JVA Mortgages

02/04/2026

This is the March edition of the JVA MORTGAGES- Mortgage and Protection Update. I am excited to bring you updates on the Mortgage and housing market, plus some useful information about Insurances.

Mortgage Market Snapshot – March 2026

March has seen a noticeable shift in the mortgage market, with rates increasing across a number of lenders.

This has been driven by a rise in swap rates, which lenders use to price fixed-rate mortgages. In recent weeks, swap rates have moved upwards due to ongoing inflation concerns and uncertainty around when the Bank of England will begin cutting the base rate.

As a result, many lenders have repriced their products, with fixed rates edging up rather than down, reversing some of the improvements we saw earlier in the year.

For borrowers, this highlights the importance of acting early. Securing a rate in advance can still be beneficial, as most lenders allow you to switch to a better deal if rates improve before completion - but importantly, it also protects you if rates continue to rise.

If your current mortgage deal is due to end this year, I will be in touch in good time to ensure we review your options and secure the most suitable rate for you.

UK Economic Update – March in Brief

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 20th March 2026, voting to hold the base rate at 3.75%.

Inflation remains at around 3%, still above the 2% target. While this is significantly lower than recent peaks, progress has slowed, which is contributing to market uncertainty.

This uncertainty is a key reason why swap rates - and in turn mortgage rates - have increased recently, as markets reassess how quickly base rate reductions may happen.

The housing market itself remains resilient, with steady demand and a good level of available properties, although higher borrowing costs may begin to temper activity as we move further into the year.

Mortgage Focus – Securing a Rate in a Rising Market

With mortgage rates currently moving upwards, one of the most important strategies is securing a rate early.

Most lenders allow you to lock in a rate up to 3-6 months in advance of your mortgage completing or your current deal ending. This can be particularly valuable in a rising rate environment.

If rates continue to increase, you’ve protected yourself. If rates reduce, many lenders will allow you to switch to a better product before completion — giving you flexibility as well as security.

This approach can be especially useful for those remortgaging later this year or planning a property purchase, ensuring you are not exposed to further market increases.

If this is relevant to you, I’d be happy to review your timeline and put a plan in place.

Protection Corner – Income Protection: Your Safety Net

One of the most overlooked types of protection is Income Protection.

This cover is designed to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Rather than a one-off payout, it provides a regular monthly income, helping you keep up with mortgage payments, bills, and everyday living costs.

Many people assume their employer or savings would be enough, but in reality, sick pay is often limited and savings can be quickly depleted.

Income protection can be tailored to suit your needs, including how long it pays out for and how soon payments start. It’s a valuable safety net, particularly for those who rely heavily on their income to maintain their lifestyle.

If you’d like to understand how this could work for you, I’d be happy to walk you through the options.

Friends & Family

As you may already know, I grow my small business largely through client referrals. Equally, the more people I can support with their Mortgage & Protection needs, the better for everyone.

If you have any family members, friends or work colleagues who could benefit from my services, please feel free to send them this newsletter, or simply my contact details, so they can get in touch and receive the support they need.

Book a Free Review
Whether you’re planning ahead or just want a quick chat, I’m here to help.
Tel: 07950 961324
Email: [email protected]
www.jvamortgages.co.uk
Or reply to this email to arrange a time.

First Time Buyer Not only do you need to consider which mortgage is most suitable for your current needs and circumstances, you also need to think about which interest rate options are most likely ...

27/02/2026

This is the February edition of the JVA MORTGAGES-Mortgage and Protection Update. I am excited to bring you updates on the Mortgage and housing market, plus some useful information about Insurances.

Mortgage Market Snapshot - February 2026

Mortgage rates have seen a slight fall across the board in 2026 so far. Alongside this, we are continuing to see the positive changes brought in to improve affordability levels for borrowers. Jointly, this paints a positive outlook for the market.

If you have a mortgage rate ending this year, it could be good news if your current rate was fixed for 2 years. Rates today are generally lower than they were two years ago. I will of course be in touch ahead of your rate ending to review this.

UK Economic Update - February in Brief

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), met on 5 February 2026, where they agreed to hold the base rate at 3.75%.

