Home Buying With Ease

04/03/2026

The rise of ultra-long mortgages
Data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) indicates that more borrowers are opting for ultra-long mortgages in an effort to manage rising housing costs.

According to the analysis, in 2024 there were 116,276 mortgages taken out with repayment periods of 35 years or more. This is over three times the number sold in 2020, highlighting how borrowing conditions have changed significantly in recent years. As affordability challenges persist for buyers, longer mortgage terms help to reduce the cost of monthly repayments. While this can make finances easier to manage in the short term, it is more expensive in the long run.

The longer a mortgage, the more interest is accrued, meaning borrowers could end up paying substantially more for their home over time. Plus, the average age of first-time buyers has risen to 34, so many people could have mortgages that extend into retirement, which can create challenges for long-term financial planning.

The cost of longer mortgages
Calculations by Compare the Market highlights the cost of ultra-long mortgages. Using the average UK house price of £293,000 and a 10% deposit, the figures show how interest costs can quickly add up over time. Based on a 36-year mortgage, the difference between a two-year fixed rate of 4.32% and a slightly lower rate of 4.03% equates to a difference of £20,197 in additional interest repayments. This shows that even small differences in interest rates, when combined with very long mortgage terms, can significantly increase the total cost of borrowing.

For borrowers considering an ultra-long mortgage, it’s therefore important to weigh the short-term benefit of lower monthly payments against the long-term cost. Make sure to review options regularly as circumstances and interest rates change.

What we know about 2025
Data for the first nine months of 2025 shows that London was the most popular area to take out ultra-long mortgages. During this period, 12,554 mortgages were taken out with terms over 35 years. This is slightly lower than the 14,455 recorded over the same period in 2024, but is higher than the 10,676 seen in 2023. After London, the South West saw the most ultra-long mortgages (12,457), followed by the East of England (11,181) and the South East (10,373). These are the regions where houses are most expensive, underlining the link between higher property prices and the growing use of extended mortgage terms.

Talk to us
If you’re hoping to make your property dreams come true this year, get in touch. We can talk through your mortgage options and help find a suitable option that will work for you, both now and in the future.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Sources:

More than 100,000 mortgage borrowers opted for ultra-long loans last year, reveals analysis by Compare the Market of Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

27/02/2026

A recap of 2025 housing reforms
Last year saw significant housing reforms for renters and homebuyers – here’s a recap of what you need to know.

Change to renters’ rights
The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent in October 2025 and will come into force in three phrases this year. The initial phase of the rollout in May will include the much-awaited end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions in England. Plus, all fixed term tenancies will automatically convert to periodic tenancies.

Scotland rent controls
Scotland has also seen reforms for renters. Local authorities will be able to designate Rent Control Areas, where there will be a cap on how much landlords can raise rent. Plus, councils will be required to act sooner to prevent homelessness.

Stamp Duty changes
In April 2025, Stamp Duty thresholds reverted to their higher level in England and Northern Ireland. First-time buyers now have to pay the tax on homes above £300,000 and other buyers will be charged on properties over £125,000.

Reforms in Wales
Legislation is underway to improve the safety of tall buildings and houses in multiple occupation. Also, the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill plans to improve access to housing support.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Sources:

Wide ranging housing reforms introduced during 2025 are set to reshape renting, home buying and property standards across the UK, with changes varying by nation and further implementation planned from 2026.

25/02/2026

2025 house sales show some promise
End of year statistics for 2025 offer some reasons to be optimistic about the housing market.

According to Zoopla, house sales for 2025 hit 1.2 million, the highest level for three years. First-time buyers showed growing confidence as they accounted for 39% of transactions last year.

Meanwhile, house prices lagged last year, with the average house valued at £270,300 at the end of 2025. This is up 1.1% on the previous year but is lower than the 10-year average of 3.8% growth. Zoopla expects prices to rise by 1.5% in 2026 while Rightmove’s outlook is more positive, at 2%.
Richard Donnell as Zoopla commented, “We expect a stronger 2026 as buyers return to the market, with more homes for sale.”

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Sources:

Housing sales in 2025 so far have hit 1.2 million, the highest level for three years, according to Zoopla. But house prices have lagged, with the typical

08/02/2026

Budget impact on landlords
Research suggests that landlords may be forced to raise rents to account for tax hikes announced in the Autumn Budget.

From April 2027, landlords will face a 2% tax increase on their rental income - the basic rate of property income tax will rise from 20% to 22%, while the higher rate will increase from 40% to 42%. Those paying the additional rate will pay 47%.

In a survey of landlords, 86% said they expected the measures to push rents higher. But the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act takes effect in May 2026 – from then, landlords will only be able to raise rents once a year.

