Many people are on fixed-rate mortgages right now, and with the current rise in the base rate, it’s a good thing because it means your mortgage will not increase. But what if you want to move now and take advantage of the huge choice of inspiring homes available, and your mortgage deal is coming to an end?

Why another increase in the base rate?
The Bank of England raises the base interest rate to curb inflation. Inflation is the increase in the cost of goods and services, or the cost of living. The idea is that an increase in interest rates means more people will save instead of spending, which reduces inflation as there is less demand for goods and services. The rate of inflation is still way short of the Bank of England’s 2% target, but the bank expects inflation to fall to 5% by the end of this year.* There are a few reasons for this. Wholesale energy prices have fallen, and the price of imported goods is expected to fall as production issues are resolved and there is less demand for goods and services in the UK.

Here are a few things you can do now:
Interest rates may be a little on the high side now, so if you take out a mortgage now, there is nothing to stop you from changing your deal in a couple of years when rates are more favourable. In the meantime, here are a few options for you to consider:

• The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme: extended until the end of December 2023, this government-backed scheme has helped over 24,000 households get on the property ladder.** Its aim is to help people with a 5% deposit, and it was launched in April 2021. Aimed at first-time buyers, it’s similar to the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which ended earlier this year. So, if you want to take advantage of it, you need to be quick.
• 35-year mortgage deals: increasing the term of your mortgage could bring down the cost of your monthly mortgage payments. You may pay more interest because you are taking longer to pay for the home you want, but a property that may have been out of reach may suddenly be in your grasp.
• 100% mortgages: saving your deposit is often the biggest challenge to getting a footing on the property ladder. With the return of 100% mortgages, you no longer have this hurdle, and that will save you a lot of time, meaning you can start paying off your mortgage sooner rather than later.
• Interest only mortgages: another option to consider is an interest only mortgage, which could lead to much lower payments. If you have a lot of equity in your home, this could stand you in good stead when it comes to buying the home you want now.
• Green mortgages: many mortgage lenders now offer more competitive mortgage interest rates for greener, more energy-efficient homes. This, combined with lower energy bills, means that you could save significantly on your monthly outgoings. This means that the EPC rating of your home has never been more important.
• Consider porting your mortgage: porting allows you to move home with your existing mortgage. So, if you are happy with the terms of your current deal and it’s not about to end any time soon, then this could be a cost-saving solution. You may be able to borrow more, as many high-street lenders offer top-up mortgages. Speaking with your broker is important, as some lenders’ rules may differ.
• There is always a way: it could be that you are in the fortunate position of not needing to borrow or are on a fixed-rate interest deal. With the huge number of mortgage deals available and inspiring choices in properties, it’s worth talking to your agent if you are determined to make your move now.

 

Browse our website if you are looking for the right home with the best possible team to guide you in any way we can.

 

Bank of England*
GOV.UK**

 

In June, average new seller asking prices fell by £82 (-0.0%).* The summer property market always heats up and then takes a little sidestep as the holiday season kicks in. However, the average price of a property coming to the market jumped in May by +1.8%, which was higher than expected.* This is yet another sign the summer property market is performing well, and now is still a good time to choose the home you want. But how does this act as a breather and benefit the market?

Buyer demand
During the first two weeks in June, buyer demand was 6% higher than the same period in 2019’s pre-pandemic market.* So if you are thinking about putting your home on the market, now is a great time to do it. Prices are still strong, and your property will have increased rapidly and significantly in value over the past few years, so you will achieve a great price.

The property market takes care of itself
It’s not always healthy for asking prices to constantly grow month after month. The summer property market is hot enough, and it’s better for it to be stable rather than overheat. A little splash of modesty reassures the market and simply brings it back to where it should be if the market gets ahead of itself.

The property market takes care of you
The market has had a lot of challenges, yet it remains resilient. As it slows in pace, this creates a much more predictable environment. This means sudden changes are unlikely, meaning you will not get caught out when achieving a good selling and asking price when you are in between homes.

Better negotiating power
When the market pauses and it’s time to make an offer, you have a better chance of getting well-calculated offers accepted. Your agent will know the market inside and out and can advise you on an up-to-the-minute pricing strategy.