Inflation reduced to 3% in the year to January 2026. Whilst this is positive news, it is still 1% above the Bank of England’s 2% target.

As reported in mainstream press, February is expected to see the highest number of property listings in recent years. Zoopla reported they are on target to see the highest number of listings in a decade, further boosting confidence in the housing market. The Guardian reported that both Halifax and Nationwide said house prices were up 0.7% and 0.3% respectively, and that figures issued by Moneyfacts this month highlighted that first-time buyers had the biggest choice of low-deposit mortgages for at least 18 years.

What is ‘Porting’?

If you’re planning to move home but currently tied into a fixed rate, porting your mortgage may allow you to transfer your existing deal to a new property. This can help you avoid early repayment charges and retain a rate that may be lower than those currently available in the market.

However, porting isn’t automatic approval. You’ll still need to meet the lender’s affordability and underwriting criteria at the time of application, and if you’re borrowing more, the additional amount will usually be on a new rate.
Most mortgages allow porting, and I can confirm whether your current mortgage product is portable or not.

If you’re considering a move, reviewing your mortgage options early ensures you understand whether porting, or a fresh application, would be the most suitable route.

Protection Corner - Relevant Life Cover

For directors and business owners, a Relevant Life Policy can be a highly tax-efficient way to arrange life cover through a limited company. The policy is paid for by the business, and premiums are typically treated as an allowable business expense, without forming part of the employee’s taxable income.

Unlike personal life insurance, this structure can avoid income tax and National Insurance on premiums, and when written in trust, benefits are usually paid tax-efficiently to beneficiaries. It can be particularly attractive for small businesses that don’t have a group life scheme in place.

If you operate through a limited company and currently fund personal life cover from post-tax income, it may be worth me reviewing whether a Relevant Life Policy could provide a more efficient alternative.

Friends & Family

As you may already know, I grow my small business largely through client referrals. Equally, the more people I can support with their Mortgage & Protection needs, the better for everyone.

If you have any family members, friends or work colleagues who could benefit from my services, please feel free to send them this newsletter, or simply my contact details, so they can get in touch and receive the support they need.

Book a Free Review
Whether you’re planning ahead or just want a quick chat, I’m here to help.
Tel: +44 (0) 2083 371 929
Mob: +44 (0) 7950 961 324
Email: [email protected]

First Time Buyer Not only do you need to consider which mortgage is most suitable for your current needs and circumstances, you also need to think about which interest rate options are most likely ...

10/02/2026

This is the January edition of the JVA Mortgage and Protection Update. I am excited to bring you updates on the Mortgage and housing market, plus some useful information about Insurances.

Mortgage Market Snapshot - January 2026

As we begin the new year, mortgage rates remain stable. We have not seen a great deal of movement in mortgage rates over the last couple of months, despite changes to the Bank of England Base Rate (BOEBR) and new inflation figures. I’ll cover that more in the Economic Update section below.

If you have a mortgage rate ending this year, it could be good news if your current rate was fixed for 2 years. Rates today are generally lower than they were two years ago. I will of course be in touch ahead of your rate ending to review this.

UK Economic Update - January in Brief

BOEBR has not been reviewed since it was cut to 3.75% in December 2025. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPS) are due to meet in early February, however there is no expectation that the BOEBR will be reduced further at this time. More on why below.

Inflation rose to 3.4% in December 2025. This is a slight increase from 3.2% in the previous month. However, the Bank of England still expects inflation to decline to around 3% at the end of March 2026 and continue to decrease further down towards the target of 2% as we go through this year.

The UK housing market has seen a new year bounce, as the average asking price of a property listed on the market in 2026 has jumped by almost £10,000. This can be positive to hear if you are looking to sell in the near future. However, if you are looking to buy, my advice remains the same. Don’t try to time the market. House prices have consistently risen over many years, so if you want to know what you could afford, reach out to me now.

The Buy-To-Let Market

The buy-to-let market continues to evolve, and despite recent challenges, lenders are becoming more flexible in how they support landlords. We’re seeing improved affordability options such as lower stress testing, the use of surplus personal income (top-slicing), and more competitive products for limited company and portfolio landlords. There is also increased support for HMOs and multi-unit properties.

