Stamp Duty Changes Effective 1 April 2025

Millions of households across the country are heading for a financial jolt as their fixed-rate mortgage deals start to come to an end. These deals were often taken out during the pandemic when interest rates were at record lows. Now, with those rates no longer available, many borrowers could see their monthly repayment

Weston Mortgages Online is delighted to advise clients that from today, Wednesday 16 July, Nationwide is reducing the minimum income requirements for both sole and joint applicants. These changes apply to applicants looking at their First-Time Buyer Helping Hand Mortgage

Article taken from ourr June Newsletter Summer 2025 presents a rare opportunity for first-time buyers. Lenders are reintroducing 100 % mortgages, increasing income multiples, and easing affordability tests. While this may help those struggling to save for a deposit, thorough preparation is essential. If you are considering buying your first home this summer, here is what to know and how to get ready. Understand the New Mortgage Landscape Several lenders, including April Mortgages and Gable Mortgages, have launched 100 %, meaning buyers can borrow the full value of a property without any deposit if they meet strict criteria1. Gable Mortgages offers a five-year fixed rate of approximately 5.95% for standard properties and 5.65% for newbuild homes1. Other lenders, including Skipton, Barclays and Halifax, are launching or reintroducing similar nodeposit products. Get Your Finances in Order Before applying, you need to present a strong financial profile. Lenders will assess the following carefully: Your credit report, ensuring it contains no errors. Your existing debts, including credit cards and loans. Clear and documented bank transaction history, showing consistent income and no unexplained withdrawals or gambling transactions. Your rental payment history, as some lenders use this as proof of affordability. Your mortgage adviser can guide you in cleaning up your financial records, advising on what is acceptable and what could harm your application. Secure a Mortgage in Principle A mortgage in principle is a preliminary agreement from a lender based on your income and credit profile. It provides clarity on how much you might be able to borrow and shows estate agents and vendors that you are a serious buyer. Crucially, a mortgage in principle arranged by your adviser will not affect your credit rating. Consider the Total Costs Buying your first home involves more costs than just the purchase price. You should budget for: Solicitor and conveyancing fees Valuation and survey costs Possible mortgage arrangement fees (some lenders allow these to be added to the loan) Stamp duty, though many first-time buyers pay little or none Home insurance and life or income protection, which your adviser can help to include in a review Your mortgage adviser can help plan these costs to avoid financial surprises later on. Understand the Risks Zero deposit mortgages come with higher interest rates and a greater risk of negative equity should house prices fall. Ask your adviser to stress test your budget against repayment rates increasing by 1% or 2%. This helps ensure you can comfortably meet repayments, even if economic conditions change. Speak to Weston Mortgages Online Early Preparation is key. Your mortgage adviser can: Help you understand which no deposit and low deposit options you qualify for Run credit and affordability health checks Explain the implications of higher interest and monthly costs Advise on protection policies to safeguard your financial commitments Keep track of repayment buffers, interest rises and building equity With 100% mortgages and flexible lending returning this summer, the time to act is now. Speaking to a mortgage adviser early will ensure you approach the process with clarity and confidence. How can I get advice? Get in contact with Russell, who will be delighted to discuss all the various options available to you. How to Contact Us Tel 01934 442023 Email russell@swmortgages.com Complete a form via our website www.westonmortgagesonline.com Our initial mortgage consultation is free and with no obligation; should you proceed to an application, there will usually be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances, but will range from £ 290 to £490 and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Sources: Mortgage Solutions (2025). Gable Mortgages enters market with 100% LTVs. Available at: https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/news/2025/05/20/gable-mortgages-enters-market-with-100-ltvs/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2025]. ‌Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it. All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 3rd July 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

Adapted from an article by Richard Donnel, Zoopla’s Research Director, 30 June 2025 More sales, rising supply, plenty of demand and modest house price growth shape a steady UK housing market in June 2025. The average house price in the UK is £268,400 as of May 2025 (published June 2025). This is a rise of 1.4% or £3,6

Looking to grow your portfolio and expand into the buy-to-let market? Let us be the helping hand through your journey, making everything as simple and smooth as possible. Buy-to-Let mortgages are different to regular mortgages and require a different type of mortgage. Here is a Brief overview of the Buy-to-let market.

At Weston Mortgages Online, we take pride in offering excellent customer service and providing tailored advice to each of our clients. Below are just a few examples of some of our 5-star Google Reviews from the past few weeks. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give their feedback.

If your two-year fixed mortgage is about to expire, you might potentially be in for some positive news. Back in early 2023, many borrowers locked into deals with interest rates as high as 6.86%, as the Bank of England battled stubborn inflation with relentless interest rate hikes. Now, however, the tables have turned—and you could be paying much less when you remortgage.

Lower mortgage rates are supporting more house sales against a backdrop of modest house price inflation. Zoopla’s House Price Index tracks key trends in the UK housing market - here’s the latest news in May 2025.

When your fixed-rate mortgage deal comes to an end, it might feel easiest to stay with your current lender. After all, they know you, they already have your details, and they might even send you a letter inviting you to switch to a new rate. But before you sign anything, it is worth pausing to speak to your mortgage adviser. That simple conversation could save you money, give you more choice, and help you make a better-informed decision.