“Mortgage & Protection News” Issue 5 Autumn/Winter 2018

Caz Blake-Symes • November 21, 2018

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Welcome to our latest newsletter. If you’re looking to secure (or remortgage) a loan or at ways to protect you (and your family), it’s probably no surprise that you may be confused about the most suitable route forward. Not only are there continuing issues surrounding Brexit, and other economic impacts, but there’s also a stricter lending environment to encounter along the way.

In this issue, we set out how our advice may benefit you, and highlight that despite mortgage rates edging up slightly, there are still some decent deals on offer. If you’re a hopeful First-Time Buyer, then we cover some further good news from the Autumn 2018 Budget. Conversely, if you feel stuck on your Lender’s Standard Variable Rate, there’s also a growing desire to help this group.

Looking at Protection, we show that some customer concerns: “it’s too expensive”, “they rarely pay out”; simply don’t hold true. Alongside this there are sobering stats that set out that we may not be as resilient as we possibly think, reinforcing the need for some amount of cover.

Finally, the Buy-to-Let landlord has had a tough time of it recently, but many are now evolving their business models to take advantage of the potential that still exists, such as the average asking rent outside London hitting more than £800 a month for the first time.

I hope you find the issue of interest and, once you’ve had a chance to look through, do pass it onto friends, relatives or work colleagues, if you think it may be relevant to them too.

To see all our newsletters, please visit our Newsletters page

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www.bristolmortgagesonline.com 0117 325 1511

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Your First Key to the Door: Why Bristol Mortgages Online is the Perfect Partner for First-Time Buyers

By Caz Blake-Symes • April 11, 2026
Taking that first step onto the property ladder is one of the most exciting milestones of your life—but let’s be honest, it can also feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. Between deposit requirements, credit checks, and legal jargon, the process is daunting.

Why Interest Rates Are Rising Again

By Caz Blake-Symes • March 26, 2026
Recent global developments, including escalating tensions in the Middle East, have started to influence financial markets and, in turn, UK mortgage rates. Understanding how these events filter through to borrowing costs can help you make more informed decisions.

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