With the property market constantly in the spotlight, it’s understandable if you're asking whether now is the right time to buy a home. You might be reading headlines about inflation, house prices adjusting, or speculation around the economy. So here’s a clear answer. There isn’t a universal “right time” to buy. It depends on your situation. But there are facts that can help you decide. What the Market Is Actually Doing The UK property market has seen some cooling in recent months. According to the Office for National Statistics, average UK house prices rose by 5.4% over the 12 months to February 2025. That’s slower than previous years, but still shows steady growth rather than a sharp fall. In some regions, prices are holding firm. In others, especially where demand has dropped, there’s been a slight dip. For first-time buyers, this can be an opportunity to step in at a more favourable price point. What’s Happening with Interest Rates? Now to the money question. Mortgage rates are falling. After a long period of increases through 2022 and 2023, the Bank of England has shifted direction. The base rate currently stands at 4.25%, down from its recent peak of 5.25% in 2024. Inflation is easing and markets are pricing in further reductions throughout 2025. Lenders have already started cutting fixed-rate mortgage deals, with many now below 4%, particularly for those with strong deposits. This shift has made borrowing more affordable again. If you were holding off because rates felt too high, it’s worth reassessing now. Can You Time the Market? Everyone wants to buy at the perfect moment. But let’s be honest. Timing the property market is about as reliable as predicting the weather three weeks out. What matters more is your own readiness. If you're financially stable, have a deposit saved, and are planning to stay in a home for a few years or more, then short-term price fluctuations are less relevant. Trying to wait for the absolute lowest point might mean missing a property that suits your needs. I’ve seen clients delay, hoping for a drop, only to come back months later and pay more or lose the home they really wanted. So Should You Buy Now? It depends on your situation, not the headlines. Here are some things to consider: Do you have a stable income? Is your deposit in place? Have you found a home that suits your life, not just your spreadsheet? Are you planning to stay in the property for at least 3 to 5 years? If you’re ticking those boxes, now could absolutely be the right time to buy. And if you're not sure, that’s fine too. So, is now a bad time to buy? No. It’s a changing time. And change brings both challenges and opportunities. The key is making a move that fits your life and your numbers. If you're thinking about buying and want to talk through your options, I’m here to help, please get in touch .

If you're self-employed and looking to get a mortgage, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you. It can seem like lenders speak a different language, and the paperwork alone can be overwhelming. That’s where professional guidance makes all the difference. What Is a Self-Employed Mortgage? Despite the name, there’s no separate mortgage product for self-employed people. You’ll be applying for the same types of mortgages as everyone else. The key difference is how your income is assessed. Because you don’t have payslips from an employer, lenders need to see other forms of proof that your income is reliable and can cover monthly repayments. What Will Lenders Ask For? The documents you’ll need depend on how your business is structured. Whether you’re a sole trader, part of a partnership, a limited company director or a contractor, the goal is the same to show that your income is consistent and sustainable. Lenders often ask for: SA302 forms or tax year overviews from HMRC Full tax returns Business accounts Recent bank statements Most lenders prefer to see at least two to three years of financial records. But if you’ve only been trading for a year, don’t assume that means you’ll be turned down. It’s still possible to find a suitable lender if the rest of your profile is strong. Why It Helps to Work With a Mortgage Adviser Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed can be more complex, but it’s not something you need to do alone. A mortgage adviser will help you understand what’s needed, collect the right documents, and match you with lenders who are comfortable working with self-employed applicants. Some mortgage deals are only available through brokers and can be more flexible with their criteria. Having access to those can open doors you might not have found on your own. More than that, it’s about support. Knowing someone is handling the details and representing your case can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. Ready to Get Started? Being self-employed shouldn’t stand in the way of buying a home. With the right advice and preparation, you can feel confident about applying and increase your chances of success. If you’re thinking about a mortgage, get in touch and let’s talk about how we can make it happen.

