Paisley Mortgages

08/06/2026

Selling your home this summer? Five things sellers need to know as buyers get more choice

If you are thinking about selling your home this summer, the market may look encouraging at first glance.

Asking prices have been holding up, homes are still selling, and many buyers remain active. But look a little closer and the picture becomes more complicated.

Rightmove’s May 2026 House Price Index reported that the average price of property coming to market rose by 1.2% in May to £378,304. Sales agreed were 4% lower than the same period last year, suggesting that activity has not disappeared.

However, sellers should not confuse a steady market with an easy one.

Rightmove also reported that buyers now have the widest choice of homes for sale at this time of year since 2015, while around 32% of homes on the market have had a price reduction.

That matters because buyers with more choice can afford to be more selective. They may compare similar homes more carefully, question asking prices more closely and take longer before making an offer.

For sellers, this does not mean panic. But it does mean preparation.

If you want to sell this summer, here are five things worth knowing before your property goes on the market.

1. More choice means buyers can be more selective

In a market where buyers have fewer homes to choose from, they often move quickly and may be willing to compromise.

When there are more properties available, the balance changes.

Buyers can compare similar homes in the same area. They can look at price, condition, garden size, parking, energy performance, local schools, transport links and how much work the property needs.

A buyer may still love your home, but they will also be asking whether it represents the best value compared with everything else they have seen.

That is why sellers need to think beyond simply listing the property and waiting for interest.

Presentation, price and timing all matter. A well-presented home at a realistic price is more likely to attract serious buyers than one that relies on hope and an ambitious asking figure.

2. Pricing too high can cost you early interest

The first few weeks after a property is listed are often the most important.

This is when your home is fresh on the property portals, when buyer alerts are sent out, and when estate agents are likely to have registered applicants ready to view.

If the asking price is too high during that early window, serious buyers may scroll past it.

Some sellers assume they can start high and reduce later if needed. That can work in some cases, but it can also create problems. By the time the price is reduced, the listing may already feel stale. Buyers may wonder why it has not sold. Some may see the reduction as a reason to negotiate even harder.

A realistic asking price does not mean underselling your home. It means looking at the market as it is today.

Ask your estate agent about recent agreed sales, not just advertised prices. Look at how long similar homes nearby have been on the market. Check whether comparable properties have already reduced their asking price.

The question is not only what your home is worth to you. It is what a proceedable buyer is likely to pay in the current market.

3. Presentation matters when buyers have alternatives

Buyers are not just comparing prices. They are comparing how homes feel.

A cluttered hallway, tired bathroom, scuffed walls or overgrown garden may not stop someone buying on its own. But it can create hesitation, and hesitation can lead to lower offers.

Before your home is photographed, walk through it as if you are viewing it for the first time.

Clear kitchen worktops. Tidy shoes, coats and bags from the hallway. Remove bulky furniture that makes rooms feel smaller. Touch up marked walls. Replace broken lightbulbs. Fix loose handles. Clean grout and reseal around the bath or shower if needed.

The outside of the property matters too. The front door, driveway, path and garden all contribute to the first impression.

Late spring and early summer can work in a seller’s favour because homes often look brighter and gardens can look their best. Make the most of that. Clean windows, open curtains and blinds, cut the grass, sweep the patio and create a simple outdoor seating area if you can.

Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living there, not mentally listing the jobs they would need to do.

4. Summer can help, but timing still matters

The end of May and early June can be a useful time to go to market.

Homes are often lighter, gardens are more appealing, and some families may be thinking ahead to a move before the next school year.

But sellers should also be realistic about the summer timetable.

As the main holiday season approaches, viewings can become harder to coordinate. Buyers go away. Sellers go away. Solicitors, surveyors and estate agents may have staff on leave. Even motivated people can become harder to pin down.

That does not mean you should rush into selling before you are ready. But if you are serious about moving this year, it is sensible to get organised before the summer holiday season is fully under way.

