The latest mortgage lending findings for June from the Financial Conduct Authority are as follows:

• The outstanding value of all residential mortgage loans increased by 0.7% from the previous quarter to £1,746.1 billion, and was 2.6% higher than a year earlier.
• The value of gross mortgage advances decreased by 12.3% from the previous quarter to £69.6 billion, and was 10.2% lower than a year earlier.
• The value of new mortgage commitments increased by 11.5% from the previous quarter to £78.0 billion, and was 14.2% higher than a year earlier.

In information from Zoopla house prices rose 0.1% month-on-month and 0.6% over the last quarter. The average UK house price is £271,900, up 1.5% over the past 12 months, a gain of £4,030 per home. This has been helped by resilient demand in many areas. Market activity does vary across the UK, with recent improvements in affordability helping to stabilise conditions.

Insights:

The latest Zoopla data for June shows that semi-detached houses are the strongest-performing property type in the UK, rising 2.5% over the past year.

Flats and maisonettes are the only group with prices falling nationally, down 1.3% year-on-year.

Key statistics include:

• House price inflation has eased slightly to 1.4%
• Mortgage rates peaked at 5% in April, up from just under 4% at the start of the year, and have since begun to edge down
• Sales are down in across areas and house price inflation varies from 3.5% in northern England to small price falls in the south
• Higher mortgage rates and political uncertainty have shrunk the pool of home buyers – sales agreed are 7% lower in June
• Zoopla expect price growth to ease further in the second half of the year, with sales likely to finish 6–8% lower than 2025, at around 1.1 million completions

Insights:

The latest Zoopla data shows that semi-detached houses are the strongest-performing property type in the UK, rising 2.5% over the past year.

Flats and maisonettes are the only group with prices falling nationally, down 1.3% year-on-year.

House prices in Belfast, Blackburn and Burnley are growing at more than 4 times the national average, making them the strongest growth cities in the UK.

Prime Central London is the most expensive city in the UK at £978,700, nearly double the UK average of £271,900.

We are here to help you with your mortgage. Our experienced brokers are available today to find the solution that best suits your personal circumstances.

Please contact us on 020 8154 7280

info@springtidecapital.com

Sources:

Mortgage lending statistics – June 2026 | FCA

UK house prices: The complete guide to UK property prices in June 2026 – Zoopla

House Price Index: June 2026 – Zoopla

 

Recent uncertainty in global politics, including the outbreak of the Iran conflict, has made financial markets, and consequently the UK mortgage market more unpredictable.

The Bank of England Base rate has been held at 3.75% by the Bank of England since December 2025. Expectations for interest rates and inflation have shifted, funding costs for banks have increased, and the outbreak of war involving Iran has pushed UK mortgage rates higher in the last month.

Whenever there is a more volatile economic environment, this volatility feeds into the cost of swap rates, which are the underlying costs lenders use to price fixed‑rate mortgages. As a result, with an increase in swap rates, some mortgage rates have increased since the conflict began, even though the Bank Rate itself hasn’t changed.

Mortgage rates remain well below the highs seen last year, however mortgage lenders are being understandably cautious in the current uncertain environment. Lenders are in an imposed ‘wait-and-see position’ since the Iran conflict. That will only shift with a period of consistent stability and markets responding positively to it.

The uncertain political backdrop will mean, inflation in the UK will be higher than expected, at least in the short term and the impact will be greater the longer the war and its effect on the global energy supply goes on.

Although the backdrop is challenging, there are still things you can do to help successfully manage your mortgage, with careful planning and flexibility. Nobody can say with certainty how long the impact of the Iran conflict on mortgage rates will last, or exactly where interest rates will go next, but prepare early to act on mortgage deals.

We are seeing large amounts of tracker rates being taken currently. As a result of the fixed rate pricing having risen, but with the base rate staying the same, tracker rates look competitive at the moment with the cheapest rates around 4%.

The closer we get to peace in the Middle East and global markets calm, the more the mortgage market will stabilise, and rates could even begin to edge lower. The expectation is for the rate changes to slow or pause rather than experience any sharp falls if we continue to move towards a resolution to the conflict.

The best scenario in all global interests is that there is a peace deal soon, and things recover some kind of normality.

