Mortgage Trends & News

By Ricky Gandhi | 1st Choice Mortgages If you have been sitting on the sidelines — saving, waiting, watching rates — 2026 might be the year you stop renting and start owning. The first-time buyer mortgage market in 2026 has shifted in ways that genuinely favour you right now ,and understanding what has changed could make all the difference. Here is what is actually happening and what it means for you. What Has Changed for First-Time Buyer Mortgages in 2026? A combination of f

By Ricky Gandhi | 1st Choice Mortgages If you are self-employed and thinking about getting a mortgage, you have probably heard that it is harder than it is for someone in employment. That is partly true — but it is not the full picture. The reality is that being self-employed does not stop you getting a mortgage. What it does mean is that self-employed mortgages in the UK require the right lender, the right preparation, and ideally a broker who understands how self-employed i

By Ricky Gandhi | 1st Choice Mortgages Securing a mortgage as a foreign national in the UK is about far more than having a healthy salary. It comes down to finding a lender whose specific criteria line up with your exact situation: your visa type, how long you have been resident in the UK, the size of your deposit, and how much they are prepared to lend against your income. At 1st Choice Mortgages, we work with clients from all over the world — on Skilled Worker visas, Spouse

Affordable housing has become a pressing issue across the UK, with many people struggling to find homes they can reasonably afford. Despite government promises and various schemes, the reality on the ground tells a different story. This post explores what affordable housing really means today, why it remains out of reach for many, and what factors contribute to the ongoing crisis. What Does Affordable Housing Mean in the UK? Affordable housing is often defined as housing that

Remortgaging can be a powerful financial move, but knowing when and why to do it makes all the difference. In 2026, changing economic conditions, interest rates, and personal circumstances create new opportunities and challenges for homeowners. This guide breaks down the key reasons to consider remortgaging this year and the best timing to make the switch. What Is Remortgaging and How Does It Work? Remortgaging means replacing your current mortgage with a new one, either with

Investing in UK property remains one of the most popular ways to build wealth, but the market is evolving rapidly. As UK Property Investment 2026 trends begin to take shape understanding the key factors that influence success can make a significant difference. This post explores practical strategies and insights to help you navigate the UK property market confidently and make smart investment decisions. Understanding the UK Property Market Trends for 2026 The UK property mark

Published: 18 June 2026 | 1st Choice Mortgages The Bank of England base rate decision is in: the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 17 June 2026 and voted to hold at 3.75% for the third consecutive meeting. The vote split 7–2 — but the two dissenting votes were in favour of raising rates to 4%, not cutting them, reflecting ongoing concern about inflation pressure from global energy prices. Here's what happened, why it happened, and what it means depending on the type of m

Getting a mortgage as a self-employed person in the UK can feel like navigating a maze. Lenders often see self-employed applicants as higher risk because their income can be less predictable than that of salaried employees. This makes the mortgage approval process more challenging but not impossible. With the right preparation and understanding of what lenders look for, self-employed individuals can secure a mortgage that fits their needs. Understanding the Challenges for Sel

In 2026, selecting either a fixed or variable mortgage in the UK continues to be a crucial decision for homebuyers, individuals remortgaging, and property investors. Changes in the mortgage market by 2026 have made this decision more complex. Factors such as interest rates, economic conditions, and lender policies all play a role in determining which mortgage type provides better value. This post examines the main factors influencing fixed vs variable mortgages UK 2026, assis

The start of a new year brings a sense of reflection and possibility. January is when many people pause to think about what they want next — new goals, fresh starts, and long-term plans. Buying a Home in 2026: Why January Is the Perfect Time to Start If you’re buying a home in 2026 , January is one of the smartest times to begin your journey. The new year brings a fresh wave of listings, motivated sellers, and less competition compared to the busy spring and summer months. Ma

Many people believe that a poor credit score automatically stops them from getting a mortgage in the UK. It’s a common misconception — and thankfully, not true. While a low score may make the process more challenging, it doesn't close the door on homeownership entirely. Whether you’ve had defaults, CCJs, missed payments, or simply a thin credit file, you can still get a mortgage with a poor credit score. You just need the right preparation, the right lender, and the right g

One of the major turning points in life is purchasing your first home. Although there are a lot of stages to follow, it can often feel...

Bad Credit Mortgage UK: Your Comprehensive Guide to Homeownership Dreaming of owning a home in the UK but worried that a...

You’ve found your dream home, but the price tag seems out of reach. Standard mortgage affordability calculators cap your borrowing at...

The Benefits of Remortgaging: Is It the Right Move for You in 2025 Remortgaging is a pow+erful financial tool that many homeowners...

Buying your first home is a dream for many, but for those with a less-than-perfect credit history, it can feel like a daunting and impossible task. The good news is that securing a " first time buyer mortgage with bad credit UK" is not an urban myth; it's a reality for a growing number of people. It just requires a different approach, a bit more legwork, and understanding the system. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding what lenders are looking fo

If you’re into property investing in the UK, you might’ve heard the term “ bridging loans ” thrown around. But what exactly are they? And...

When you hear the term " remortgage, " it's easy to assume it means moving your mortgage to a new lender. While that is one route, there's a lesser-known yet equally effective option: remortgaging without switching lenders, also known as a *product transfer*. This option can save you time, reduce paperwork, and potentially cut your costs—all without changing banks. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about product transfers: what th

How to calculate how much mortgage I can afford in the UK Table of contents Introduction What factors affect how much mortgage I can...

When considering purchasing a home in the UK, many individuals explore the option of a joint mortgage. This can be a practical solution...