Robyn Hall

Red Deer

Publishing Editor at Mortgage Introducer

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Articles

Warnings of policy gap as affordable homes funding raises more questions than answers

2 weeks ago | mortgagesoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall

The government’s pledge of £39 billion in grants for affordable housing has sparked concern across the mortgage and property finance sector, with leading voices warning that the injection – while headline-grabbing – lacks both clarity on its scope, timing and also support for first-time buyers in the open market.
Estate agents face tougher compliance regime as Material Information guidance withdrawn

1 month ago | propertysoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall

Estate and letting agents across the UK are facing a major regulatory shift following the immediate withdrawal of all existing Material Information guidance. The move, effective as of yesterday (8 May 2025), comes as the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC Act) replaces the legislative foundation on which the guidance was based.
Property Soup says: Agents deserve clarity, not confusion, after Material Information withdrawal

1 month ago | propertysoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall |Kevin Rose

As long-standing professionals in the UK property sector, we’ve seen my fair share of regulatory change. But few shifts have landed with the same suddenness – and potential for disruption – as the withdrawal of the Material Information guidance this week. Effective immediately, all previously issued guidance to help agents meet their legal obligations under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 has been removed.
Analysis: Bank rate cut signals start of cautious pivot

1 month ago | propertysoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall

The Bank of England’s decision to cut the Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 4.25% marks the first step in a delicate policy recalibration, as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) begins to unwind its historically tight stance. But the narrow 5 – 4 vote split – and the arguments behind it – highlight just how uncertain the path ahead remains. At face value, the economic backdrop appears to justify a modest cut. Headline inflation eased to 2.6% in March, edging closer to the Bank’s 2% target.
Five-year frenzy: Brokers urged to act as fixed-rate terms end

2 months ago | mortgagesoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall

Mortgage brokers are being urged to step up their client engagement strategies as a major wave of fixed-rate 5-year mortgage deals come to an end. London-based broker AS Financial reckons mortgage borrowers could be hit hard if steps aren’t taken to ensure clients continue to get the best outcome.
The Mortgage Soup view: Challenges and opportunities for brokers

2 months ago | mortgagesoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall |Kevin Rose

One of the biggest focal points for brokers this year is the sheer volume of mortgage roll-offs with June seeing up to £40 billion in expirations – the largest monthly total of 2024. The next major peaks will follow in November and December, marking the anniversaries of the UK’s second lockdown in 2020. The rate shock facing these borrowers will be significant and lenders’ recent rate reductions appear to be a strategic move to retain existing customers while attracting new ones.
EXCLUSIVE: Irish fintech LendWell targets UK market with new AI platform

2 months ago | mortgagesoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall |Kevin Rose

Dublin-based fintech LendWell is preparing to enter the UK mortgage market with its AI-native platform, promising to slash application processing times from hours to minutes and reshape broker-client dynamics in the process. Having gained significant traction in Ireland, LendWell is now eyeing UK expansion as part of its mission to modernise the mortgage and protection advice sector.
Mortgage campaigner and Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi faces backlash over ‘Pet Rent’ expense claims

Mar 30, 2025 | mortgagesoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall |Kevin Rose

Labour MP and mortgage campaigner Taiwo Owatemi is under fire after revelations surfaced that she claimed £900 in taxpayer-funded ‘pet rent’ for her dog, Bella, to stay at her London residence. The Coventry North West MP, who has been outspoken about the financial struggles of homeowners due to rising mortgage rates, now faces accusations of hypocrisy.
Propertymark: Government must consider ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers

Mar 10, 2025 | propertysoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall

The ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers given to local councils must be considered by the UK Government, the NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel has warned. The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHLCG) has confirmed that more vacant shops and other empty premises will be transformed as councils use their new powers to revive high streets throughout England, which is part of the UK Government’s growth mission.
Homebuyers feel the pain as conveyancing costs rise 18% in 12 months

Mar 10, 2025 | propertysoup.co.uk | Robyn Hall

Conveyancing costs have increased by as much as 18% in the past year piling even more pressure on the property transaction pricess. Latest analysis by Moverly reveals that homebuyers are currently paying an average of £1,375 when purchasing a freehold property, and £1,746 when purchasing a leasehold. This marks an annual increase of +13% for freehold costs, and +13.3% for leasehold costs.