by Brian Downton | J, Jun, 2026 | blog, mortgages
For the majority of homeowners, the end of a fixed-rate mortgage deal is already a moment that requires careful financial planning. But when global events begin to create uncertainty in financial markets, the question of when and how to remortgage can feel even more...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2026 | blog, mortgages
Global events can often feel distant and disconnected from everyday financial decisions, but the reality is that the two are closely linked. The recent escalation of tension in the Middle East has raised fresh questions in financial markets about inflation, energy...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2026 | blog, mortgages
A glance at the news over the last 12 months or so would suggest that mortgage rates are a very hot topic indeed. For the last 14 years, mortgage rates – the interest rate charged on the money borrowed to purchase a property – have tended to be low,...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2026 | blog, general
According to a recent report from Skipton Building Society, the first step onto the property ladder is the hardest. There’s no question that it can all seem very daunting for first-time buyers who want to purchase their first home. For those saving hard to get a...
by Brian Downton | J, May, 2026 | blog, general
We all like to think we’ve got life under control. A stable job, a roof over our head, savings for the future — or at least a plan to get there. But then something happens. A job loss. A health diagnosis. A bereavement. A family change. A decision you didn’t expect to...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2026 | blog, general
When people think about professional financial advice, they often picture help with tax planning, pensions, investments or mortgages. While these are all important areas, they only scratch the surface of what a financial adviser really does. A helpful way to think...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2026 | blog, mortgages
Buying your first home has become increasingly challenging. Deposits are harder to save for, borrowing power hasn’t always kept pace with property prices and affordability rules can feel restrictive. The FCA review recognises this and is exploring rule changes in...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2026 | blog, Tax
When you’re early in your career, tax can feel like one of those topics everyone expects you to understand but no one explains. Yet getting to grips with the basics now can make a huge difference to your take-home pay, your savings, and your long-term financial...
