Base rates have not moved from their historically low levels of 0.5% since March 2009. But it is looking increasingly likely that rates are going to change with the Governor of the Bank of England dropping heavy hints that rates…
Looking at your home as an investment
For many people, the house they own and live in is their biggest asset. But should we look at it as our home or an investment? You will find people who have made massive gains through the property boom…
Time to Remortgage
Interest rates remain low with some tracker rates having fallen to around 1% so it is worthwhile checking on your existing mortgage to see if you are paying too much. It is possible that you could be paying your lenders…
The Help to Buy ISA
The headline announcement in the March budget with regards to housing was the introduction of a help to buy ISA. The scheme has been designed to tackle low interest rates on the high street for first time buyers. It allows…
The Help to Buy 2 Clock is Ticking
The second phase of help to buy has enabled nearly 100,000 to buy a home since it’s launch. It has allowed a greater number of lenders to come into the 95% loan-to-value market, meaning customers have more choice. There…
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage With My Pension?
With pension freedoms just around the corner which includes the over 55’s having access to pension funds, the question for many is; should the pension be used to pay off their mortgage? As with all financial decisions what you…
Spring Clean Your Finances and Remortgage
The cost of mortgages has never been lower so it is worth reviewing your loan arrangements as it is possible you could make significant savings. To begin with borrowers need to understand how their own mortgage works before looking at…
The Unlocking of Pensions
Pensions have always been one of the most inflexible financial products. At the moment you can’t usually get access to them until you reach age 55, and at that point you are able to take a 25% tax free lump…
Is Now The Right Time to Enter the Buy-to-Let Mark
The buy-to-let sector has grown considerably over the last few years having grown consistently since 2006. The Council of Mortgage Lenders figures show that in June 2006 6% of mortgages were buy-to-let but by the end of 2014 the figure…
Don’t Take Notice of the New Year Predictions
It is this time of year when many of those in the mortgage and investment markets start polishing their crystal balls and telling you what is going to happen over the next twelve months #WillTheRealMysticMegPleaseStandUp. In the mortgage world,…