Christmas 2021 Message from Phil Clark and the team

Caz Blake-Symes • December 20, 2021

Dear Clients, Friends and Family

I started my letter last year looking at what a difficult time we had all experienced, since then, we’ve had the miracle of an amazing vaccination programme and there is light at the end of the tunnel, but obviously not out of the woods yet!

On a positive note, in terms of business I hope that you have survived, in many cases I know some of your businesses have in fact flourished. From our own point of view, Bristol, Bath and Exeter Mortgages Online have all been very busy. Early in the pandemic we changed our appointment practices to being focused on online including face to face meetings with clients on Zoom and Teams. The vast majority of our clients find the online consultations exceptionally beneficial as we can fit in with specific time scales including working hours and childcare. Meetings can be held Monday to Saturdays including most evenings. We will continue this practice although we still have our base at Henleaze House.

Back in September, we welcomed Russell Green, who joined us from being a Branch Director and mortgage specialist with Santander, after we said goodbye to Paul Kelly, who was with us for seven years. Russell is already settling in well and thoroughly enjoying the benefits of being able to offer so many mortgage and protection products, as an Independent Broker

The dramatic increase in property market values has given a huge advantage to existing homeowners in terms of equity, although first-time buyers are still finding it a challenge to find an affordable property. The mortgage market is fully operational with many new, innovative products for both residential buyers and investors.

I feel very positive about 2022 and look forward to helping you with house moves, first-time purchases, remortgages and all your protection needs.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022.

Kindest Regards

Phil Clark and all the team.

Remortgaging vs. Product Transfers Our Guide

By Caz Blake-Symes • March 17, 2026
If your current mortgage deal is coming to an end, you’ve likely started hearing the words "remortgage" and "product transfer" thrown around. In today’s shifting economic climate, making sure you are on the best possible mortgage rate is more important than ever.

Understanding Mortgage Affordability in 2026

By Caz Blake-Symes • February 16, 2026
we enter 2026, mortgage affordability remains one of the biggest concerns for homebuyers and homeowners alike. With interest rates, living costs, and lending criteria continuing to evolve, understanding what lenders look at when assessing affordability is more important than ever.

First home, faster with My First Mortgage from Santander

By Caz Blake-Symes • February 9, 2026
On 3 February, Santander are the first large lender to launch a First-time Buyer Mortgage over 95% LTV. It’s called My First Mortgage and is up to 98% LTV. Supporting FTBs is a key focus for us whilst lending responsibly.

Check out our January 2026 Newsletter!

By Caz Blake-Symes • January 19, 2026
This month’s edition is packed full of informative articles, including • Welcome and overview from Phil Clark • Base rate cut to 3.75%: what could it mean for mortgages? • Interest-Only Mortgages For Later Life. • Need Short-Term Property Finance? • What You Should Know About Second Charge Mortgages • Time to Remortgag

Thinking of Moving or Changing Your Mortgage in 2026?

By Caz Blake-Symes • January 6, 2026
Image courtesy of Freepix Happy New Year! Hope you all had a good Christmas Break and avoided the dreaded coughs and colds. I had the opportunity over the holiday to review many of the various property and finance reports available online, as well as those to which I subscribe. Pleasingly, the general tone is very opti

Season's Greetings from Phil Clark

By Caz Blake-Symes • December 20, 2025
I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2026

Base rate cut to 3.75%: what could it mean for mortgages?

By Caz Blake-Symes • December 18, 2025
The Bank of England meets every six weeks to decide what should happen to interest rates, with the aim of keeping inflation to its target and keeping the wider economy healthy. Today, Base Rate was cut from 4% to 3.75%.

House Price Index: November 2025

By Caz Blake-Symes • December 8, 2025
With the Budget uncertainty now lifted, buyers and sellers can return to making decisions about their next move. Removing the threat of a new annual property tax from 210,000 homes for sale will help revive market activity in higher-value areas. However, the lack of any stamp duty reform means homebuyers will continue

Check out our November newsletter!

By Caz Blake-Symes • November 28, 2025
Please click here to see our November newsletter This month’s edition is packed full of interesting articles, including What does the Budget mean for you? Interest-Only Mortgages For Later Life. Need Short-Term Property Finance? What is the Renters’ Rights Act, and what does it mean for tenants? What You Should Know About Second Charge Mortgages Time to Remortgage? Stunning 5-star Google Reviews! Let Us Help You If You Have Adverse Credit How to Contact Us You can also read more articles on our Blog. We hope you enjoy this Newsletter. If you have any queries, please call Phil Clark on 0117 325 1511 or email info@swmortgages.com

Budget 2025: Key points at a glance

By Caz Blake-Symes • November 27, 2025
Rachel Reeves has set out details of her second Budget since becoming Chancellor. Some measures from the yearly tax and spending plan had already been announced in the days leading up to the statement.