Season's Greetings from Phil Clark

Caz Blake-Symes • December 20, 2025

2025 has been a very busy year for us all here at Bristol, Bath and Exeter Mortgages Online.


Our most significant change was that we became a trading style of Manor Mortgages Services Direct Ltd. This has been a very positive move. We have access to a greater number of lenders, with many offering a much broader and more flexible lending criteria. The administration process is far simpler, so all round a great decision to move to them!!


It has to be said that many borrowers have been struggling with the cost of living crisis, but most lenders have changed their ” stress–testing” criteria, which has really helped with he borrowing amounts available to them.

With the budget now out of the way, there appears to be more certainty in the markets.


The fact that inflation is down slightly and we saw an interest dip on  18 December is all positive news indeed.

Personally, I feel quite optimistic about the mortgage market in 2026. I think the challenges for the single property/small portfolio landlords are still challenging, but there is a huge demand for rental property, so the buy-to-let sector is still attractive.


As can be seen in the Zoopla House Price Index Report, the market is still stable, with major house building projects underway across the country.



I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2026

Best Wishes

Phil Clark

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