What are Swap Rates? Swap rates, also known as interest rate swaps, allow two parties to exchange interest rate cash flows over a specified period. In the context of mortgages, banks and lenders use interest rate swaps to manage their own exposure to interest rate fluctuations. So...
As daffodils and tulips bloom across gardens around the country, the prospect of new starts – and better weather – can help lift people’s spirits. As part of your spring ‘self-care’ workout, it’s a great time to make sure your finances are on track. Looking after...
Skipton Building Society is now offering a 100% mortgages for first-time home buyers who are currently renting. For the first time since 2008, there is now a no-deposit deal – that doesn’t require a guarantor’s backing available to those who qualify for the following: Are a first-time...
Welcome to our first-time buyer guide. Whether you’ve been living with your parents or you’re leaving the world of renting behind, not much beats the excitement of moving into your very first home. Owning a property feels like a true milestone in life and comes with...
As the UK works to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the energy-efficiency of people’s homes is under heavy scrutiny right now. Ministers haven’t formally announced changing the EPC rules for the rental market just yet, but the move has been widely reported, so it is...
A bridging loan is a particular type of short-term property finance, covering anything between a few days to a couple of years. The loans provide an interim solution when the standard mortgage process is either unavailable or unsuitable. Bridging loans can offer a practical route to...
As of November 2021, there were 4.2 million self-employed people in the UK, and many of them will think about owning their own homes at some point. Mortgage lenders will consider you self-employed if you own at least 20-25% of a business, and when that business...
As a nation, we are living longer and healthier lives, which means there are more things we can and want to do in our retirement. Whether it’s making a final move to a dream home and location, splashing out on some well-earned luxuries or travelling...
It’s getting harder and harder for people to get onto the property ladder. As a parent, when you see your child struggling to get on the first rung, you’ll naturally want to help. Even at the average price of property in the UK – £295,000 as...
Becoming a landlord, growing a portfolio and creating a passive income can help you switch careers, change your lifestyle and build a solid financial future. There are various models of a buy-to-let business, and you don’t necessarily need to be a property owner to get started....