Does the price really matter?
Price and affordability are very important when considering which home to buy, particularly if you are taking out a mortgage. The value of property increases and decreases slightly in the short term but always rises significantly in the long term. So in many ways, it’s about affordability, not property price rises.

Can you put a price on happiness?
Finding the right home that suits your needs and desires is important. You will most likely spend many years of your life in your new home. Your property is more than bricks and mortar or an investment; it’s a living, breathing part of the family.

The law of averages
You are not a number, and neither is your home. Each person’s home is as unique as they are. It could be that you surpass all your property expectations. Whether this is from achieving a great asking price or simply finding a home that fulfils your dreams for a lot less than you imagined. As the market stands, it’s not about making quick money but rather buying an awesome property and making the most of it.

 

Browse our properties to view the homes you could be missing out on.

 

Rightmove*

 

The early summer months are traditionally a busy period for the UK property market. It’s a gorgeous time of year to view an abundance of beautiful properties. Many people are on the move. While it’s still a hive of activity with a huge choice of homes, the property market takes a little summer siesta as homeowners take a holiday. This gives you a chance to make your move. But don’t be fooled into thinking it will last for long, so if you want to take advantage of it, you need to be quick.

View your ideal home from the beach
Sometimes getting away from it all can help bring about clarity of mind, which is very useful when you are making big decisions. Perhaps the beach or poolside is the perfect place to peruse your potential properties. And a good time to discuss your big move with your partner while you are away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Enjoy quieter roads to your new home
With schools closed for the summer, the roads become quieter, and you can drive to viewings with less stress. This means you can relax a little more and take a bit more time to enjoy your viewings. With an increased sense of calm, talk to your agent, who will expertly guide you through your potential new home and anything that helps you with your home move.

Leave your agent to sell your home while you take a holiday
Hop on a plane, boat, or if you’re jumping in the car to drive to your holiday, whatever you are doing if you have made the decision to sell, leave it with your agent and enjoy your holiday. Perhaps by the time you return, your house will be sold.

Make an offer with less competition
With fewer people around, you may be able to open the door to making an offer below the asking price and getting it accepted before others have even viewed the property in question.

It’s the perfect moving season
With more family members to assist your big move and longer, warmer days to enjoy once you are settled in, the summer is perhaps the best time of year to move. And you may be able to save some money on home removal costs with more hands to help. If you hire a removal company, you may find it easier to find the right help.

Enjoy your new home
When you have finally moved into your new home, you may still have time to make the most of it during the warmer months of the year, when utility bills are a little lower. Any outdoor improvements, from weeding the garden to adding to your outdoor spaces and simple maintenance, can become a joy rather than a chore.

 

Take advantage of the summer holidays and find the home you love. Browse our properties.

 

Rightmove*

 

Preparing your home so that you can create priceless happy memories during the summer months ensures all members of the family are free to roam and play in a safe and fun environment. It also reduces stress levels when younger members of the family spend more time at home and can become a rowdy bunch when not at school. And if, like many people, you are considering moving to a better home, keeping it in order will help you achieve your moving goals. So, here are a few tips to help you make life easier.

Create some space
A change is as good as a rest, and moving and rearranging the furniture in your home to make it safer for your little ones to play will also showcase your indoor spaces for potential buyers. It may also give you some ideas on how to make better use of the rooms in your home while clearing out any no longer needed or tired furniture and other items.

Clean and de-clutter
It’s incredible and sometimes hard to believe how much space the little things in life take up. From bottles to utensils on kitchen worktops—things that you want to be out of reach of curious children—to old mail and the never-played-with-any-more toys. Cleaning is something you will be doing a lot of at this time of year, so why not go to town and clear out the closets and give everything a good clean? This will make it easier to maintain levels of hygiene, and cleaning up after the kids will be much easier. Your home will also look and feel more appealing during viewings.

Create a list of activities
By being organised, you can plan your day to fit around viewings. This will help prevent boredom for you and your family! It also gives you the means to plan your day and break different activities into manageable chunks, giving you all something to look forward to.

