Whether you’re buying a home, remortgaging or you’re a buy-to-let landlord, we look at the outlook for 2026.

Will mortgage rates fall this year?

New ‘cost of waiting’ alert for anyone looking at buying a home

Act quickly if you’re looking for a new mortgage

Mortgage deals vanish at record speed as borrowers warned delays could cost thousands | InYourArea

A broker said that it was never more important to be ready

New mortgage alert as rates and deals ‘disappear quicker than ever’

Treasury officials consider shake-up that could see tax paid by sellers of homes worth more than £500,000

How would potential new property tax differ from stamp duty and council tax system?

THE Bank of England is widely expected to hold interest rates this week, in a blow to first-time buyers and homeowners.

Interest rates ‘being handled like a slow-motion car crash’ as Bank of England to AVOID a rate cut

MAJOR lenders have been slashing mortgage rates as banks react to Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. Mortgage brokers have told The Sun it’s possible we could now see a “full-blown rat…

Mortgages drop below 4% as lenders launch ‘full blown rate war’ on fixed deals

The average home in England now costs 8.6 times a typical households’ income - with many areas now “unaffordable” for millions of people - leaving a “financial Everest they need to climb”

House prices have risen twice as fast as incomes since start of this century

Office for National Statistics data highlights property market pressures

England house prices ‘affordable’ only for richest 10% in 2022-23

Once tipped to revolutionise the market, long-term loans fail to take off closer to home

Why cautious Britons are shunning European-style mortgages

Welcome to Money, where we bring you the latest personal finance and consumer news - and the fallout from the budget. Listen to Politics at Jack and Sam’s for a budget debrief as you scroll.

Money blog: Buyers pull out of house deals ‘in minutes’ after stamp duty change

The average UK house price has come within a whisker of a new record high as homeowners raced to sell up ahead of expected tax rises in the Budget.

House prices surge amid fears of capital gains tax raid - latest updates

UK house prices rose at their fastest annual pace for two years in September, as falling mortgage rates boost the property market.

UK house prices rise at fastest pace in two years

Shares in UK property portal Rightmove have soared on news of a possible takeover attempt. What does it mean for investors?

Murdoch-linked firm considers Rightmove bid

UK HOUSE prices rose annually by 2.4% in August and are now increasing at the fastest rate since December 2022. This means the typical home is around £6,000 more expensive than what it was this tim…

UK house prices 2.4% higher than last year and rising at fastest rate since 2022

The mortgage price war has intensified with Barclays launching the UK’s cheapest home loan at 3.84 percent as banks and building societies battle to attract homebuyers

Barclays launches UK’s cheapest mortgage at 3.84% as banks battle

TWO major banks are slashing mortgage rates as the Bank of England (BoE) gears up to make a major interest rate decision tomorrow. NatWest and Virgin Money are both cutting home loan deals by up to…

Major banks cut mortgages rates ahead of Bank of England interest rate decision

This week alone Barclays, Halifax, First Direct, Nationwide and Virgin Money have all announced changes to their home deals while last week HSBC, Yorkshire Building Society, and Santander also lowered mortgage rates

Mortgage price war heats up as Barclays and Halifax slash rates

Labour have said that first-time buyers could use the state as a guarantor for their mortgages under a ‘Freedom to Buy’ scheme

Will the Labour mortgage scheme work? Who it could help and what experts think

HOMEOWNERS have been handed a fresh boost as three major lenders gear up to slash mortgage rates. TSB, Barclays and HSBC are all cutting rates on home loans by up to 0.45% from tomorrow. TSB is dro…

Fresh relief for homeowners as THREE lenders cut mortgage rates by up to 0.45%

Lenders continue to increase interest on their home loans, meaning borrowers may miss out on the cheapest deals unless they act quickly.

