Nick Lofthouse - Mortgage & Protection Adviser

07/05/2026

How does inflation affect mortgage interest rates?

When inflation changes, it may leave you with questions around how this can affect interest rates and your mortgage.

Inflation has risen to 3.4% in the months to December. Although this is still above the Bank of England's 2% target, it's a very welcome step in the right direction.

If you're wondering, what is inflation, what are mortgage interest rates, and how does inflation affect mortgage rates, then you're in the right place. We track the current inflation rate to bring you the most up-to-date and relevant information on this topic.

Find out more about the impact inflation has on mortgages.

With inflation and the Bank of England’s recent bank rate rises being a hot topic right now, you might have some questions regarding inflation and interest rates.

04/05/2026

Important for Landlords and Tenants
The weather finally feels brighter and hopefully we will all get some time to enjoy.
With the mortgage market changing constantly, this may be a challenge for me.
Major reforms to the private rented sector in England come into effect on 1 May 2026, and if you're a landlord, now is the time to get up to speed. The Renters Rights Bill introduces a raft of new rules covering how tenancies start and end, how rent can be increased, and what you're required to provide in writing to your tenants.
The headline changes include the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions, a ban on fixed-term tenancies (most will become rolling), and a limit of one rent increase per year with at least two months' notice. Rental bidding and requiring large sums of rent in advance are also being outlawed.

On the paperwork side, if your tenants have an existing tenancy you don't need to reissue agreements, but you will need to send them a government-produced Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. Full guidance is available on GOV.UK to help you stay compliant.

If you are a landlord and want to find out about remortgaging your property or ensuring you have the right insurance in place please email me ([email protected])

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend on your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

30/04/2026

Making Tax Digital for Landlords & Self-employed: Are You Ready?

If you own rental property or are self-employed, one of the most significant changes to tax reporting in a generation is now just weeks away.

From 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital(MTD) for Income Tax will fundamentally change how landlords and the self-employed report their income to HMRC, replacing the traditional annual Self-Assessment tax return with digital record-keeping and quarterly reporting.

Landlords and sole traders with qualifying income exceeding £50,000 will be required to use MTD from April 2026. It is worth noting that income from employment (PAYE) or a pension is not included in the qualifying income threshold, only self-employment and rental income counts.

What will change in practice?
Those affected will need to register for MTD and make 4 quarterly submissions to HMRC each year, showing their income and expenses for each quarter. A new final declaration will replace the current Self-Assessment tax return and will automatically incorporate the transactions reported in those quarterly submissions. Importantly, quarterly updates are reporting requirements, not tax payments. Tax payment deadlines remain aligned with the existing Self-Assessment timetable.

You will also need to use HMRC-compatible software. Cloud-based accounting packages or dedicated landlord software are likely to be the most straightforward route for most people.

Penalty points will be awarded for late filings, and at two points landlords face a £200 fine. Late tax payments attract further penalties. The good news is that HMRC has confirmed it will not apply penalty points for late quarterly updates during the first 12 months, while landlords adjust to the new system.

What should you do now?
If your rental income, combined with any self-employment income, is approaching or exceeds £50,000, please do not leave this until the last minute. Review your 2024/25 figures, speak to your accountant about compatible software, and consider how your record-keeping will need to change.

For official guidance, visit HMRC’s MTD Pages.https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend on your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.

Find out how to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, including step by step guidance for sole traders, landlords, and their agents.

30/04/2026

I will now be watching how lenders react.

The Bank sets interest rates to help control consumer price rises - the UK inflation rate rose to 3.3% in the year to March.

24/04/2026

It's been a fascinating, full on week. So many conversations with so many people who earn their living from such a wide range of jobs. Some Employed, Some Self employed.

Pathologist, Financial Analyst, Teacher, Builder, Pilot to name but a few.

With such a cross section I am pleased that I have the experience to adapt to all their different scenarios and look forward to helping them in the coming days/weeks.

24/04/2026

Fab morning.

27/03/2026

The document you hope you'll never need -

The latest newsletter from Nick has an update on what's happening in his world, including his local business recommendation and his regular thought provoking piece.

05/03/2026

Being part of BNI Unity over the past few years has reminded me how powerful a supportive business community can be.

Every Thursday morning, we meet at Mill Green Golf Club (near Hatfield) from 6.45am–8.30am. It’s early, but the moment you walk in, you’re met with genuine warmth, encouragement, and a group of people who want to see each other succeed. That sense of connection is what makes the early start worth it.

Our chapter brings together 17 local professionals from a wide mix of industries – Accountants, Financial Advisers, Architects, Electricians, Gas Technicians and more. What makes it special isn’t just the variety of skills, but the way everyone shows up for one another.

We’re looking to welcome more local businesses into the group, especially Business Coaches, Builders, Solicitors, and Estate/Lettings Agents. If you’re someone who values real relationships, shared wins, and a community that lifts each other up, you’ll fit right in.

If you’d like to come along and see us or know someone who would enjoy being part of a positive, collaborative business network, feel free to send me a DM.

04/03/2026

Looking for businesses local to Welwyn who want to network and make new contacts.

25/02/2026

Making Tax Digital for Landlords: Are You Ready? -

The latest newsletter from Nick has an update on what's happening in his world, including his local business recommendation and his regular thought provoking piece.