Gather key paperwork. Speak to your estate agent about the best launch date. Prepare your home before photographs are taken. Understand your onward plans.

A good property can still sell in summer, but a prepared seller is in a stronger position than one who is trying to make decisions under pressure.

5. Know your mortgage position before you accept an offer

Selling your home is not just about finding a buyer. It is also about understanding what happens next.

If you have a mortgage, you should check whether there are early repayment charges, whether your existing mortgage can be moved to a new property, and what your borrowing options may look like if you are buying again.

This is particularly important while mortgage affordability remains a key factor for buyers and sellers.

Rightmove’s May 2026 House Price Index reported that the average two-year fixed mortgage rate had fallen to 5.18%, down from 5.42% the previous month1. That may offer some encouragement, but mortgage rates remain much higher than many borrowers were used to during the ultra-low-rate years.

Your next move may depend not just on the price you sell for, but on what you can borrow, what your monthly payments could be, and whether your current mortgage creates any restrictions.

A mortgage broker can help you understand your options before you accept an offer or commit to your next purchase.

That can include looking at affordability, potential monthly payments, product transfer options, remortgaging, porting an existing mortgage and any early repayment charges that may apply.

Having this information early can help you make more confident decisions and reduce the risk of delays once a buyer is found.

What should sellers do now?

This is not a market for panic. Homes are still selling, and many buyers remain active.

But it is not a market for guesswork either.

If you are thinking of selling this summer, it is worth taking a few practical steps before going live.

Speak to more than one local estate agent. Compare recent sold prices, not just asking prices. Ask how many similar homes are currently for sale. Prepare your home properly for photographs and viewings. Be realistic about what a reasonable offer may look like.

And if you are planning to buy another property, speak to a mortgage broker before you go too far down the road.

The better prepared you are, the more control you are likely to have.

The bottom line

The 2026 housing market is more nuanced than the headline figures suggest.

Prices have been holding up, but buyers have more choice. Homes are still selling, but sellers need to work harder to stand out. A high asking price may attract attention, but it will not guarantee a sale if buyers do not see value.

For anyone hoping to sell this summer, the message is simple. Price carefully, present well, understand your mortgage position and be ready to move when the right buyer comes along.

If you are thinking about selling and buying again, speaking to a mortgage broker early can help you understand your options before making your next move.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

01/06/2026

Heatwave home insurance warning: The summer risks that could leave homeowners facing a costly surprise

Britain’s record-breaking May heatwave has sent families into gardens, parks and beaches, with barbecues lit, patio doors left open and garden furniture brought out for the summer.

But while the sunshine has been welcomed by many, homeowners are being urged to check whether their home insurance is ready for the risks that can come with hot weather.

The Met Office provisionally reported that the UK’s May temperature record was broken this week, with 34.8°C recorded at Kew Gardens1. The UK Health Security Agency also issued amber and yellow heat-health alerts across England, warning that high temperatures could create risks for vulnerable people.

For households, the warning is not just about staying cool. Warm weather can also bring situations where theft, accidental damage, fire risks and emergency repair costs are easier to overlook.

And many homeowners may not realise what is and is not covered until they come to make a claim.

Why summer can be risky for your home

Home insurance is often something people arrange once and then forget about. But the way we use our homes changes significantly during the summer.

Windows are left open for ventilation. Doors can be left unlocked while people move between the house and garden. Bikes, tools, garden furniture and barbecues are brought outside. Families go away for weekends or longer holidays. Children are at home more. Guests visit for garden parties and barbecues.

Each of these situations can create a risk that may not be fully covered by a standard policy.

A stolen bike left in the garden may be treated differently from one locked inside the home. A damaged floor or broken window may not be covered unless accidental damage has been added. A fire caused by a barbecue too close to the house could lead to difficult questions from an insurer.

The issue is not that homeowners are careless. It is that many assume their insurance is broader than it really is.