Major mortgage lender ups rates for second time this week

BORROWERS are being hit with a “hurricane of rises” as almost half a dozen lenders prepare to hike mortgage rates. NatWest, Accord, HSBC, The Co-Operative Bank and Barclays have all ann…

Major lenders increase mortgage rates in a ‘hurricane of rises’ - see full list


New figures released this week paint a difficult picture for tenants

New warning for tenants as they face 'extremely steep' rent rises after rule change

Santander has launched a deal with Octopus Energy

Santander and Octopus Energy praised over new '£29,000' offer


Brokers from across the UK have analysed the direction of travel

Update today 'could mean end of mortgage rate cuts' say brokers

Vacancies are now at their lowest level since 2014, excluding the pandemic

'We own small businesses and this is why we're not offering jobs'

The figures will provide some much-needed reassurance to households

Mortgage borrowers handed boost as repossessions fall

The Renters’ Rights Act came in earlier this year

New UK renting law update as landlords ‘make change’

New UK renting law update as landlords ‘make change’ - AOL

Experts have explained the detail behind it

Lloyds and Halifax announcement on Friday ‘but reality different’

Lloyds and Halifax announcement on Friday ‘but reality looks different’

Experts have given a summary of how things stand

Nationwide and Halifax changes as customers face ‘uncertainty’

NATIONWIDE Building Society has become the first major lender to cut mortgage rates after weeks of increases across the market.

Nationwide becomes first major lender to DROP rates as 1.8million face remortgaging shock this year

Nationwide has cut its mortgage rates by up to 0.19% today. 

Nationwide cuts mortgage rates - and brokers hope other lenders will follow

House price growth slowed in July as higher mortgage rates tempered buyer demand, despite continued resilience across the market. – Higher mortgage rates impact house price growth

Higher mortgage rates impact house price growth - Introducer Today

Nationwide confirms mortgage change which kicks in from Tuesday

Things are really up and down at the moment

Nationwide makes change for customers from Tuesday in ‘welcome move’

Nationwide makes ‘welcome’ change for customers from Tuesday

Experts have reacted to the latest figures

Nationwide issues new update as ‘adjustment being made’ - AOL

The building society, the UK’s biggest, says annual house price growth slowed to 1.8% in July.

Nationwide customers wake up to £58 boost on Friday morning

Nationwide issues new update as ‘adjustment being made’

Santander followed Halifax earlier this week

Everything to know as Santander confirms extra cost for UK customers

Experts have explained that it is ‘where the market is heading’

UK Santander customers told of new extra cost after Monday Halifax announcement

UK Santander customers told of new extra cost after Halifax update

Andy Burnham has hinted at council tax reform as Labour MPs stepped up calls for action.

Experts weigh in as Andy Burnham hints at council tax reform

Reports that Andy Burnham is looking to axe stamp duty have been dismissed by Number 10, much to the disappointment of property experts. 

Number 10 denies Burnham is looking at scrapping stamp duty or council tax

Mortgage experts say the levy has ‘no place in a modern housing market’

New calls for Andy Burnham to scrap controversial tax

An expert has warned against holding off for ‘the perfect time’

New ‘cost of waiting’ alert for anyone looking at buying a home - AOL

Extra borrowing power for those using Octopus Zero Bills initiative

Santander offering £29k boost for UK homebuyers - but there’s a catch

Mortgage rates saw their biggest spike this week since the beginning of the war in Iran

Mortgage rates spike as conflict in Iran escalates

The bank ‘deserves genuine credit’ says one expert

Santander and Octopus Energy new £29,000 update issued - AOL

Santander and Octopus Energy praised over new ‘£29,000’ offer

Santander and Octopus Energy new £29,000 update issued

Mortgage rates are spiking as five mortgage lenders upped their pricing in the last 24 hours in response to the escalating conflict in Iran. 

Mortgage rates see biggest spike since start of Iran conflict as five lenders put up prices in 24 hours

Sounds helpful, but don’t get carried away

Nationwide announces new rule for customers ‘from today’

The triple hit comes as fears grow over a fresh escalation in the Middle East

Nationwide, Barclays and Virgin extra cost confirmed in ‘brutal blow’

ANOTHER major lender has launched a 100% mortgage this week to first time buyers struggling to get on the ladder – but experts say you should beware of the risks.

Should you get a 100% mortgage? All the pros and cons of the deposit-free way to buy

A small number of prospective homeowners are taking out short mortgages of 20 years or less in the hope of financial independence- but is it really worth it?

The buyers taking out the shortest mortgages to be debt-free in their forties

A credit checking company has removed questions about client goals following concerns they could potentially poach clients from mortgage brokers.

Credit agency removes client questions after backlash from brokers

There have been mixed reviews from mortgage brokers on the “brand refresh” of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries.

Brokers split on AMI’s ‘updated identity’

An update from credit checking company Checkmyfile, following concerns it was “poaching” clients, has been welcomed by brokers.