If you need access to a large sum of money quickly, a bridging loan could provide a practical short-term solution. Whether you are buying a new property before your current one has sold, funding a renovation, or snapping up a time-sensitive deal at auction, bridging finance can help you act fast. However, bridging loans do come with a range of costs and fees that are often higher than traditional mortgages. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to keep your borrowing as cost-effective as possible. Why choose a bridging loan? Bridging loans are most commonly used in property transactions, especially when there’s a timing issue to overcome. For example, if you are downsizing and have equity tied up in your current home, a bridging loan can help you complete on your next property without having to wait for a sale. They are also popular among investors, developers, and buyers looking to move quickly or renovate a property that would not yet qualify for a standard mortgage. In these cases, speed is often the biggest advantage. What fees are involved? 1. Interest rate - Bridging loans usually charge monthly interest, typically between 1% and 2%. Because they are short-term loans, the interest is calculated differently to traditional mortgages. The total cost adds up quickly if the loan runs for longer than planned, so knowing your exit strategy is crucial. 2. Deposit - Most lenders will require a minimum deposit of 25% of the property’s value. Some may go higher, depending on the level of risk. A bigger deposit could help you secure a lower interest rate. 3. Product or arrangement fee - This is the lender’s fee for setting up the loan. It is usually between 1.5% and 3% of the loan amount and is often added to the loan rather than paid upfront. Larger loans may attract lower fees, but this varies between lenders. 4. Survey or valuation fee - Lenders will arrange a valuation to confirm the property is worth the amount you wish to borrow. The cost depends on the property’s value but typically ranges from £250 to £1,000. 5. Redemption fee - Once the loan is repaid, a redemption fee covers the cost of removing the legal charge from the property. This is generally between £100 and £150. 6. Legal fees - As with any property loan, legal work is required. In bridging finance, you will often need to pay the lender’s legal fees as well as your own. 7. Drawdown or admin fee - Some lenders charge an admin fee for releasing the funds. This typically ranges from £300 to £500. 8. Exit fee - While many bridging loans allow early repayment without penalty, some lenders charge an exit fee. This is usually around 1% to 1.25% of the loan. 9. Telegraphic transfer fee - This covers the bank’s cost of sending the loan funds to your solicitor and usually costs around £25. 10. Broker fee - If you work with a specialist broker, there may be a fee involved. This could be a fixed cost or a percentage of the loan, usually between 0.5% and 2, I will always make this clear from the outset. When are fees paid? Some fees, such as legal, survey, and broker charges, are typically paid upfront. Others, including arrangement fees and interest, can often be added to the loan and paid when the loan is repaid. Keep in mind that adding fees to the loan means you will also pay interest on them. How is interest paid? You can choose how to manage interest payments: Monthly payments:  You pay the interest each month, so only the original loan amount needs to be repaid at the end. Deferred interest:  The interest builds up and is paid in full with the loan at the end of the term. Retained interest:  The lender calculates the total interest in advance and adds it to your loan. If you repay early, you may receive a refund for unused interest. For regulated loans (those secured against your main home), the interest is usually repaid in full at the end. Unregulated loans offer more flexibility and may allow monthly or deferred options. What about stamp duty? If you use a bridging loan to buy a second property before selling your first, you will need to pay the additional stamp duty surcharge that is between 3% and 4% of the purchase price, depending on the location of the property within the UK. However, this can be reclaimed if you sell your previous home within three years of completion. How can you reduce bridging loan costs? You may be able to lower your costs by: Offering more than one property as security Providing a larger deposit Having a strong credit history Using a first-charge loan rather than a second-charge loan I can guide you through these options and help you decide which route is most cost-effective.   Need help with bridging finance? Bridging loans can be incredibly useful in the right situation, but they are not cheap and should always be considered carefully. If you want advice on whether bridging finance is suitable for your circumstances please get in touch .   The FCA does not regulate some forms of Bridging Loan mortgages

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Discover comprehensive insurance solutions with The Mortgage Network. Protect your family's future with competitive policies for financial security and peace of mind. Insurance We excel in identifying providers offering competitive and comprehensive cover Considering the potential ramifications if anything were to happen to the primary breadwinner is an uncomfortable thought for anyone. Yet, it’s crucial to allocate time when arranging your mortgage to safeguard yourself and your loved ones against the unforeseen. Protection products encompass policies designed to offer you and your family financial security, whether through a lump sum payment or regular income, in the unfortunate event of serious illness or death. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most popular types of insurance, tailored to suit your needs: Contact Us Book a Call Life Insurance Life insurance, whether termed as term insurance or life assurance, offers a financial safety net by providing a sum of money in the event of death during the policy term. This tax-free lump sum can be utilised at the discretion of your dependents, serving to cover mortgages, other loans, or safeguarding your family from the burden of debt repayment. The Mortgage Network asks the delicate questions – we fully assess your needs so that we can truly help you to find a life insurance policy that fits with the demands of your family lifestyle. For more information, please call us on 020 8798 0184 or use our contact form. Critical Illness A Critical Illness plan offers invaluable peace of mind by providing a lump sum payout upon the diagnosis of specific illnesses. Designed for individuals and families who seek financial protection in the event of serious illness, this plan serves as a lifeline during challenging times. Consider the following scenarios: What if illness prevented you from working? How would you and your family manage financially? With Critical Illness cover, you need not worry. The lump sum payout from the policy can be used to cover expenses while you focus on recovery. The benefits of a Critical Illness policy extend beyond everyday expenses, encompassing critical needs such as household bills, mortgage or loan payments, and even home alterations or hiring assistance if necessary. In today's world, where survival rates for many critical illnesses are on the rise, ensuring financial stability during and after illness is paramount. Critical Illness cover provides the financial boost and security needed to maintain a sense of normalcy for you and your loved ones during challenging times. To learn more about how Critical Illness cover can safeguard your financial well-being and support your family's needs in times of illness, please call us on 020 8798 0184 or use our contact form. Income Protection In today’s unpredictable landscape, safeguarding your income is paramount. Imagine suddenly finding yourself unable to work due to illness or injury, with bills piling up and no salary to cover them. Thankfully, Income Protection offers a reliable solution that's both easy to set up and affordable. Income Protection policies typically come in two main forms: Short-term Income Protection: Ideal for covering you during a limited period, such as one or two years, due to accident or illness. This form of protection ensures you have financial support to manage specific debts or everyday expenses while you're unable to work. Long-term Income Protection: Designed to provide peace of mind by offering a regular income until you can return to work or until the policy term ends. While it may not cover unemployment or redundancy like some short-term policies, long-term Income Protection focuses on accidents, illnesses, and disabilities that hinder your ability to work. To determine which type of Income Protection best suits your needs and circumstances, please call us on 020 8798 0184 or use our contact form. For accident, sickness and unemployment & mortgage payment protection insurance, we act as introducers only. Contact Us Call us on: 020 8798 0184 Or fill in the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible First Name* Last Name* Email* Phone Number Reason for enquiry* Residential Mortgage Message* SUBMIT By submitting your details in the form you are consenting to our Privacy Policy and understand how we collect and use your personal data.

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