Henry Knight Managing Director at Springtide Capital comments:

‘It is a very unpredictable global economic situation and it may take a while for things to stabilize completely. In the UK mortgage market, buying decisions need to be firmly based on current affordability rather than trying to second-guess where rates and the market might go next’

As global and economic concerns continue to influence the mortgage market, speak to one of our experienced team today to find the right solution for you.

Call us on 020 8154 7280 or email us info@springtidecapital.com

Sources:

US-Israel war with Iran | Latest News and Updates | BBC News

Interest rates and Bank Rate: our latest decision | Bank of England

https://www.mortgageable.co.uk/mortgages/history-of-mortgage-interest-rates/

https://springtidecapital.com/best-buys/best-buys/

So, you are looking to move on from your current home. Here are our top tips when preparing your house for sale, and in doing so you’re increasing your chances of achieving the highest value possible.

Maximise kerb appeal

Kerb appeal creates a lasting first impression – most buyers make up their minds in the first few minutes of arriving at a property.

Kerb appeal specifics include well-maintained windows and a roof that appears in good condition. A well-maintained front garden, pathways and fences and a well-painted property were also important.

Declutter

Inside your property, get rid of items that have accumulated. Put it in storage, give it away, sell it or bin it. Remove any bulky furniture that makes the room feel small and replace with smaller furniture. People need to be able to envisage what the property would look like if they were living there.

But, don’t make it look like a generic hotel; leave some personality. People are often buying into a lifestyle as much as a property.

Fix and clean

Make any minor repairs – holes in walls, cracked tiles, torn or threadbare carpets. Many buyers want to move in without making changes, so allow for this.

Clean everything. Get rid of limescale, clean and repair tile grout, wax wooden floors, get rid of odours. This will make the place more appealing and allow viewers to imagine living there.

Tidy the garden: cut bushes back, clean the patio and furniture, and cut the grass. While this doesn’t add much value to your home, it makes it more likely to sell as people visualise themselves using the garden.

A fresh lick of paint

Giving your walls a fresh lick of neutral paint will make your home seem lighter and bigger. It will enable the viewers to more easily imagine how they would adapt the rooms to their needs. It will be easier for the buyers to move in and use the rooms immediately.

Light and airy

Wall mirrors make a room look much bigger and lighter. Consider putting some up, especially in smaller rooms or hallways. Making the place feel light and airy makes rooms feel bigger and the property more attractive.

Give rooms the right purpose

We don’t always use rooms for the purpose they were intended; we may use a dining room as a bedroom, or a spare bedroom as a study or extra storage space.

Some buyers find it hard to see beyond the current use of a room, so talk to your agent about what sort of buyers you are targeting. If you are marketing a room as a bedroom, make sure it looks like there is room for a bed – this means removing excess belongings and clearing floor space.

Gather all documents and info about your home

As well as good presentation, prospective buyers will often want to know more specific details about your home, its condition and the location. Help your agent with the property description, by providing documentation about any work done to the property, or information about the property’s facilities or fixtures. Ensure that the information you provide is accurate, so that there are no surprises for the buyer during the survey or later in the buying process.

Some of the paperwork to consider includes:

• HM Land Registry title documents
• Boiler installation and gas checks completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer (or Corgi-registered engineer prior to 2009)
• Planning permission for any major work carried out
• Building regulation completion certificates and builder’s guarantee certificates for alterations or additions
• Electrical checks – an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or a NAPIT or NICEIC certificate/report from a registered electrical competent person
• Energy Performance Certificates
• FENSA or CERTAS certificates for windows
• Subsidence guarantees/warranties
• Damp guarantees/warranties
• If a listed building, listed building consent for interior and exterior works
• If your home is in a conservation area, conservation area consent for works
• Any title insurance policies you may have taken out to solve title defects

We are here to help you with your mortgage. Our experienced brokers are available today to find the solution that best suits your personal circumstances.

Please contact us on 020 8154 7280

info@springtidecapital.com

We are heading towards Spring, which is traditionally the busiest period in the house buying calendar. It pays to be organised in advance of such a busy time and it needn’t be stressful if you prepare well and seek the right advice.