Credit agency ‘clears the air’ following broker poaching concerns

NatWest has introduced a significant new offer

NatWest mortgage rule change announced - eligibility

NatWest ‘£150,000’ update in big change for some UK households

NatWest has introduced new changes for some lenders

NatWest update as it launches new £150,000 offer - eligibility

HSBC slashes rates across its residential and buy-to-let mortgage range

UK mortgage deals vanishing in days as ‘new normal’ means ‘be very quick’

Halifax has also given an update and others are predicted to follow

Nationwide makes new announcement and customers ‘should take action’

Halifax also gave an update on Monday afternoon

Nationwide customers given new update with ‘act now’ advice

It comes after a recent update regarding the conflict in the Middle East

Nationwide and Halifax confirm further mortgage rate increases

New Nationwide announcement and customers told ‘act now’

Savvy people can have ‘best of both worlds’

Expert says ‘lock in’ after major bank decision made on Thursday

Mortgage rates have risen sharply amid Middle East tensions

‘Do one thing’ message after key bank decision made on Thursday

These changes form part of a broader hit for borrowers as lenders across the board ramp up mortgage rates

Some Santander customers to be worse off after announcement

The changes are part of a wider blow for borrowers

Santander customers may be worse off each month

Services showed no growth, production fell by 0.1%, and construction grew by 0.2% in January 2026

UK economy posted zero growth in January, new data shows

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax becomes mandatory on 6 April 2026 for anyone with a qualifying income over £50,000.

Making Tax Digital 2026: Mandatory £50k Thresholds And New 5-Filing Rules For Sole Traders, Landlords & Directors

“Awareness is still incredibly low” among individuals affected, experts have said.

Thousands of Brits ‘unprepared’ for major HMRC tax rule change in April 2026

2026 is set to be a ‘booming’ year for the mortgage market thanks to falling rates and an ‘abundance’ of deals for borrowers to choose from.

Mortgage choice hits ‘milestone’ as rates continue falling - what MORTGAGE

Homebuyers now have access to more mortgage options than at any point in almost two decades, according to new industry data.

Mortgage deals hit highest level since 2007 in 'huge milestone' with 7,158 products currently available

“Now is an excellent time to buy or move,” one broker said

Number of mortgage deals available highest since 2007

Britain’s unemployment rate rose to its highest level for nearly five years in the three months to October, the ONS said.

Reeves sparks jobs crisis as number of out-of-work Brits highest in 5 years

Finally, some good news. Data published this morning showed that inflation has edged down from 3.8 per cent, falling to 3.6 per cent in the twelve months to October.

Inflation is falling: Does this mean we'll get a base rate cut for Christmas?

Both primary and secondary school pupils will learn more about the fundamentals of money, as part of a revitalised curriculum.

Financial education to be taught to schoolchildren in England

The unemployment rate has hit its highest level in over four years, ONS figures show.

Rachel Reeves ‘needs a desperate rethink’ as UK job market tanks

Average mortgage rates are on the rise for the first time in eight months, as lenders exercise caution ahead of possible tax rises in November’s Budget.

Mortgage rates RISE for first time since February as Budget fears grow

Property experts have warned homebuyers that “the devil is in the detail”.

Experts warn of 1 key detail after Kemi Badenoch pledges to scrap stamp duty

HSBC has increased its loan-to-income (LTI) ratio for first-time buyers.

Boost for first-time buyers as HSBC expands loan-to-income ratios

Mortgage brokers raised the alarm that Rachel Reeves’s upcoming Budget could disrupt the housing market.

Budget could disrupt housing market, warn brokers

Managing Director of Yellow Brick Mortgages and regular national media commentator on mortgages, housing and personal finance. Yellow Brick is the UK's #1 ranked finance brokerage on Trustpilot, with over 6,900 five-star reviews. Stephen specialises in helping consumers make better financial decisions by explaining complex mortgage topics in simple, practical terms.