Another notable trend is the focus on property efficiency. More lenders are offering preferential rates or incentives for energy-efficient properties, reflecting the growing importance of EPC ratings in the buy-to-let sector. At the same time, application processes have improved, with faster decisions and better use of technology helping cases progress more smoothly.

From a market perspective, rental demand remains strong in many areas, helping to support rental yields even as costs have risen. While buy-to-let is now a more selective market, well-located properties with strong tenant demand continue to perform well.

Looking ahead, expectations of greater interest rate stability may improve confidence for landlords considering remortgaging or expanding their portfolios. Many investors are taking a longer-term view, focusing on sustainable rental income rather than short-term gains.

If you’re reviewing an existing buy-to-let mortgage or considering your next move, the right lender choice can make a meaningful difference in the current market.

Protection Corner - What about my Home Insurance?

Buildings and contents insurance is something many people set up once and then don’t revisit - but it’s worth checking that your cover still reflects your home and lifestyle today. Changes such as home improvements, new furniture, working from home, or higher rebuild costs can all mean your existing policy may no longer be fully suitable.

With rebuilding costs rising in recent years, underinsurance is a growing risk. Having the right buildings sum insured helps ensure your home could be rebuilt if the worst were to happen, while contents cover protects the belongings you rely on every day - not just high-value items, but the cumulative cost of replacing everything at once.

Policies can also vary more than people realise. Cover levels, excesses, accidental damage, and add-ons such as home emergency or cover for valuables outside the home can differ significantly between insurers.

A quick review can help make sure your cover is still appropriate and good value, and that there are no gaps you’d only discover when making a claim. If you’d like help reviewing your current policy, just let me know.

Friends & Family

As you may already know, I grow my small business largely through client referrals. Equally, the more people I can support with their Mortgage & Protection needs, the better for everyone.

If you have any family members, friends or work colleagues who could benefit from my services, please feel free to send them this newsletter, or simply my contact details, so they can get in touch and receive the support they need.

Book a Free Review

Whether you’re planning ahead or just want a quick chat, I’m here to help.
Tel: +44 (0) 2083 371 929
Mob: +44 (0) 7950 961 324
Email: [email protected]

First Time Buyer Not only do you need to consider which mortgage is most suitable for your current needs and circumstances, you also need to think about which interest rate options are most likely ...

29/12/2025

🌟 As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect and express my heartfelt gratitude.

Thank you to all my clients for your trust and support! Your belief in my work has made this year truly special. It's been a pleasure collaborating with each of you, and I look forward to continuing our journey together in the coming year.

Wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous New Year ahead! 🥳✨ Here’s to new beginnings and exciting opportunities in 2026! 🎉

First Time Buyer Not only do you need to consider which mortgage is most suitable for your current needs and circumstances, you also need to think about which interest rate options are most likely ...

18/12/2025

Newsletter
This is the December edition of the JVA Mortgages- Mortgage and Protection Update. I am excited to bring you updates on the Mortgage and housing market, plus some useful information about Insurances.

Mortgage Market Snapshot – December 2025

As we approach Christmas, we are seeing mortgage rates remain stable. They have dropped on average very slightly versus this time two months ago. This is positive, as it shows a positive general downward trend on the cost of borrowing.

It is important to remember that where mortgage rates are now is being considered as the ‘norm’. The reality is mortgage rates in the 1%s was a particularly good time where the cost of borrowing was low. The reality is, with inflation targeted at 2%, mortgage rates would be expected to be in the 3%s in a normal world, perhaps dipping into the 2%s.

So, mortgage market update? The market is stable, mortgage lenders want to lend, and if you are wondering if it is a good time to buy, the answer is yes. Don’t try to time the market!

UK Economic Update – December in Brief

Bank of England cut the base rate by 0.25%

Today, the Bank of England (BOE) cut the base rate by 0.25%, moving it from 4% down to 3.75%. This is positive news prior to Christmas, meaning that in theory the cost of borrowing has reduced. In reality, as stated in previous newsletters, this doesn’t directly mean that mortgage rates will drop.