Sort your outdoor spaces
These are hugely important to buyers, and they need to be safe with no sharp edges for your buyer’s family as well as yours. Creating a perfectly amenable family dining area will give you a great place to enjoy happy alfresco memories. Outdoor spaces should naturally create a seamless flow from the indoors to the outdoors. If your home is very much a family home, perhaps a tree house could mean the new owners bought two homes for the price of one.

Make the most of your garden
There is little chance the children will want to help you these days! But if they do, what a bonus! That said, even if you are not a keen gardener, you could inspire younger members of the family with interesting flowers or fruit trees. Weeding and lawn cutting are a must to make the most of your garden’s appearance, but no prizes for guessing who will get that responsibility.

Will all this help you sell your home?
Absolutely; it’s all about achieving your asking price. And the numbers in property are big, so every little thing you do adds up to make a big difference.

 

Get in touch to see how we can help your family create a thousand wonderful memories by finding your perfect house.

 

 

 

 

It’s worth talking to your agent this August as the housing market is in good shape for many reasons. So, whether you are on holiday or looking for a holiday home to buy, downsizing or moving to something better, here are a few good reasons to do so.

Every home is different
The location of your home is important, as is the property type. First-time buyer-type homes, for example, have been selling very well. But with all that said, your individual home stands for a lot too. Every home has its own personality and unique features that make it desirable to a buyer. And the chances are, if your home is in any way attractive to certain buyers, they will not be alone.

Demand for your home is strong
Buyer demand is 3% higher than it was in 2019.* It’s completely unfair to compare these figures to the unsustainable levels during the pandemic. But every cloud has a silver lining, and much of that rapidly gained equity will still be in your home. This means that if there is a crash, you are still in a good place.

Your situation is unique
The number of homeowners who own their homes outright in the UK stands at 35%, while the number of homeowners with mortgages stands at 30%.** If you are one of the majority that does not have a mortgage, you may be less apprehensive about making a move now in the face of fluctuating interest rates.

The long-term view looks good
In the long term, house prices increase, and if you are concerned about the short-term fluctuations in price, they will be absorbed by the long-term increase in the value of your home.

How much time have you invested in your property?
Many homeowners in the UK who buy a home will live in it for well over ten years. So, if you bought your home before the pandemic, you have a double layer of accumulated equity to fall back on. Many people are in this situation, and this, combined with good demand, sures up the property market.

Home movers are on holiday
With so many people enjoying their holidays at this time of year, the market may lose a bit of momentum. So often, these changes in price can come about because of seasonality. Now is a good time to get out and have a good look at the home you may want to move into. There is a lot of choice, and with the market being less frantic, you may have more flexibility when it’s time to make an offer.

Conclusion
So, what does this price change mean? Not a lot, and with years of equity, you are in a good place even if there is a sudden drop in prices. But as things stand, prices are steadily declining only slightly, which means you will not get caught out in the middle of your move. After all, you want to live in the home you want; you are not playing the stock exchange.

Contact us today to see how far your money could go towards buying your property dream

 

Rightmove*
English Housing Survey**

 

 

February provides landlords with an ideal window to conduct energy efficiency assessments before spring arrives. Winter conditions reveal how properties perform under demanding circumstances, highlighting issues that might go unnoticed during milder months. Addressing these findings protects property value, reduces running costs, and maintains tenant satisfaction.

Heating system performance

Winter places maximum demand on heating systems, making this the optimal time to evaluate performance. Landlords should verify that boilers are operating efficiently, radiators heat evenly throughout the property, and thermostatic controls function correctly. Properties where tenants report cold spots or excessive heating costs warrant particular attention.

Annual boiler servicing remains a legal requirement, but landlords should also consider system efficiency beyond basic safety compliance. Older boilers operating within safety parameters may still consume significantly more energy than modern alternatives. Evaluating whether replacement might deliver long-term savings through reduced running costs and improved tenant appeal often proves worthwhile.

Radiator balancing ensures heat distributes evenly across the property. Rooms furthest from the boiler sometimes receive inadequate heating due to system imbalance rather than capacity issues. This relatively simple adjustment can dramatically improve comfort without significant expenditure.

Insulation assessment

Winter weather demonstrates insulation effectiveness more clearly than any other season. Landlords should evaluate loft insulation depth, cavity wall insulation presence, and whether floors above unheated spaces have appropriate insulation. Properties built before modern building regulations often benefit substantially from insulation improvements.

