Property & Landlords

FCA Mortgage Rule Review CP26/18: What It Means for First-Time Buyers, Self-Employed and Older Borrowers

FCA consultation CP26/18 proposes flexibility for self-employed borrowers, older homeowners and those with past credit issues. Consultation closes 28 July 2026. What the proposed changes mean in practice.

29 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

The Mortgage Works Cuts Buy-to-Let Switcher Rates for Existing Customers from 27 June

The Mortgage Works cuts BTL switcher rates by up to 0.25pp from 27 June 2026. Five-year fix at 4.44% (65% LTV, £1,495 fee). Third rate cut in a month.

27 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Scotland's £10,000 Deposit Scheme Faces Affordability Concerns as City Prices Outpace Grant

Scotland's First Home Fund provides a £10,000 equity loan for first-time buyers. Critics say it falls short in Edinburgh where a 5% deposit is.

27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Labour MP Says Landlords' Rents Are Driving Welfare Budget: What It Means for Renters

A Labour MP blames high private rents for the size of the welfare budget, with housing benefit costing ~£30bn per year. LHA covers only the cheapest.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

FCA Proposes New Mortgage Affordability Rules: What the Consultation Means for Borrowers

The FCA has proposed replacing the current mortgage stress test with a flexible lender-set framework. LTI limits from the Bank of England remain.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Release Equity from Your Home: How Rolled-Up Interest Grows and What It Costs Long Term

Lifetime mortgage interest compounds — £100,000 at 5.5% becomes £291,000 after 20 years. Affects inheritance and benefits. Regulated advice required.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Become a Landlord: Section 21 Abolition, EPC Rules and the Mortgage Interest Trap

Section 21 abolished. EPC C required from 2028. Mortgage interest restricted to 20% relief. Higher rate taxpayers can make a loss on leveraged BTL.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Build Your Own Home: Stage Release Mortgages, Planning, CIL and True Costs

Self-build mortgages release funds in stages. Budget for CIL, VAT reclaim and a 15-20% contingency on top of build cost. Planning alone takes months.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Apply for a Commercial Mortgage: Personal Guarantees, LTV and What Lenders Assess

Commercial mortgages are unregulated. Directors almost always sign a personal guarantee. Max LTV is 70%. Prepare 3 years of accounts before applying.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Buy a Holiday Let: FHL Tax Abolition, Mortgage Rules and Licensing in 2026

FHL tax abolished April 2025. Mortgage interest now restricted. Planning and licensing tightened. Model the new tax position before buying a holiday let.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Take Out a Bridging Loan: Exit Strategy, Costs and What Happens If It Goes Wrong

Bridging loans cost 0.4-1.5% per month. Without a confirmed exit strategy the lender can appoint a receiver and force a sale. Know the total cost first.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Buy Your First Home: The Hidden Costs That Catch Buyers Out

The deposit is only part of the cost. Surveys, solicitor fees and mortgage costs add £8,000-£25,000 on top. Here is the full breakdown.

26 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Quick Buy Operators Targeting Tenanted Properties: What Tenants Need to Know

Quick buy operators targeting tenanted properties. Tenants have strong rights when a property is sold. No valid notice means no obligation to leave.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Landlord Insurance Gaps: What New Regulations Mean for Cover in 2026

Renters Reform Act and EPC requirements are creating insurance gaps in standard buy-to-let policies. Landlords should check coverage before 2028 deadlines.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

FCA: Mortgage Rule Reform Is About Better Outcomes, Not Relaxing Standards

FCA frames mortgage reform as better outcomes under Consumer Duty. Creditworthy borrowers currently excluded. Responsible lending rules remain in force.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

CMA Investigates Ryanair Over Fees Charged to Parents Who Want to Sit With Children

CMA investigates Ryanair over charges to parents wanting to sit with children. Examining whether the practice breaches consumer protection law.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

FCA Proposes Mortgage Affordability Rule Reform to Help More Buyers Access Finance

FCA consults on mortgage affordability reforms to help first-time buyers and self-employed. Stress test rules under review. Changes are not yet in force.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Child Benefit at 16: Why Parents Must Act Before Their Teenager's Birthday or Miss Out

Child Benefit stops at 16 unless parents extend before the birthday. HMRC issues no reminder. Payments continue to 20 in approved education.

25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Child Benefit: HMRC Urges New Parents to Claim Immediately to Avoid Losing Entitlement

HMRC urges new parents to claim Child Benefit immediately. Claims backdate three months only. High earners should still claim to protect NI credits.

25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Before You Buy a Leasehold Property: What You Are Actually Buying

Buying leasehold means buying the right to occupy a property for a fixed term, not the land or building itself. Ground rent, service charges and major work

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Sign a Tenancy Agreement: Clauses That Cost You Later

Tenancy agreements can include clauses that are unenforceable under UK law but which landlords attempt to enforce anyway. Understanding which clauses are v

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Take Equity Release: Compound Interest and What Family Loses

Equity release compounds interest on the outstanding loan for the lifetime of the arrangement, potentially doubling or tripling the debt over 15-25 years.

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Sell a Leasehold Flat: Ground Rent and Service Charge Disclosure

Selling a leasehold flat requires full disclosure of ground rent terms, service charges, major works and any management disputes. Problematic ground rent c

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Exchange Contracts: What Becomes Legally Binding

Exchange of contracts creates a legally binding obligation to buy or sell the property. Pulling out after exchange means losing the deposit (typically 10%)

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Buy Landlord Insurance: What Standard Home Insurance Misses

Standard home insurance does not cover rental properties. Landlord insurance provides buildings cover, liability and loss of rent protection.

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Take a Fixed Rate Mortgage: What Happens When It Ends

A fixed rate mortgage locks your interest rate but automatically reverts to the SVR at the end of the fix.

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Take a Second Charge Mortgage: Risks and Regulated Alternatives

A second charge mortgage puts your home at risk and ranks behind your existing mortgage. Rates are higher than first charge mortgages.

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Port Your Mortgage: What Your Lender Will Not Tell You

Porting transfers your existing mortgage rate to a new property but requires lender approval and a new affordability check.

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Use a Mortgage Broker: How They Are Paid and What to Ask

Mortgage brokers must be FCA-authorised and disclose how they are paid. Procuration fees from lenders can create conflicts of interest.

25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Before You Overpay Your Mortgage: Limits, Fees and Smarter Alternatives

Most mortgages allow 10% overpayment per year free of charge. Exceeding this triggers ERCs.

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read