Inflation dropped to 3.2% in the month to December. This is more good news, and a contributing factor as to why the BOE have dropped the base rate today. This means that prices have risen by a lower amount compared to the last month, however, prices are still rising.

The budget was delivered by the chancellor at the end of November – hopefully you saw my specific budget update newsletter following this. The budget was well received by the markets, and fairly uneventful by all accounts.

On the whole, there is certainly a positive economic outlook ahead of 2026.

Should I consider a Base Rate Tracker Product?

Given the BOE decision today to drop the base rate to 3.75%, I wanted to provide some information about ‘Base Rate Tracker’ mortgage products. Put simply, this is a product type where the mortgage rate ‘tracks’ the BOE base rate.

An example would be if you have a product which tracks at 0.25% above the BOE base rate. This means that today, the payable mortgage rate would be 4% (3.75% base rate + 0.25% ‘above base rate’ rate). These products have some useful benefits as detailed below.

The payable mortgage rate will move in line with the BOE base rate. In the current market where the base rate is not expected to increase, this may be a positive. This means that if the BOE base rate drops, so does your payable mortgage rate and your monthly mortgage payment.
Often, these products are offered without early repayment charge attached. This means you can transfer to a new product with your existing lender, or remortgage to a different lender, without paying a fee. Most fixed rate mortgages have early repayment charges, meaning you have to pay a fee in order to change product or lender.

However, whilst tracker products have their pros, they also have some important cons;

The payable mortgage rate can be higher than available fixed rates. For example, you may have a fixed rate available for 3.5%, but a tracker rate available for 0.25% above base rate. This would mean that the tracker rate would be 4%, whilst you could fix your rate at 0.5% lower.
If the base rate increases, so does your payable rate, and therefore your monthly mortgage payment
Often, due to the lack of early repayment charges, tracker products include a lender arrangement fee. This could be a fixed fee, around £1,000, or in some cases a percentage charge of the loan amount, say 1%.

Tracker rates can provide really useful flexibility, and can offer competitive mortgage rates, however shouldn’t be used based on a ‘prediction’ that the BOE is going to drop.

Protection Corner – Is It time to review my existing cover?

Regular reviews of existing cover is vital to ensure that what you are paying for remains suitable. There are several factors to consider when reviewing cover. You first need to ensure that the cover you have still performs that function – covers your needs. For example, if you have recently expanded your family, perhaps had your first child, does your critical illness cover include children’s critical illness cover? This can be an invaluable benefit not covered by your existing policy.

Another example is to ensure that you are only paying what you need to pay for the right cover. A common area where you can review this is smoking status. If you were classed as a smoker when you first took our your policy, but have now stopped smoking, you may be eligible for ‘non-smoker premiums’. When you would have taken out the policy as a smoker, a ‘rating’ would have been applied to your insurance premiums, since someone who smokes poses a higher claims risk to that provider. The rating means the provider has increased your premiums due to the higher risk applied. If you now no longer class as a smoker, you could pose a lower risk to a provider, and therefore, might be able to reduce your policy premiums, but still benefit from the same level of cover.

If you are unsure whether your existing protection policies remain suitable for you and your circumstances, don’t hesitate to reach out to me in order to review your current cover.

Thank you

As we head into the holiday period, I would like to thank you for working with us. Helping our clients everyday is what drives us forwards, so thank you for your continued support.


If you celebrate, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas period, and I look forward to continuing to work together into 2026.

Friends & Family

As you may already know, I grow my small business largely through client referrals. Equally, the more people I can support with their Mortgage & Protection needs, the better for everyone.

If you've any family members, friends or work colleagues who could benefit from my services, please feel free to send them this newsletter, or simply my contact details, so they can get in touch and receive the support they need.

Book a Free Review
Whether you’re planning ahead or just want a quick chat, I’m here to help.
[email protected]
Mob: 07950961324

First Time Buyer Not only do you need to consider which mortgage is most suitable for your current needs and circumstances, you also need to think about which interest rate options are most likely ...

20/05/2025