Mortgage rates have been a major concern for homeowners and buyers over the past few years. However, early signs in 2026 suggest the mortgage market may be turning a corner. With several lenders beginning to reduce rates, competition is returning and borrowers may soon benefit. What Is a Mortgage Rate War?A mortgage rate war happens when lenders compete aggressively on pricing to attract business. This often leads to lower interest rates, more attractive products, and increased choice for borrowers. It usually occurs when lenders feel more confident about inflation, funding costs, and future interest rate expectations. Why This Is Good News for BorrowersIncreased competition typically benefits homeowners, buyers, and remortgage clients. Borrowers may see better fixed-rate options, improved affordability, and more flexible products. For those nearing the end […]
With the cost of living still biting and interest rates higher than many of us are used to, more homeowners are asking the same question:“How can I reduce my monthly outgoings without losing the great rate on my current mortgage?”For some people, a second charge mortgage – especially when used for debt consolidation – can be one way to do just that.In this blog, I’ll explain what a second charge is, how debt consolidation works, and share how I recently helped a homeowner in Castle Cary cut their monthly payments by around £1,000 a month.What is a Second Charge Mortgage?A second charge mortgage (sometimes called a “secured loan” or “second mortgage”) is a loan that’s secured against your property, just like your main (first charge) mortgage, in addition […]
Thinking about a mortgage in Castle Cary? Here’s what you need to knowCastle Cary is one of those places people visit once and then start searching Rightmove on theway home. A proper Somerset market town, it has characterful old streets, a busy high street,weekly markets and that all-important train station with direct links to London Paddington –making it popular with both locals and commuters.If you’re looking to buy, remortgage or invest in Castle Cary or the surrounding villages, hereare a few key things to consider.
By Jamie Cullen, Director ‒ Cullen Financial Services Current Market Snapshot in Sherborne (Dorset)If you’re looking at mortgages or property in the DT9 area of Sherborne, here are some of the most relevanttrends: What This Means For Borrowers & SellersBuyers: The market is steady, offering opportunities to purchase without inflated premiums. Mortgageaffordability checks remain tight, so securing a fixed rate can provide peace of mind.Sellers: With modest growth, realistic pricing is key. Well-presented, competitively priced homes still movequickly. Local Market Drivers & Trends Jamie’s Advice for Clients of Cullen Financial Services Final ThoughtsSherborne remains a desirable and stable market. While growth is more moderate, this environment suitsinformed buyers and sellers. Whether you’re remortgaging, moving, or buying, expert mortgage advicehelps you act with confidence. Jamie CullenDirector ‒ Cullen Financial […]
More people than ever are approaching retirement with outstanding debts or planned expenditure that they currently do not have the funds to sustain Equity release from your home is an option to provide you with the funds for this, however increasing options have recently come to the market that give a wider range of choice. Because of this, identifying which option suits you best is where a qualified later life adviser can help you make the right decision for you, now and ongoing. Don’t tie your retirement to your existing debts Over a third of people due to finish work this year will retire with an average debt of £17,000 according to Key. How to structure the current debt and meet any additional spending in the early years […]
If you currently are on a fixed rate mortgage deal don’t fall into your lenders SVR “trap”, act now before your fixed rate mortgage deal ends Anyone who fails to switch from their current fixed rate deals to a new deal is likely to see their monthly mortgage cost to rise by at least £100, as their lender switches them automatically onto their standard variable rate. By contacting an independent mortgage adviser they could benefit from the current market competition, where current fixed rates are lower than for a long time and for a longer fixed rate period. Switch With Us Before Leaving Your Fixed Period To Save Borrowers who fail to review their options will be automatically moved onto the standard SVR which vary significantly, with many of […]
More than 20% of mortgage applications from self employed applicants are rejected, one in four have been turned down more than four times As an experienced Mortgage broker, we have dealt with countless self employed applications and knows the common pit falls where going it alone can extend and even completely halt the process. Using a mortgage broker takes the guess work and heart ache out of the process as a self-employed applicant. There are nearly 5m self employed and many are looking for a mortgage either for a new purchase or to capitalise on the lower rates available in todays competitive market. The main reasons for rejection of applications are: Take the guess work out of your mortgage application and get it done right The way people […]
Is Borrowing From Parents The Best Mortgage Route For First Time Buyers? The Bank of Mum and Dad is projected to be a top 10 lender for first time buyers in 2020, however the good news is that some options currently available on the market might cost parents no cash at all. Lenders are appreciative that the rise in the average parental contribution in 2019 of £21,600 is beyond the reach of many parents therefore alternative products are coming to market to help first time buyers get onto the housing ladder without this level of outlay required. Financing Your First Home’s Mortgage With the increasing cost of buying a first home many parents are looking at ways to help this become a reality through providing a part of […]
Tis’ The Season For Lower Mortgage Rates If you currently are on a fixed rate mortgage deal act now to grab some sensational fixed rate mortgage deals. Speculation on interest rates and the sluggish market due to the uncertainty over Brexit means that lenders are cutting prices, even ahead of expected interest rate cuts by the Monetary Policy Committee. Now is the perfect time to contact your local independent mortgage adviser to see how much you can benefit from the current competition. How The Current Mortgage Market Benefits You The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, meeting on the 6th November 2019 voted 7-2 to keep interest rates unchanged last week. The interesting part is that the dissenting two voted for an immediate rate cut. This will be […]
Landlords Can Potentially Save Hundreds Of Pounds Per Month Thanks To The Greatest Range Of Buy To Let Mortgages For Years Interest rates are generally low, however what is more important is that more high street lenders are willing to consider Buy To Let applicants that they wouldn’t have in the past, and at very attractive rates. There are currently in excess of 2,000 Buy To Let Mortgage products on the market, an increase of 25% over the last year. With this choice comes potential monthly cost savings and deals that previously wouldn’t have worked for some landlords, therefore potentially unlocking them from unattractive deals. Latest Independent Buy To Let Mortgage Advice An independent Mortgage Adviser, such as Cullen Financial Services Ltd, with extensive knowledge and experience in […]