Welcome to our Summer 2019 Newsletter

Caz Blake-Symes • May 28, 2019

“Mortgage & Protection News” Issue 6

Despite Brexit and politics in general, continuing to dominate the news agenda, on a more personal note, you may be keen to get on with your life. Financially, this could mean securing a new loan or looking at ways to protect you (and your family). However, when confronted by the stricter lending environment and myriad of options on offer, it makes sense to take professional advice and call us today!

In this issue, we set out that mortgage rates have almost halved in a decade, resulting in some decent deals on offer. In which case, it could be a perfect time to look at remortgaging, or taking out a new loan, and for those who feel they’re stuck on their lender’s Standard Variable Rate, other options may now exist.

Looking at Protection insurance cover, we highlight the key areas, such insurance to protect those left behind if there’s an untimely death, or ways to protect your income stream if you’re off work long-term due to illness, or injury. Should you have any doubts about these policies paying out – you’ll be reassured to know that a massive 97.6% of all protections claims are met!

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 both the demand that still exists, and the decent mortgage rates on offer.

We 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.

Please click here to see all our issues of “Mortgage & Protection New s"

Remember as an Independent Mortgage Broker, we are regulated to offer you the best advice.

For expert advice and more information or to book your FREE consultation please visit one of our websites, call or email.

Bristol Mortgages Online www.bristolmortgagesonline.com Tel 0117 325 1511

Bath Mortgages Online www.bathmortgagesonline.com Tel 01225 584 888

Exeter Mortgages Online www.exetermortgagesonline.com Tel 01392 690 888

Email info@swmortgages.com

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

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