1. Get mortgage ready

To improve your chances of getting the lowest mortgage rate and the highest loan amount, tidy up your bank statements and credit file ahead of your application.

Some very simple measures, like making sure your credit score is good and that you are on the electoral roll, will help lenders put together a picture of where you have lived and what credit you have had previously to help them in making their decision.

It can be beneficial in advance of your application to manage a small amount of credit to show lenders that you can sensibly manage money.

2. Your purchasing power

To find out how much you can borrow, fill out an online budget planner or ask a mortgage broker to help.

You will need to provide evidence of:

• Annual salary or average profit
• Cost of utilities, transport, food etc
• Monthly credit commitments
• Other regular outgoings

This step will help to give you an estimate of your maximum loan amount. At this point you can achieve a more accurate mortgage offer by applying for an Agreement in Principle (AIP) which can also be called a ‘decision in principle’ or a ‘mortgage in principle’. A mortgage lender or a mortgage broker can produce an AIP for you. The loan amount on the AIP is not guaranteed, it is the amount you can expect in principle.

A good reason to get an AIP at this stage is that it shows estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer. You’ve checked out how much you can borrow and a bank or building society is prepared to lend to you.

3. Gather your supporting paperwork

With the amount you can spend now agreed in principle, you can start looking at properties that are realistic to your budget. Gather the documents you’ll need for your application now.

You’ll need:

• Latest three months’ payslips
• Latest three months’ bank statements
• P60
• ID (usually a passport or driving licence)
• Evidence of savings for your deposit

4. Choosing the right mortgage deal

At this stage there are a number of mortgage options available depending on your circumstances. A mortgage is far more complicated than simply opting for the lowest rate or the best incentives. Finding out the best rate, length of term, which lender to choose, specifying features and understanding insurance are all time-consuming and complex matters.

For something as important as a mortgage it makes sense to get expert help from someone who deals with them day in, day out – a mortgage broker. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, purchasing your dream home, or looking to remortgage, working with a broker is an excellent way to source your mortgage.

One of the main benefits of working with a broker is you can rely on their knowledge and experience of the market. If your application is more complex, for example because of your employment history, the property in question, or your financial situation, a broker will have the experience to help. From applicants with multiple income streams, gifted deposits and self-employed applicants, mortgage brokers can advise you on your best option.

No one enjoys completing forms, especially for something as involved as a mortgage. Once you’ve made an informed choice based on a complete picture of the options available, your broker will prepare and submit your application for you. They’ll follow this up with a personalised report setting out and confirming their reasons for their advice and recommendations.

Alongside your mortgage consultant, at Springtide Capital we will allocate you a dedicated case manager. They will ensure your application proceeds as smoothly and speedily as possible, and they actively follow up with lenders through every step of the process. They can also liaise with third parties, such as solicitors, saving you valuable time and reducing concerns. Have a look at our 5 Star Google ratings to hear how satisfied our customers are with this process.

Understanding how you can protect your mortgage payments and safeguard your home if the worse should happen is vital. Our in-house protection specialists at Springtide can review and arrange the appropriate cover for personal and/or business customers ensuring you are completely aware of the risks and how best to mitigate them.

We are experts at helping clients to find the best possible options for their circumstances. At Springtide Capital our experts monitor all market indicators closely. Speak to us today to see how we could help you find the solution that’s right for you.

Please contact us on 020 8154 7280

info@springtidecapital.com

 

2025 has seen much activity including 4 base rate changes from the Bank of England (BoE) and revisions in affordability criteria allowing lenders to lend more. Overall, the UK housing market has shown much recent resilience and has entered 2026 on a steady footing.

House prices in 2026

According to consumer group Which experts agree that house prices will continue to slowly increase:

• Zoopla: 1.5%
• Rightmove: 2%
• Savills: 2%
• Hamptons: 2.5%
• Knight Frank: 3%
• Nationwide: 2-4%

Many believe there is pent-up demand after falling buyer confidence ahead of the last Budget, with many consumers delaying moves until the market had a more certain set of parameters. Now that the Budget has passed and the market is stable there remains plenty of choice for buyers.

