its origination system. FintechOS has also demonstrated AI-enabled workflows intended to reduce friction across mortgage applications and broker operations. The practical implication is that faster property checks, document handling and case triage […]
Rate Cuts Revive Mortgage Competition
HSBC and NatWest have reduced selected residential, buy-to-let, existing-customer and additional-borrowing rates, while Foundation has cut parts of its buy-to-let and holiday-let range. NatWest’s announced pricing includes a 5.04% two-year purchase fix and a 4.98% five-year fix, illustrating a more competitive tone after recent market volatility. Advisers should avoid treating isolated repricing as a broad […]
High-LTI Rules Reset Mortgage Advice
The FCA and PRA have confirmed the permanent removal of the firm-level 15% cap on high loan-to-income mortgage lending, while retaining an overall market limit. This gives lenders more room to serve borrowers whose incomes support higher borrowing, particularly first-time buyers facing high house-price-to-earnings ratios. For advisers, the change is an opportunity rather than a […]