Loft insulation should typically achieve depths of at least 270mm to meet current standards. Properties with shallow or compressed insulation lose significant heat through the roof, increasing tenant heating costs and potentially affecting rental appeal. Topping up loft insulation represents one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency improvements available.

Solid wall properties without cavity wall insulation options may warrant consideration of internal or external wall insulation, though these interventions require more substantial investment. The decision should factor in potential rent increases, improved EPC ratings, and longer-term property value protection.

Window and door integrity

Draughts become particularly noticeable during winter months, revealing gaps around windows and doors that compromise energy efficiency. Landlords should inspect seals, draught excluders, and window mechanisms to ensure properties remain weathertight. Simple improvements to draught-proofing can noticeably reduce heat loss and tenant heating costs.

Single-glazed windows in older properties represent significant heat loss sources. Where property characteristics and planning considerations permit, upgrading to double or secondary glazing substantially improves thermal performance. Even in conservation areas, slim-profile double glazing or secondary glazing systems may offer acceptable solutions.

External doors benefit from proper draught exclusion around frames and letterboxes. Brush strips, compression seals, and letterbox covers represent inexpensive improvements that meaningfully reduce heat loss whilst improving comfort.

Condensation and ventilation

Winter condensation issues indicate inadequate ventilation or heating patterns. Properties experiencing persistent condensation risk mould growth, which affects both tenant health and property condition. Landlords should ensure extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens operate effectively and that trickle vents in windows remain functional.

Adequate ventilation must balance with heat retention. Properties need sufficient air changes to prevent condensation whilst maintaining comfortable temperatures. Modern properties typically incorporate designed ventilation systems, but older properties may require sympathetic improvements to achieve this balance.

Practical implementation

Landlords should document findings from winter checks and prioritise improvements based on impact and investment required. Simple measures like draught-proofing and radiator balancing can often be completed between tenancies at minimal cost, whilst more substantial work like insulation upgrades may require planning around tenancy cycles.

Tenant feedback provides valuable insights into property performance during winter months. Properties where tenants report high heating costs or comfort issues warrant investigation even if no obvious defects are apparent. Understanding actual performance helps target improvements effectively.

Looking ahead

Completing energy efficiency checks during winter ensures properties enter spring in optimal condition. Improvements identified now can be scheduled for implementation during milder weather or planned around tenancy changes, ensuring properties remain competitive in an increasingly energy-conscious rental market.

Properties demonstrating good thermal performance and manageable running costs increasingly attract quality tenants willing to commit to longer tenancies, making winter energy efficiency checks a worthwhile investment in portfolio performance.

Schedule your winter property efficiency check

Buy-to-let mortgage rates have decreased substantially over the past year, with current rates around 4.84% compared to 5.51% twelve months ago according to industry data. This significant reduction creates opportunities for landlords considering portfolio expansion, though multiple factors beyond financing costs require careful evaluation.

Rate improvements enhance affordability

The decrease from 5.51% to 4.84% represents meaningful monthly payment reductions on typical buy-to-let mortgages. On a £200,000 mortgage, this rate difference saves approximately £90–100 monthly, or over £1,000 annually. These savings directly improve rental yields and make marginal acquisitions more financially viable.

Lower rates also mean properties that barely met rental coverage requirements at higher rates now exceed lender criteria more comfortably. This expanded eligibility allows landlords to consider properties previously excluded by affordability calculations.

However, current rates remain substantially higher than historic lows seen several years ago. Landlords should base decisions on sustainable returns at today’s rates rather than assuming a return to ultra-low borrowing costs.

Assessing portfolio expansion strategically

Improved financing alone doesn’t justify acquisitions. Review whether your existing portfolio performs optimally before adding properties. Underperforming assets requiring attention shouldn’t be ignored whilst pursuing new purchases.

Consider your capacity to manage additional properties effectively. Each acquisition increases administrative workload, maintenance demands, and regulatory compliance. Expanding beyond your management capacity risks undermining returns across the entire portfolio.

