Housing Market Shows Signs of Picking Up, with All Eyes on Rates

We are thrilled to be celebrating our 17th Anniversary this week. Phillip Clark founded Bristol Mortgages Online in 2008.

Lower mortgage rates are supporting more house sales against a backdrop of modest house price inflation. Zoopla’s House Price Index tracks key trends in the UK housing market - here’s the latest news in May 2025.

This Edition Includes.. Helping Your Family Onto The Property Ladder What will happen to Interest Rates This Year? Easing Stress Testing? Looking to Remortgage? Getting a Mortgage with Adverse Credit Plus lots more…

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.