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Rising Rates: What You Need to Know
Mortgage rates are rising again, and you may be asking why, especially when the Bank of England held the base rate at 3.75% in March. The key driver isn’t just what’s happening in the UK, but the uncertainty in the Middle East and the wider impact that’s having on global markets. The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has created significant economic uncertainty. We’ve seen stock markets fall, with oil and petrol prices rising sharply due to concerns over sup
Catherine Critchley
3 days ago2 min read


Downsizing Done Right: Protecting Your Next Move
Downsizing has become an increasingly popular move for homeowners looking to free up equity, reduce living costs, or simplify their lifestyle. Whether you’re approaching retirement or ready for a fresh start, selling a larger property and moving into something more manageable can be a smart financial and lifestyle decision. To make the most of the opportunity, it’s important to plan carefully. 1. Preparing Your Sale Your current home is likely your biggest asset, so presentin
Catherine Critchley
Mar 302 min read


How Spending Choices Affect Your Mortgage Options
When it comes to managing your finances, your credit score plays a key role – especially if you’re thinking about remortgaging. Many homeowners don’t realise that everyday spending and borrowing decisions can influence the way lenders view your financial health . What is a Credit Score? Your credit score is a record of your borrowing and repayment history, including credit cards, loans, and other finance agreements. Lenders use this information to assess your reliability when
Catherine Critchley
Mar 242 min read


Struggling to Get a Mortgage? The Effect of Inflation
Securing a mortgage can feel overwhelming, and new research shows just how common those struggles are. According to Shawbrook’s latest Home A-loan report, one in three UK adults has found it difficult to get a mortgage, with 30% trying more than once, and 13% making several attempts before finally being approved. Confidence is also low among would-be borrowers. Only 20% of people say they feel completely confident they’d be approved for a mortgage. That figure drops to just 1
Catherine Critchley
Mar 162 min read


Self-Employed: Secure Your Mortgage with Confidence
Applying for a mortgage as a self-employed borrower can feel complicated, but the outlook for 2026 is looking increasingly positive. Lenders are showing greater flexibility for self-employed applicants, and with the right preparation, securing a mortgage is becoming more achievable. Many lenders now consider self-employed applicants who can demonstrate stable earnings, and income that may not follow traditional patterns. Falling interest rates also make mortgages more afforda
Catherine Critchley
Mar 91 min read


Financial Help for Second Steppers
For many homeowners, moving to a second property is an exciting milestone. Whether you need more space, a better location, or are planning for the next stage of family life, stepping up the property ladder can feel like progress. However, it’s also a stage where affordability pressures can resurface. Recent insights from Barclays show that the “Bank of Mum and Dad” is no longer just supporting first-time buyers. In fact, half of second or third-time buyers who received financ
Catherine Critchley
Mar 22 min read


Understanding Maturing Rates: What You Need to Know
Over the course of 2026, many homeowners will see their fixed-rate mortgages come to an end. UK Finance’s Household Finance Review notes that although more deals are coming to the end of their term, many borrowers haven’t yet taken action to refinance. Some expect interest rate cuts and are holding off, while others simply feel confused about their options. If your deal is coming to an end, it’s important to understand what happens next and how to make the best choice for you
Catherine Critchley
Feb 232 min read


Profit or Dividends: How it Affects Your Mortgage
A step-by-step guide to support and inform you throughout the remortgage process.
Catherine Critchley
Feb 162 min read


Mortgage Market: Preparing for 2026
A step-by-step guide to support and inform you throughout the remortgage process.
Catherine Critchley
Feb 92 min read


A Top Tip for First-Time Buyers in 2026
A step-by-step guide to support and inform you throughout the remortgage process.
Catherine Critchley
Feb 32 min read


Remortgaging
A step-by-step guide to support and inform you throughout the remortgage process.
Catherine Critchley
Dec 9, 20253 min read
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