Financial reserves remain essential. Maintain adequate buffers for void periods, unexpected repairs, and regulatory changes before committing to further purchases. Overleveraging during favourable rate periods increases vulnerability if conditions shift.

Property selection criteria matter more

Lower mortgage rates improve returns across the board, but core investment principles remain unchanged. Properties in strong locations with consistent rental demand, good condition, and positive long-term prospects deliver the best outcomes regardless of financing costs.

Avoid purchasing marginal properties simply because borrowing has become cheaper. Assets in declining areas, those requiring extensive renovation, or properties with inherent letting challenges remain weak investments even with improved mortgage terms.

Energy efficiency is increasingly critical. Properties with poor EPC ratings face growing regulatory pressure and reduced tenant demand. Prioritise homes that already meet, or can be easily upgraded to, minimum EPC C standards expected by 2030.

Rental market context provides essential perspective

Portfolio expansion decisions must reflect current rental market conditions as well as financing improvements. Rental growth moderating to its lowest level since 2018 means income forecasts should be conservative rather than relying on rapid rent increases.

Areas with balanced supply and demand, diverse employment bases, and stable tenant demographics offer more reliable rental prospects than markets dependent on single industries or experiencing oversupply.

Tax implications require careful calculation

Property income tax rates are scheduled to increase to 22%, 42%, and 47% from April 2027. Assess new acquisitions using these future tax rates rather than current levels. Properties that appear viable now may become marginal once higher taxes apply.

Consider whether purchasing through a limited company offers advantages over personal ownership. Professional tax advice is invaluable when planning expansion, ensuring structures are optimised before completion.

Alternative strategies beyond acquisition

Lower mortgage rates also create opportunities to improve existing portfolios through remortgaging. Refinancing high-rate loans on current properties may deliver better returns than purchasing additional assets.

Upgrading existing properties through energy efficiency improvements, modernisation, or reconfiguration can increase rental income and reduce voids while avoiding stamp duty and acquisition costs.

Making informed decisions

Improved buy-to-let mortgage rates present genuine opportunities but do not guarantee success. Combine favourable financing with disciplined property selection, realistic rental assumptions, prudent tax planning, and honest assessment of your management capacity.

Properties bought at lower rates but in poor locations or beyond your ability to manage will disappoint. Well-chosen assets in strong markets with professional oversight can deliver solid returns even if financed at less-than-perfect rates.

Contact us to explore portfolio expansion opportunities

Property market seasonality traditionally placed spring's start firmly in March, with April and May representing peak activity periods. However, recent years show this timeline shifting earlier, with February increasingly exhibiting spring market characteristics. Understanding why this change occurs and what it means for market participants helps buyers and sellers strategise effectively.

Digital research drives earlier activity

Online property portals have fundamentally changed how people search for homes. Buyers now research extensively online before arranging physical viewings, meaning serious searches begin weeks before contacting agents or viewing properties.

During January, buyers browse listings, research areas, compare prices, and shortlist potential properties from the comfort of home. By February, initial research completes and activity shifts from online browsing to active viewing and offer-making. This digital research phase essentially moves the market timeline forward.

Financial preparation happens earlier

Buyers increasingly arrange finances before serious property searches, obtaining mortgage agreements in principle, checking credit scores, and calculating budgets during the quiet period. January provides ideal timing, allowing buyers to enter the market in February fully prepared to act decisively when finding suitable properties.

Sellers list earlier strategically

Savvy sellers recognise that listing before competition intensifies provides advantages. February listings capture attention from prepared buyers without competing against the flood of properties arriving in March and April. Estate agents encourage early listing, noting that February properties often achieve faster sales and better prices.

Weather becomes less relevant

Modern marketing relies on professional photography, floor plans, and virtual tours, reducing the impact of weather during viewings. Buyers prioritise finding suitable homes over waiting for perfect conditions, aided by hybrid working, flexible viewings, and understanding that searches take months.

Tax year considerations create urgency

The tax year ending in early April creates timing pressures for some buyers and sellers. First-time buyers maximising Lifetime ISA contributions or sellers timing capital gains often need transactions progressing by February to complete in April. Complex chains or extended conveyancing further push activity earlier.