Check whether garden theft is covered

Garden theft is one of the easiest summer risks to overlook.

Lawnmowers, power tools, garden furniture, children’s play equipment, bicycles and barbecues can all be expensive to replace. Yet some contents insurance policies have strict limits for items kept outside, in sheds, garages or outbuildings.

Others may require items to be locked away securely when not in use.

That means a family who leaves garden furniture out overnight, or keeps expensive tools in an unlocked shed, could find that a claim is reduced or rejected.

Homeowners should check whether their policy includes cover for items outside the home, whether there are single-item limits and whether outbuildings have to meet specific security requirements.

Barbecues, fire pits and patio heaters can create problems

A barbecue may feel like a harmless part of summer, but fire is one of the most serious risks to a property.

During periods of hot and dry weather, the risk can increase, particularly when barbecues, fire pits or patio heaters are used near fencing, decking, sheds, dry grass or the house itself.

Fire is commonly covered under home insurance, but policy wording and exclusions vary. Insurers will usually expect homeowners to take reasonable care. That means keeping flames well away from the property, not leaving them unattended and making sure ashes and coals are fully extinguished before disposal.

If a fire starts and the insurer believes reasonable precautions were not taken, it could affect the claim.

It is also worth checking whether outdoor cooking equipment, garden structures or outbuildings are included within the policy.

Do you have accidental damage cover?

Accidental damage is one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of home insurance.

Many homeowners assume it is included automatically. In reality, it is often an optional extra.

Without it, a policy may not cover incidents such as a broken window, damage caused during DIY, a spilled drink damaging a carpet, or a child knocking over an expensive item.

That matters during summer because homes tend to be busier. People entertain more, children are around more often during school holidays and DIY projects become more common.

For households with children, pets, regular visitors or planned home improvements, accidental damage cover may be worth reviewing.

Home emergency cover is not the same as home insurance

Home emergency cover is another area where homeowners can get caught out.

A standard buildings insurance policy may cover damage caused by an escape of water, depending on the circumstances. But it may not cover the cost of locating the leak, arranging an urgent callout or fixing the original problem.

Home emergency cover is designed to help with urgent issues such as plumbing problems, electrical faults, roof damage, broken boilers or the loss of essential services. It will usually include callout fees, labour and basic parts, but only up to a set claim limit.

The details matter. Some policies include emergency cover automatically, while others offer it as an add-on. Some limit the number of callouts each year or cap the amount that can be claimed.

With emergency tradespeople often costing more during evenings, weekends or bank holidays, homeowners should understand what support they would have if something went wrong.

Hot weather does not remove the risk of storms

It is easy to associate summer with sunshine, but hot spells can be followed by thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash flooding.

Many buildings insurance policies include storm damage, but policy limits, excesses and exclusions vary.

A homeowner may be covered if a storm damages the roof or a falling branch hits the property. However, insurers may look at whether the home has been properly maintained. If gutters are blocked, roof tiles are already damaged or trees have been neglected, this could create problems when making a claim.

The same applies to flooding. Homeowners should check what their policy says about flood damage, excesses and any restrictions based on the property’s location.

The cost of getting it wrong

Home insurance premiums have risen sharply in recent years, partly because of higher repair costs and weather-related claims.

The Association of British Insurers reported that the average annual price of combined buildings and contents insurance reached £395 in 2024, up from £340 in 2023. The ABI also reported that insurers paid out a record £585 million for weather-related damage to people’s homes and possessions in 2024.

Water damage is another major source of claims. The ABI says escape of water is one of the most common types of domestic property damage claims, with insurers paying out £1.8 million for it every day.

That has made many households more price sensitive at renewal. But the cheapest policy is not always the most suitable.

A lower premium can sometimes mean higher excesses, lower claim limits or fewer optional extras. These differences may not be obvious when comparing policies quickly online.

The real test of a policy comes when something goes wrong.

