The Help to Buy scheme has been both extended and limited. It’s been extended because it now runs to 2023. It’s been limited because it’s now only open to first-time buyers. Another new twist to the scheme is that the government has introduced new price caps for properties bought under the scheme. Only London keeps […]
Mortgage
Mortgage prisoners may get early release
The introduction of new “affordability” criteria for mortgages created the, arguably rather farcical, situation of some people being told that they could not remortgage to a cheaper deal because they could not afford it and thereby being forced to continue using a more expensive mortgage product. These people have become known as “mortgage prisoners”, but […]
What will the election mean for your mortgage?
Regardless of how you feel about Brexit, it’s probably good news that one way or another, the issue is likely to be resolved in the near future, so we can all get on with making plans for our future. Since we all need somewhere to live (as do our family and friends) this means that […]
The path to picking up your keys
When you’re a child, the first time your parents hand you a house key of your own can be a really memorable experience. As an adult, picking up the keys to your first house can be an even more memorable experience. The bad news is that it can be quite a tough slog to get […]
Are you coming to the end of your deal?
Special introductory deals can be very helpful, but they run out eventually. Similarly, fixed-rate mortgages also have a finite run-time, after which you are typically switched onto your lender’s standard product. Remember that when a financial product comes to the end of its life, you don’t necessarily just have to take what your lender gives […]
Getting help to buy
Getting “on the property ladder” is notoriously difficult and moving up it can also be quite a struggle. (In fact, even downsizing can bring its challenges, especially if you are moving to a more expensive part of the country). The good news is that there are some government-backed schemes which can make the challenge a […]