Interest rate outlook

Since August 2024, the BoE has cut interest rates six times, bringing the base rate down from a high of 5.25% in August 2024 to 3.75% in December 2025 and February 2026. In their statement post the February rate meeting they commented:

“If the economy and the outlook for inflation evolve as we expect, there should be scope for some further cuts to Bank Rate this year. But we’ll have to judge the latest information and data at each of our meetings and set whatever interest rate is necessary to make sure that inflation stays low and stable.”

Separately, market-wide forecasts suggest a busy refinancing year. UK Finance’s mortgage market forecast for 2026 said around 1.8 million fixed-rate mortgages are due to come to an end in 2026, and it expects external remortgaging to rise to £77 billion (up 10% year-on-year), alongside £261 billion of product transfers (up 2%). This will encourage competition between Lenders and some expected positive deals appearing on the market.

Further regulatory changes in 2026

The FCA has announced that it will consult on further changes in the following areas:

• first-time buyers and underserved consumers
• later-life lenders
• innovation and disclosure
• protecting vulnerable consumers. 

The FCA will start to consult the public on proposed rule changes in the four areas from early 2026 and aim to have the first rule changes in place later this year.

For borrowers however, their immediate focus is less about market predictions and more about comparing the real monthly cost of deals and checking their affordability criteria. We are experts at helping clients to find the best possible options for their circumstances. At Springtide Capital we monitor all market indicators closely. Speak to us today to see how we could help you find the solution that’s right for you.

Please contact us on 020 8154 7280

info@springtidecapital.com

Sources:                                           

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/boeapps/database/Bank-Rate.asp

6.5 times salary mortgages back on the market

https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/4-mortgage-and-property-predictions-for-2026-an9AT6W7pT94

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/the-interest-rate-bank-rate

https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/news-and-insight/press-release/modest-growth-forecast-mortgage-lending-in-2026

https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-sets-out-plans-help-build-mortgage-market-future

The UK Budget of Wednesday 26^th November has been delivered and whilst it does not set mortgage rates on its own, it does influence what home buyers can afford. In conjunction with other factors such as SONIA Swap Rates, The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee interest rate policy, global market stability and financial forecasting, home-movers post budget have a set of factors that will influence their decisions and a set of criteria to inform their next steps.

In the run up to the budget, it has been suggested that buyers have been delaying committing to next steps while they see what the budget brings. Rightmove recently reported that ‘The upcoming Budget, and the long run up to it, has created hesitancy’. It seems markets received the budget well. The mortgage market remains stable, in fact, rates are moving down a little.

Rightmove reports the average two-year fixed mortgage rate is currently 4.41%, compared to 5.06% at this time last year. While the Bank of England held the Base Rate in November, there is some optimism that a 0.25% cut in the base rate may be made at the final meeting of 2025, in December. Some mortgage lenders are offering high profile cheaper rates as they compete for end-of-year business which will likely continue. The Budget and the build up to the announcement had created a lot of uncertainty and now the announcements are out the way, home-movers can move forward steadily with more confidence.

Rightmove also highlight that property choice at its highest level in a decade. Over a third (34%) of homes currently on the market have had an asking price reduction, with the average size of reduction being 7%. Both figures are the highest since February 2024, making this very much a buyers’ market. Now the budget has been delivered and facts are confirmed, estate agents are anticipating more listings coming onto the market.

With lenders stretching affordability currently too, there are some tentative things taking place that benefit home – movers.

Henry Knight from Springtide Capital Mortgage Brokers comments:

‘Now the budget has been delivered we see a stable mortgage market as we approach the end of the year. For home-movers any effect on mortgage rates is likely to be gradual and house price growth is projected to be modest rather than rapid. Economic data and Bank of England decisions can move rates either way, so reviewing options early can help you understand your potential options. No new stamp duty relief or schemes were introduced in the budget and we would welcome some new initiatives from the government for first time buyers to help get them onto the property ladder.’

We are here to help. Our experienced brokers are available today to find the solution that best suits your personal circumstances.

Please contact us on 020 8154 7280 info@springtidecapital.com

Sources:

Budget 2025 in full – GOV.UK

SONIA interest rate benchmark | Bank of England

Monetary Policy Committee dates for 2025 and 2026 | Bank of England

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/housing-market-update-november-2025/

6.5 times salary mortgages back on the market | Springtide Capital