News

The Government plans to replace the Lifetime ISA with a new savings account designed solely to help first-time buyers purchase a home. But several important details, including the bonus and property price limit, have yet to be decided1. First-time buyers could eventually be offered a new, more flexible way to save for a deposit under…

A mortgage can run for decades, but a household’s income can change overnight. Illness, a serious diagnosis, redundancy and death create different financial problems, and no single insurance policy necessarily covers them all. Most homeowners understand the need to insure the building they live in. Buildings insurance is commonly required under the terms of a…

More than five million households are expected to face higher mortgage repayments by the end of 2028, according to the Bank of England. For homeowners approaching the end of a fixed deal, starting early could provide more time, more options and greater certainty1. Millions of homeowners may need to prepare for an increase in their…

Britain’s latest heatwave has left many households struggling with sleepless nights, overheated bedrooms and homes that take hours to cool down. As periods of extreme heat become a more important consideration, buyers may need to think differently about what makes a property comfortable, efficient and affordable. For generations, British homes have been designed primarily around…

When the UK experiences a heatwave, most of the attention understandably turns to health, hydration and staying cool. That should always come first. Hot weather can affect everyone, particularly older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions1. However, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can also create risks around the home.…

Buying or selling a home should be one of life’s exciting milestones. Too often, however, it becomes one of the most stressful. A buyer finds a property, agrees a price, starts the mortgage process, pays for legal work and waits for everything to move forward. A seller accepts an offer, begins making plans and may…

The rules around getting a mortgage could change if new proposals from the Financial Conduct Authority are approved1. The Financial Conduct Authority, also known as the FCA, regulates the UK mortgage market and sets rules that lenders must follow. Its latest Mortgage Rule Review is looking at whether parts of the current system could be…

There have been encouraging signs in the mortgage market recently, with a number of lenders reducing selected mortgage rates. This does not mean that every mortgage rate has fallen, or that every borrower will automatically be able to access a lower rate. Mortgage pricing changes regularly and the rate available to you will depend on…

Britain’s record-breaking May heatwave has sent families into gardens, parks and beaches, with barbecues lit, patio doors left open and garden furniture brought out for the summer1. But while the sunshine has been welcomed by many, homeowners are being urged to check whether their home insurance is ready for the risks that can come with…

If your mortgage deal ends later this year, or in early January 2027, now could be the time to start looking at your options. For many homeowners, the mortgage is the largest monthly bill they pay. Yet it is also one of the financial products most likely to be left until the last minute. That…