Supply and demand dynamics shift

As more buyers begin searches in February, sellers benefit from strong demand before competition peaks. Properties listed now commonly receive multiple offers and sell within similar timeframes to traditional March listings, demonstrating genuine earlier buyer demand.

Regional variations exist

The February surge is more pronounced in commuter towns and areas with professional buyers. Rural or retirement locations sometimes follow traditional seasonal patterns, where weather and lifestyle factors still influence timing. Understanding local trends helps inform effective buying and listing strategies.

What this means for market participants

Buyers searching in February access properties before competition intensifies, securing homes earlier and benefiting from sellers' full attention. Sellers listing in February capture motivated buyers without competing against numerous alternatives, often progressing to offers before spring's traditional peak activity.

Looking ahead

Earlier market activity appears permanent, driven by digital tools, changed working patterns, and strategic understanding. February increasingly represents spring market conditions, with buyer activity, listing numbers, and transaction volumes resembling March's traditional patterns. Recognising and acting on this shift gives strategic advantages over participants waiting for outdated timelines.

Contact us to discuss timing strategies for your buying or selling plans

February 2026 brings mortgage market adjustments that directly impact buyers planning moves throughout the year. Lender competition, product innovations, and shifting criteria all influence your financing options and purchasing strategies. Understanding these developments helps you position yourself advantageously in the spring property market.

Lender competition intensifies for spring

February sees lenders launching competitive products targeting spring buyers. Banks and building societies recognize that increased buyer activity during March through May creates opportunities to gain market share through attractive rates and flexible criteria.

This competition benefits buyers willing to shop around thoroughly. Rate differences between lenders for similar products can reach 0.3–0.5%, translating to substantial savings over mortgage terms. February represents optimal timing to compare products comprehensively before committing to specific lenders.

Product criteria evolving

Lenders continue refining their lending criteria based on economic conditions and competitive positioning. Some relax income multiples slightly for buyers with strong credit profiles and substantial deposits, whilst others adjust how they assess affordability for self-employed applicants or those with complex income structures.

February updates often include changes to how lenders treat bonus income, rental income from existing properties, or second jobs. If previous mortgage applications struggled with income verification, February's updated criteria might improve your borrowing capacity with different lenders.

Fixed rate product availability improves

February sees increased availability of longer-term fixed rate products. Ten-year fixes, whilst still commanding premiums over shorter terms, become more competitively priced as lenders balance security offerings against rate competitiveness.

For buyers prioritizing payment certainty through extended periods, these longer fixes provide protection against potential rate increases over the coming decade. Consider whether premium rates on longer fixes justify extended certainty based on your likely ownership duration.

First-time buyer focus continues

Lenders maintain strong focus on first-time buyer segments through February. Products accepting 5% deposits remain widely available, though smaller deposits mean higher rates and potentially stricter income verification.

Some lenders offer cashback incentives, free valuations, or reduced legal fees specifically for first-time buyers during spring campaigns. Shared ownership products also see enhanced availability, allowing purchase of property percentages with smaller deposits whilst renting remaining portions.

Timing considerations for rate locks

February rate environments inform decisions about when to lock mortgage rates. Rates secured now typically remain valid through property searches and purchases completing within three to six months, protecting you from potential increases.

For buyers with accepted offers, lock rates immediately unless there are strong reasons to anticipate imminent decreases. Rate certainty provides peace of mind throughout completion processes.

Remortgage considerations

Existing homeowners with fixed rates expiring during 2026 should begin exploring remortgage options in February. Many lenders allow rate reservations up to six months before current deals expire, protecting from potential increases whilst maintaining flexibility if better offers emerge.

Switching lenders often provides better rates than product transfers with existing lenders, though early repayment charges must be considered if your current fix hasn't fully expired.

Planning your mortgage strategy

Use February's developments to inform comprehensive mortgage strategies for your 2026 move. Obtain agreements in principle, understand your maximum borrowing capacity, and identify which lenders suit your circumstances best.

Consider consulting mortgage brokers who access whole-of-market products and understand which February updates benefit your specific situation most. Their expertise navigating complex lending landscapes proves valuable in competitive markets where nuanced criteria differences and promotional offerings exist.

Contact us to explore February's mortgage opportunities