Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Green!
Caz Blake-Symes • July 12, 2023
Congratulations to Russell and Harriet who tied the knot on 23 June!
It was a beautiful day with the ceremony, reception and evening party being held at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort on the stunning Bowood Estate in Wiltshire.
The weather was absolutely perfect, and Russell and Harriet were surrounded by family and friends.
Both were completely overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown by all their guests.
Russell’s children, Ellie and Jacob played important roles in the ceremony. Ellie was a beautiful bridesmaid and Jacob did a very good job of being the ring bearer.
Russell recently set up our Weston Mortgages Online Branch and Harriet supports Russell with his Life and Protection cover applications.
We wish them every happiness for their future together.
Mortgage rates are likely to stay in the 4-5% range this year while changes to affordability testing by lenders could give buyers a boost.
Sky high house prices, high cost of living, student loans and rising rent costs mean that getting on the property ladder is challenging. But the desire to own a home remains strong for many young adults.
Now, the affectionately known ‘bank of mum and dad’ (or bank of other family members) may wish to lend or give money for deposits and other house purchase costs. Our expert Mortgage Advisers will be able to discuss all options available to suit your specific family’s situation.
The Bank of England has voted to reduce the Base Rate by 0.25% for the second time this year, taking it to 4.25%. Base Rate was held at 4.5% in March after it was cut by 0.25% in February.
Adapted from Zoopla’s April 2025 Housing report I mage: The analysis uses average house prices from the house price index and for first-time buyers to assess mortgage payments at different mortgage rates applied to a 30- year mortgage, at different loan-to-values. One emerging trend that we expect to positively support market activity in the coming months is a relaxation in how lenders assess the affordability of new mortgages. While buyers focus on the mortgage rate they will pay, lenders also check whether the borrower can afford a 'stressed mortgage rate' at a higher level than the borrower will pay. While the average 5-year fixed rate mortgage is around 4.5% today, many lenders are currently 'stress testing' affordability at 8-9%. This makes it harder to secure a mortgage without a large deposit. If average mortgage stress rates were to return to pre-2022 levels of 6.5% to 7%, this would deliver a 15-20% boost to buying power. An average first-time buyer with mortgage repayments of £1,020pcm at a 4.5% mortgage rate would typically have to prove they could afford monthly repayments of £1,550pcm at an 8.5% stress rate. If the stress testing is relaxed to 6.5%, repayments would fall to £1,275pcm, boosting buying power. It's a similar pattern for the average homeowner, while the actual impact will vary by lender and type of borrower. This change would consequently supporting demand and sales volumes, helping to clear the stock of homes for sale, rather than boosting house prices. Other existing rules and regulations that remain in place will continue to impact the availability of mortgage finance. Comment from Phil Clark “This is potentially very exciting news and will give borrowers a greater choice of products if these rules are relaxed. Regardless of whether you are a First-time Buyer, Looking to move, remortgage or invest in property, there are a huge range of competitive mortgage deals on the market. I will be delighted to discuss your specific requirements and offer you the most suitable deal!” Please call Phil on 0117 3251511 or email info@swmortgages.com For more information about the Mortgage and Protection products we offer, please visit www.bristolmortgagesonline.com Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.
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There have been some important changes to the legislation regarding Stamp Duty Land Tax with effect from 1 April 2025.
This edition includes fantastic new mortgage products, updated guides for those with adverse credit, 17 great tips to follow before making and application and lots more.
If you need help with any of the items covered, please call Phil on 0117 325 1511.
Let us help you If you have a poor credit score or issues with your credit history.Call Phil on 0117 3251511 to discuss any credit uissues.
The housing market is resilient, supported by faster growth in average earnings. There are the most homes for sale in 7 years, which will keep price inflation in check. But are buyers missing opportunities in the flats market?
Here at Bristol, Bath and Exeter Mortgages Online, we understand that getting your first mortgage, or even a remortgage, especially if your circumstances have changed, may look like an impossible task, but we are here to help.
We hold your hand from your initial enquiry through to the completion of your purchase. It's not that tricky and there are ways you can improve your odds and boost your chances of a successful mortgage application.