Ryan Etchells at Together commented, “this will inevitably result in higher rents from next year onwards, and if landlords can’t make their portfolios work for them they could be forced to sell-up altogether.”

Sources:

Nearly nine in 10 fear the Chancellor’s decision to increase tax on landlords will lead to higher rents, Together research reveals. Rachel Reeves

02/02/2026

2026 property market outlook
The start of a new year often prompts people to review their plans and for many, that might include a resolution to move home. As market conditions continue to evolve, prospective buyers and sellers might be wondering what will happen with property prices in 2026 and beyond.

The latest five-year outlook from Savills provides a useful insight into what’s to come, including some forecasts for house prices between now and 2030. The report predicts that house price growth will be slow in the near future, with projected growth of 2.0% in 2026. This subdued performance is due to ongoing economic uncertainty and weak buyer demand.

Looking further ahead, the landscape becomes more positive. Interest rates and mortgage costs are expected to ease, which should boost activity in the housing market. Savills anticipates annual house price growth of 4% in 2027 and 5% in 2028, before peaking at 5.5% in 2029. Over the five-year period, property values are expected to increase by 22.2%.

Regional outlook

The report indicates that regional differences in house price growth are forecast to persist in the coming years. It is expected that the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber will record the strongest performance between now and 2030, with prices expected to increase by 28.8% in both areas. On the other hand, London (13.6%) and the South East (17.0%) are likely to see much weaker growth as affordability challenges continue to limit house price growth.

Improving conditions for FTBs

Savills noted that, over the last year, first-time buyers (FTBs) have been a driving force in the housing market. In recent years, it has been notoriously difficult to get onto the property ladder, so it is promising to see that FTBs might be growing in confidence. In fact, new homeowners are the only buyer group to record activity above pre-pandemic levels. Interestingly, FTBs are the most active group in the capital, despite it being the most expensive place to buy in the UK.

Challenges for upsizers

Conditions are a little more challenging for ‘second steppers’ looking to move on from their first home. Weak growth in flat values means that this group of sellers is less likely to make a good profit on the sale of their home. To fund the purchase of a bigger property, many second-steppers are therefore relying on their initial deposit as their primary source of equity. As a result, the number of home movers is well below the levels seen in 2017-19. However, activity is expected to pick up as interest rates fall and house price growth strengthens.

Contact us

We can help you navigate the changing property market. With the right advice, you can turn your property dreams into a reality. Get in touch today.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Sources:
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15256621/House-prices-rise-22-2-five-years-adding-80-000-typical-value-says-Savills.html
https://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/382244-0

01/02/2026

Get mortgage-ready this year
Hoping to move or remortgage this year? Here’s how to get mortgage-ready in 2026.

Review your finances

Now that the busy festive period is over, why not take this opportunity to organise your finances. Go through your bank statements and identify where you can reduce your spending – not only will this help you save for a deposit, but it will make your mortgage application stronger in the eyes of a lender.

Set savings goals

There are many hidden costs associated with moving, including conveyancing fees, removal vans, stamp duty and surveys. Considering these additional costs now will help you plan realistically and start saving accordingly.

Check your credit score

Most lenders use one of three main credit reference agencies to check your credit report – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You can check your score for free now, giving you time to make any necessary improvements before applying.

Consult a mortgage broker

Seeking professional advice early can make sure you’re well prepared for the mortgage process. It can help you set a realistic budget and gives you an opportunity to strengthen your application.

*Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay and early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

16/01/2026

3 Decision in Principles completed yesterday very productive day and more to come!

04/12/2025

Here at Home Buying With Ease I pride myself on helping my customers save money both through great mortgage advice AND all the satellite services that come with buying a home. A really easy win is through the government LISA scheme. With that being said you also have to know the limitations of government incentives and schemes.

More FTBs using LISAs to buy home
Data shows that the number of people buying a home with a Lifetime ISA (known as LISA) increased in the 2024/25 tax year.

According to the statistics, 82,750 account holders withdrew money from their LISA to buy their first home, which is about 30,500 more than in the previous tax year. Also, the average withdrawal for a property purchase increased by around £857 to £15,782 in 2024/25. The increase is likely due to FTBs rushing to complete their transaction before the stamp duty changes came into effect in April 2025.

More incur withdrawal charges
While many are using LISAs for their intended use, there are some account holders who are paying the price for dipping into their savings. Money can be withdrawn from a LISA when buying your first home (costing £450,000 or less), when you are aged 60 or over, or if you are terminally ill (with less than 12 months to live). If you withdraw funds for another reason, there is a charge of 25%. In the year 2024/25, there was £102m in LISA withdrawal charges, up from £75.3m the year before.

It's important to explore alternative options before making an unauthorised withdrawal from your LISA.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Sources:

A withdrawal charge of 25% may apply if someone withdraws cash or assets