Christmas 2022 message from Phil Clark

Caz Blake-Symes • December 19, 2022

Dear Clients, friends and family

I hope this Christmas message finds you well and keeping warm.

Over the past two years, my messages have started with observations about the strange times that we were living in, due to the effects of Covid and the pandemic. I was hoping that this year’s message would be composed after a year of positive stability- how wrong I was!

The early months of 2022 saw continued growth in the property market and the mortgage product choice increasing for all borrowers including, house movers and first-time buyers, those looking to remortgage and innovative products for investors. Then all dramatically changed with the Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng “mini-budget”. We are all aware of the impacts, but as a mortgage broker, the initial panic of everyone trying to remortgage, in many cases early, with clients paying early redemption charges, was followed by a period of uncertainty and lack of confidence in committing to a mortgage restructure of any type.

The housing market, although more challenging, has not crashed as predicted, despite Estate Agents and Developers reporting a slow-down in sales. There are a considerable number of new-build developments especially around the Bristol area, and shared-ownership is still a popular option. The government backed Help to Buy loan guarantee scheme has now finished, which is disappointing for many first-time buyers.

However, despite this bad news, lenders are trying very hard to offer potential borrowers attractive products.

Many of the lenders that will only go through intermediaries like Bristol, Bath and Exeter Mortgages Online, offer many niche products and this is where using a broker pays dividends. Some mainstream lenders are also offering discounted rates for product transfers with certain LTV criteria. In short, keep talking to us to see what is out there!

We continue to do the bulk of our appointments via Zoom or Teams as most people appreciate the flexibility this offers, home visits and appointments at Henleaze House are still available.

We continue supporting our chosen charities namely Ataxia UK and The Brightwell in Bradley Stoke. All the team continue to do well, Russell has been with us for 15 months and is receiving great reviews from clients.

There has never been a more important time to keep on top of your finances both personal and business and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2023!

Kindest Regards

Phil Clark and all the team

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.

Interest-Only Mortgages For Later Life

By Caz Blake-Symes • November 19, 2025
We are thrilled to be able to offer this fantastic product through the Family Building Society. This interest-only mortgage gives those of retirement age and beyond the opportunity to free up equity from their home, without the huge costs often faced when considering Equity Release or a Lifetime Mortgage.