A homeowner who discovers that garden items are not covered, accidental damage was never added or emergency callouts are excluded could face a bill running into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Why getting advice can help

It is easy to think of home insurance as a simple renewal job. A price appears in your inbox, you compare it with a few alternatives online, and you pick the option that looks affordable.

The difficulty is that the cheapest policy is not always the one that gives the right protection.

This is where advice can make a real difference. Where a mortgage broker or insurance adviser is authorised to advise on or arrange insurance, they can help homeowners look beyond the monthly premium and understand what a policy actually covers.

That may include checking whether buildings cover reflects the current rebuild cost of the property, whether contents limits are realistic, and whether items kept in gardens, sheds, garages or outbuildings are protected.

They can also explain optional extras such as accidental damage, personal possessions cover and home emergency cover, and help clients understand where exclusions, claim limits or excesses may apply.

This can be particularly useful where circumstances have changed. If you have extended your home, renovated a kitchen, bought new furniture, added a garden office, started working from home or purchased expensive electrical items, your existing policy may no longer reflect the property you actually live in.

For homeowners with a mortgage, this is particularly important. Your home is likely to be your largest financial commitment, and buildings insurance is usually a condition of the mortgage. But simply having a policy in place does not always mean you have the right level of protection.

The aim is not to add unnecessary extras. It is to help homeowners make an informed decision and reduce the risk of discovering a gap in cover only after something has gone wrong.

When should you review your cover?

A heatwave is a useful reminder, but home insurance should ideally be reviewed at least once a year.

It is particularly important to check your cover if you have renovated, extended, bought expensive new items, changed how you use your home, started working from home or added garden buildings.

You should also check your policy if you are going away during the summer. Some insurers have rules about how long a property can be left unoccupied, and they may expect certain precautions to be taken.

These could include locking windows and doors, setting alarms, asking someone to check the property, or turning off certain appliances.

A summer home insurance checklist

Before the weather gets any more unpredictable, homeowners should ask themselves the following questions.

Are bikes, tools, garden furniture and barbecues covered if they are stolen?

Are sheds, garages and outbuildings included?

Do I have accidental damage cover?

Would my policy respond if a barbecue, fire pit or patio heater caused damage?

Do I have home emergency cover?

Are leaks, storm damage and flood damage covered?

Have I told my insurer about home improvements or valuable items?

Do I understand my excess, policy limits and exclusions?

Are there any restrictions if I leave my home empty while I am away?

If the answer to any of these questions is unclear, it is worth checking the policy documents or speaking to an adviser.

The bottom line

The record-breaking May heatwave has been a reminder that British weather can change quickly and dramatically.

For homeowners, summer brings more than sunshine. It can also bring theft risks, fire hazards, accidental damage, emergency repairs and sudden storms.

A short insurance review now could help avoid a costly surprise later.

If you are unsure whether your buildings, contents or home emergency cover still suits your circumstances, speak to your mortgage broker or insurance adviser.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

25/05/2026

Has your life changed since you last reviewed your protection needs?

Your mortgage is likely to be one of your biggest financial commitments, but it is easy to forget that your wider protection needs can change over time.

If you arranged life cover, critical illness cover or income protection when you first took out your mortgage, the cover may have been suitable for your circumstances at the time. However, your life may look very different now.

You may have moved home, changed jobs, become self-employed, started a family, increased your borrowing, reduced your working hours or taken on new financial commitments. Any of these changes could affect the type or level of protection you may need.

A mortgage review is a good opportunity to look at this again. If your current mortgage deal is coming to an end, or you are thinking about remortgaging, borrowing more or changing your mortgage term, it may also be sensible to review whether your protection arrangements still fit your circumstances.

Protection is not just about helping repay the mortgage if the worst happens. It can also help provide financial support with everyday household costs, bills, childcare and other commitments if you are unable to work because of illness or injury, or if your household income changes unexpectedly.