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<h3>Norwich-based mortgage broker, <a href="https://ybmortgages.co.uk">Yellow Brick Mortgages</a>, today announced it has donated £11,830 from its commissions on completed mortgages in the past six months across its three local charity partners.</h3>The brokerage is focused on its ethos of giving exceptional customer service and giving back to its local community. One of the ways it gives back is by making a £10 donation from every completed mortgage to one of its three charity partners, with the client deciding which charity their application supports. In the five years plus that Yellow Brick Mortgages have been operating, they have so far donated over £75,000 in total to these charities. Their charity partners are all local to Norfolk and represent different spectrums to cater for all client preferences. They are Nelson's Journey, a children's bereavement charity, Big C, Norfolk's Cancer Charity and PACT Animal Sanctuary. Hayley Simmons, office manager at PACT Animal Sanctuary, commented:"Donations declined initially due to COVID and we are now being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. We are also experiencing high cost increases, particularly with energy bills and animal feed. As we are not eligible to receive Government or Lottery funding for the animals, we must rely solely on the generosity of our supporters. Please be assured that every donation we receive makes a difference to the life of an animal. On behalf of all the animals here at the Sanctuary, thank you for caring and for your continued support." Charitable donations are just one element of Yellow Brick Mortgages' giving back ethos, with the company also planting a tree on completion of every mortgage, providing fee-free advice to all NHS staff and spending over £80,000 on local grass-roots sponsorships, ensuring multiple areas of society are supported as the business continues to grow. Managing Director, Stephen Perkins, added:“We only care about providing an exceptional client experience and giving back to our community. We have no targets except giving a 5-star service to every client. We are delighted to continually help our charity partners with every mortgage that we complete and look forward to the amounts continuing to grow every six months. We know the charities do amazing things with the money received to the benefit of so many people and animals and wish to thank all our clients, introducers and team members, without whom such donations would not be possible. With donations being made consistently every 6 months, it allows the charities to budget ahead and plan their expenditure with more certainty, especially in the current financial climate.” Simon Wright, Chief Executive of Nelson’s Journey, added:“The continued support of Yellow Brick Mortgages is making a real difference to our work with bereaved children and young people at a time of high demand for our services. As a local charity, the generous contributions towards our work from the local community are essential to everything that we do. Nelson’s Journey is incredibly grateful for the support from Yellow Brick Mortgages, and for working with us over several years to help us to bring back smiles to Norfolk’s bereaved children.” The brokerage will make its next set of donations in January 2024 and hope to increase the amounts again at that time.

Norwich mortgage broker donates £11k to local charities

<h3>Norwich-based independent mortgage broker, <a href="https://ybmortgages.co.uk">Yellow Brick Mortgages</a>, today announced it has become a primary partner of Norwich City FC, building on a successful regional partnership that began in the 2021/22 season.</h3>The Norwich-based mortgage advisers continue to grow and will have their logo presented on the front of the men’s first team warm-up shirt from the start of the 2023/24 season. Speaking on the partnership, Norwich City head of partnerships, Jonathan Casbon, said: “I’m excited to see the Yellow Brick Mortgages brand adorn our pre-match warm-up wear this season. "Their business has seen fantastic growth during our relationship together and this is a great show of their success to date. From our perspective, it’s terrific to see local businesses progress up the partnership tiers and we’re grateful for their continued support of the club.” The newly-branded warm-up shirt will be in use during the team’s pre-season fixtures and throughout the upcoming 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship season. Fans will shortly be able to purchase replica warm-up shirts in-store and via the online shop. Also, courtesy of Yellow Brick Mortgages, supporters will also be able to win the opportunity to watch the team warm-up pitchside at selected home fixtures throughout the season. Greg Marcham, managing director at Yellow Brick Mortgages, added: “We are delighted to step up to being a Primary Partner of Norwich City Football Club and seeing our branding being worn by their first team on match days. This further grows our link with the club in addition to being their official mortgage partner, offering fee-free advice to all the season ticket holders, members, players and staff. Likewise, to be able to offer supporters the opportunity to go pitchside before a match fulfils our ethos of giving back to the local community. We have enjoyed the past few years and extending this relationship was a very simple decision for us. Looking forward, we hope the team will have a great season.” Yellow Brick Mortgages will continue to offer fees-free mortgage advice to all Norwich City Season Ticket Holders and Members, offering a saving of up to £495.<blockquote>We are delighted to step up to being a Primary Partner of Norwich City Football Club and seeing our branding being worn by their first team on match days. This further grows our link with the club in addition to being their official mortgage partner, offering fee-free advice to all the season ticket holders, members, players and staff.</blockquote>

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