by Brian Downton | J, Dec, 2016 | blog, mortgages
With rising house prices outpacing income an increasing number of young people will borrow from parents and family in order to get onto the property ladder. The 10th largest mortgage lender The combined amount which parents and grandparents will be prepared to gift or...
by Brian Downton | J, Nov, 2016 | blog, mortgages
When you think about your dream home – the one you can see yourself growing old in – what do you imagine it looks like? A modern architectural masterpiece built of glass and metal, or something more old-fashioned and cosy? If you asked your friends and family what...
by Brian Downton | J, Oct, 2016 | blog, mortgages
Thousands of people with interest-only mortgages expiring this year do not have a repayment plan – putting their homes at serious risk of repossession. 40,000 interest-only mortgages are set to mature in 2016, but experts suggest that only half of these homeowners...
by Brian Downton | J, Oct, 2016 | blog, mortgages
European legislation introduced in March 2016 created a new category of Buy to Let lending: Consumer Buy to Let. Its principal aim is to distinguish borrowers who become landlords by accident and therefore require consumer protection, from experienced landlords...
by Brian Downton | J, Aug, 2016 | blog, mortgages
European legislation hits the UK mortgage market Back in March 2011 the European Commission proposed a new directive on credit agreements for consumers secured on property, referred to as the European Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD). The new rules came into force on...
by Brian Downton | J, Jun, 2016 | blog, mortgages
In last year’s Summer Budget, George Osborne announced changes to the way landlords can claim tax relief on their mortgage finance costs. In his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor then announced proposed changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax on properties purchased for Buy to...
by Brian Downton | J, Apr, 2016 | blog, mortgages
The Bank of England (BoE) last increased the base rate in July 2007 and interest rates hit rock bottom in March 2009. This has meant over 1.75 million UK homeowners have never faced a rise in the BoE base rate. Mortgage payments around 18% of income During 2014 these...
by Brian Downton | J, Feb, 2016 | blog, mortgages
Your current home may well be the place where some of your happiest memories were created. Realistically, however, downsizing may be an excellent way of financing many more. Here are some points you should consider on the topic. Why should I downsize my home? Home may...
