Leah Milner

1 week ago | mortgagestrategy.co.uk | Becky Bellamy |Leah Milner

The stamp duty changes created a spike in activity in Q1 2025 as completions increased by 30% over the quarter, Landmark Information Group reveals. The latest data shows that there was a 71% year-on-year surge in March alone as buyers rushed to complete ahead of the deadline. From this, Landmark Information Group says there are signs of a resilient market and a stable transaction pipeline emerging.

1 week ago | mortgagestrategy.co.uk | Leah Milner |David Burrows

Newcastle for Intermediaries has cut rates on large loan deals by up to 26 basis points, while Principality is lowering some rates and increasing others. Following the price cuts at Newcastle, a two-year fixed rate at 65% loan-to-value is now 4.9% with a £1,999 fee for loans between £1.5m and £3m. The range allows for up to 100% bonus or commission, subject to underwriter discretion and loans can be up to 5.5x income.

1 week ago | mortgagestrategy.co.uk | Leah Milner |Becky Bellamy

The number of second charge mortgages agreed in February was 9% higher than a year earlier at 3,071 and the total value of lending was 20% higher at £156m. Figures from the Finance & Leasing Association, also show that the volume of loans was almost 6% higher than in January and the total value of loans was 7% higher. However, February’s lending figures show slower annual growth as in January volumes were 24% higher and values were 29% higher year on year.

1 week ago | mortgagestrategy.co.uk | Leah Milner |Becky Bellamy

The number of deals for borrowers with small deposits has reached its highest level for 17 years, research by Moneyfacts has found. The availability of deals at 90% and 95% loan-to-value is at a peak not seen since March 2008. In the 95% loan-to-value, the number of deals has now reached 442, while in the 90% tier there are now 845 products. This compares to 575 deals at 95% LTV and 957 deals at 90% LTV in March 2008, which is the last time borrowers had a wider choice of high LTV products.

1 week ago | mortgagestrategy.co.uk | Leah Milner |David Burrows

Average asking prices rose by 1.4% or £5,312 in the month to April, reaching a record high of £377,182, according to Rightmove. The portal says the increase is larger than normal for April and comes despite the stamp duty increase and a decade high in the supply for new homes coming onto the market for this time of year. Asking prices are up by 1.3% and new buyer demand is 5% higher than a year ago.