Rommel Lontayao

Manila

Senior News Writer at MPA - Mortgage Professional America

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Articles

Don’t trust AI for home valuation, estate agents warn

3 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Survey finds widespread concerns over automated property pricing By 25 Jun 2025 A majority of estate agents believe automated valuation models (AVMs) powered by artificial intelligence are routinely setting property prices too low, according to a new poll. The survey of 250 UK estate agents, conducted by estate agency platform Alto, found that 87% of agents think AVMs are undervaluing homes, especially in northern regions, rural areas and lower-income communities.
Media portrayal of buy-to-let market is unfair - landlords

3 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Smaller landlords feel most misrepresented by negative media coverage By 25 Jun 2025 Less than one in 10 landlords (9%) believe the media presents a fair and accurate picture of the rental property sector, a new survey by specialist buy-to-let lender Landbay has found. The result marks a notable fall from 2023, when 19% of landlords said the media portrayal of them was accurate.
Buy-to-let mortgage options hit record levels

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Two- and five-year fixed rates decline as product choice reaches new high By 25 Jun 2025 The number of buy-to-let mortgage products has reached an all-time high, while average two-year fixed rates have dropped below 5% for the first time in nearly two years, according to new research from price comparison site Moneyfacts.
FCA explores further mortgage rule reforms

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Review targets barriers to home ownership amid shifting borrower demographics By 24 Jun 2025 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to review mortgage lending rules in an effort to improve access to home ownership, especially for first-time buyers, the self-employed, and older borrowers. The regulator has released a discussion paper as part of its broader work to help consumers make better financial decisions and to support long-term economic growth.
Mortgage arrears stay low despite high rates and costs

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Slight uptick in arrears reflects borrower resilience By 25 Jun 2025 Mortgage arrears edged up in the March 2025 quarter but remain low by historical standards, according to data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). The share of home loans either past due or considered impaired rose to 1.68% of the total loan book in Q1, up slightly from 1.64% in the December 2024 quarter.
NAB appoints new group executive

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Lloyds managing director to head digital, data and AI at NAB By 25 Jun 2025 National Australia Bank (NAB) has named Pete Steel (pictured) as its new group executive for digital, data and artificial intelligence, a position that will report directly to NAB Group chief executive Andrew Irvine. Steel will oversee the bank’s digital, data and AI teams, as well as be responsible for customer design, onboarding, and NAB’s digital subsidiary, ubank.
‘Bank of mum and dad’ backing thousands of first home purchases

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

One in five first-home buyers now relies on parents to get onto the property ladder By 25 Jun 2025 Parental support is playing an increasingly important role in helping first-home buyers enter the Australian property market, with new research revealing a growing dependence on both direct financial contributions and guarantor-backed loans.
Where buyer demand is rising: Suburbs poised for growth

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Latest report reveals high-momentum markets across Australia with increasing sales activity By 25 Jun 2025 Frankston has been identified as the top suburb in Australia for future capital growth, according to the Winter 2025 Price Predictor Index (PPI) by property research firm Hotspotting. The report listed 50 suburbs where rising sales volumes suggest strong potential for price growth.
Barclays cuts fixed mortgage rates

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

BM Solutions and TSB also adjust pricing By 24 Jun 2025 Major lender Barclays is set to reduce rates on several of its residential and green home mortgage products, with the changes taking effect from tomorrow, June 25. The rate cuts apply to both purchase and remortgage deals, offering lower pricing for borrowers at key loan-to-value (LTV) tiers. Among the updates, the bank has cut its premier two-year fixed rate at 60% LTV with a £899 product fee from 3.96% to 3.88%.
Afin Bank launches Community Ambassadors Programme

4 days ago | mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao

Initiative aims to improve loan access for underserved diaspora communities By 24 Jun 2025 Ahead of its full launch expected later this summer, Afin Bank has introduced a new initiative aimed at improving access to home loans for diaspora communities in the UK. The Community Ambassadors Programme will involve selected individuals from diaspora groups who will refer friends and family members seeking mortgage or remortgage support to the bank.