For example, life cover could help repay the mortgage or provide financial support for loved ones if you died during the policy term. Critical illness cover could pay out if you were diagnosed with a serious illness covered by the policy. Income protection could provide a regular income if you were unable to work because of illness or injury, subject to the terms of the policy.

The right protection will depend on your circumstances, budget, employer benefits, existing cover and financial responsibilities. It is also important to understand what is and is not covered, as policies can vary.

There are also different ways protection can be arranged. The amount of cover, length of the policy, waiting period, whether payments stay the same or increase over time, and whether cover is arranged individually or jointly can all affect suitability and cost. This is why it is important to review protection in the context of your needs, budget and existing arrangements.

You may already have some protection in place through your employer, such as sick pay, death-in-service benefit or private medical insurance. These benefits can be valuable, but they may not provide the same level of cover as a personal policy. They may also change if you move jobs or become self-employed.

It is also worth checking who your policy is designed to protect. If your circumstances have changed, you may need to review the amount of cover, the policy term, the type of cover, or whether the policy should be written in trust.

Reviewing your protection does not always mean taking out something new. It may simply confirm that your existing cover is still suitable. However, if there are gaps, it is better to understand them before you or your family need to rely on the policy.

If you already have protection in place, it is important not to cancel an existing policy without taking advice. A new policy may be more expensive, may include exclusions, or may not be available on the same terms, especially if your health, age or circumstances have changed.

If your mortgage, income or family circumstances have changed since you last reviewed your protection needs, now is a good time to speak to an adviser. They can help you understand your options and consider what may be appropriate for your needs and budget.

Please get in touch if you would like to review your protection needs. We can help you consider whether your current arrangements still support your home, your family and your wider financial plans.

Availability and cost of cover is subject to criteria such as age, lifestyle, current health and medical history.

18/05/2026

Mortgage deal ending in 2026? Now is the time to review your options

If your current mortgage deal is due to end this year, it is worth reviewing your options sooner rather than later.

Across the UK, many homeowners are expected to reach the end of fixed-rate mortgage deals during 2026. UK Finance forecasts that 1.8 million fixed-rate mortgages are due to end this year, which means many borrowers will be reviewing their next steps at the same time.

The mortgage market also continues to change. Lenders have adjusted rates in recent weeks, but there is still uncertainty around whether borrowers should secure a new deal now or wait to see if pricing changes further. At the same time, household budgets remain under pressure, with UK CPI inflation rising to 3.3% in March 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics2.

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, the most important step is to understand your options before your current rate expires. If you do nothing, you may be moved onto your lender’s standard variable rate. This is often higher than the rate available on a new mortgage deal, which means your monthly payments could increase.

There are usually two main options to consider. You may be able to switch to a new deal with your existing lender, which is often known as a product transfer. Alternatively, you may be able to remortgage to a new lender if a more suitable option is available.

The right option will depend on your circumstances. Your income, property value, outstanding mortgage balance, credit commitments, future plans and attitude to risk can all affect what may be suitable for you.

It is also important to look beyond the interest rate. You may want to consider whether you need the certainty of a fixed monthly payment, whether you would prefer more flexibility, or whether your circumstances have changed since you last arranged your mortgage.

This is also a good time to review your wider financial position. If you have moved home, changed jobs, started a family, taken on additional borrowing or experienced a change in income, it may be sensible to review your protection needs, including life cover, critical illness cover or income protection.

The key message is not to leave it too late. Many lenders allow borrowers to secure a new deal several months before their current rate ends. In some cases, you may be able to reserve a new deal in advance and review your options again before it starts, depending on the lender and product selected.

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end within the next six months, now is a good time to speak to a mortgage adviser. Getting advice early can help you understand your options, compare the costs, avoid unnecessary pressure and make an informed decision about your next mortgage.

If your mortgage deal is due to end this year, please get in touch. We can help you review your options and consider what may be suitable for your circumstances.

‌Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.