The UK housing market in 2024: key trends and future forecasts

The performance of the UK housing market in 2024 has largely exceeded many people's expectations, although challenges remain for first-time buyers due to house prices increasing and a testing rental market for many. Regional disparities, such as the North-South divide, also continue to influence ho…

Allyship in action

Allyship is a vital component in advancing diversity and inclusion efforts, as it involves using our privilege to support underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those within the neurodiversity spectrum. By actively participating in DEI initiatives and mentoring, allies help norma…

What’s shaping the UK economy in the next six months?

With a new Labour government in place, an autumn budget and the US election fast approaching, the old suspects of inflation and tax rises still generating much debate, there’s plenty to discuss from an economic standpoint.  To help break down this complex economic landscape and explore its implica…

Exploring the protection conversation

During a cost of living crisis, the additional expense of life insurance, critical illness, income protection and even protecting a mortgage may seem like an unnecessary burden for homeowners. However, this protection is arguably more crucial than ever. According to ONS figures, 2.5 million people…

What mortgage brokers really need to know about AI

Machine learning in finance, the adoption of AI and technology regulation are all hot topics in their own right. Then throw into the mix the potential of automated mortgage advice and what an AI mortgage broker may look like and it's little wonder that intermediary firms across the UK are consideri…

Green mortgages explained

So, what are green mortgages? Green mortgages come in many different forms, but all aim to incentivise buyers in the purchase of energy efficient homes or make energy-related improvements. Through increased innovation and rising environmental awareness, green mortgage products are being launc…

How to adapt your business in an ever-changing world

Mortgage brokers have long been experts in dealing with new challenges. Be this in the form of regulation, technology – especially AI –, a worldwide pandemic, rising interest rates and heightened cost of living pressures. That’s quite a list, but it still doesn’t cover a fraction of the questions …

How to help clients when they have more money than expected

In recent times, there’s been much talk around the financial challenges facing the UK population. However, it’s important to remember that financial circumstances can also improve. Additional, and often unexpected, funds can come in differing forms such as inheritance, insurance payout(s) or even …

What’s next for buy-to-let?

The buy-to-let market has undergone some major challenges and changes in recent years, all of which have impacted landlords and property investors to varying degrees. Rental yield has long been a vital component within landlord calculations but another increasingly important consideration in recen…

Help to buy alternatives

For almost 10 years, the Help to Buy scheme proved incredibly successful in helping over a quarter of a million borrowers across the UK to buy a home. But, with this scheme now having ended in England and Scotland, this leads to the question of what – if anything – can replace it. In the latest ep…