Our Charity of the Year

Caz Blake-Symes • October 13, 2017

We have chosen to support a cause very close to our hearts

Bristol, Exeter and Bath Mortgages Online, have chosen to support a cause very close to our hearts. In May 2017, our MD’s eldest daughter, Tallulah, at the age of 19, was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Ataxia type AOA2. Tallulah had been to see numerous specialists since the age of 11 before having this condition diagnosed

What is ataxia?

Ataxia is the name given to a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, coordination, and speech. There are many different types of ataxia that can affect people in different ways.

Who gets ataxia?

Anyone of any age can get ataxia, but certain types are more common in certain age groups.

How many people have ataxia?

The ataxias are rare conditions. Estimates from recent studies say that there are at least 10,000 adults and around 500 children in the UK with a progressive ataxia.

Is there any cure?

Some forms of ataxia are treatable, but in most cases, there is still no cure. We are supporting research and putting all our efforts in trying to get treatments or cures for the ataxias.

What causes ataxia?

There are many different causes for ataxia. It's important to remember that ataxia is a symptom and may occur as a result of many different underlying conditions. Many ataxias are inherited conditions and caused by having defects in certain genes. Research is ongoing to identify other genes which cause inherited cerebellar ataxias and discover how they exert their effects These people would be diagnosed as having idiopathic cerebellar ataxia and there are many researchers focusing on finding new genes and new types of ataxias.

How to support Tallulah

Despite having to deal with her recent diagnosis and just starting at Sheffield University, Tallulah has set herself an incredible personal challenge of raising £10,000 to help fund research and build awareness of Ataxia.

Please can you click on the link below to donate to the very worthy cause. We will be donating on a regular basis for each completion we finalise and will be organising fund raising events .

We are asking all our friends, family, clients and business partners to donate so that Tallulah will reach her target of £10,000.

Please click HERE on the link below to go to Tallulah’s Just Giving fundraising page

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.