Mark Ashworth - Mortgage and Protection Advisor

31/03/2026

Some good news today! A few lenders reducing rates amongst some recent rate increases

📉 Some positive news in the mortgage world today!

After a period of rising rates driven by global uncertainty, we’re starting to see the first signs of movement in the right direction.

Today alone, **three different lenders have reduced their rates** — a welcome shift after recent increases. 👀

While it’s still early days, this could be a sign that things are beginning to stabilise, and hopefully more lenders will follow.

For those approaching the end of a fixed rate, this highlights how quickly the market can change — both up and down — and why keeping an eye on timing can be so important. ⏳

It also reinforces the benefit of reviewing options early, giving flexibility to react as the market evolves. 🔄

Alongside this, it’s always worth reviewing protection such as life insurance, income protection or critical illness cover, helping ensure your plans remain secure regardless of market conditions. 🛡️🏡

A small shift today… but definitely one to watch.

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

24/03/2026

Stop scrolling for a sec ✋

Quick question…
Do you actually know when your current mortgage rate ends? 🤔

Take 60 seconds today to log into your mortgage app and check 📱

Because here’s the thing…
You don’t have to wait until it ends to do something about it ⏳

Brokers can often secure a new rate up to 6 months in advance 🔐

And with rates moving around, that could make a big difference to your future payments 💸

A small check today could save you a lot tomorrow 👇

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

23/03/2026

Where the journey begins! Getting your Agreement in Principle!

First Time Buyers – Getting an AIP is important!!!!

You don’t start house hunting.
You start with clarity.

An Agreement in Principle (AIP) tells you what a lender may be prepared to offer — based on your income, credit profile and commitments.

Without it?
You’re guessing.

With it?
You’re viewing homes knowing your budget is grounded in reality.

It also shows estate agents you’re serious.
And in competitive markets, that matters.

And before you stretch to the maximum figure — ask yourself:
Is that monthly payment comfortable long term?

Because alongside the mortgage, it’s worth understanding how life insurance or income protection could support those payments if circumstances changed.

An AIP isn’t just a piece of paper.
It’s your starting line 🏡

05/03/2026

Such an important message

A Conversation at the Gym This Morning 🏥

I was chatting to a gentleman at the gym today.
What started as normal conversation quickly became something much more serious.

His wife, aged 55, had been going back and forward to the doctors for nine months with what appeared to be a persistent skin rash.
After months of uncertainty, it’s now been diagnosed as skin cancer.

The nearest NHS hospital able to begin treatment is 160 miles from their home.
There is also a five-month waiting list before treatment can start.

That’s an incredibly difficult position for any family to face.

What struck me most was this — they don’t have critical illness cover.
If they had, a lump sum payment on diagnosis could have provided options.

There’s a private clinic just seven miles from their home.
Treatment there could begin within a week.

Protection doesn’t change a diagnosis.
But it can change the financial pressure, the waiting time decisions, and the level of choice available.

Many homeowners focus purely on the mortgage payment.
Yet critical illness cover and income protection are designed to support the household if serious health issues affect income or create additional costs.

The mortgage is the commitment.
Protection helps protect the people behind it.

It’s never about fear.
It’s about understanding the options before you ever need them 💙

05/02/2026

🚨 2% deposit mortgage product now available for first time buyers 🚨

Subject to terms

Exciting First-Time Buyer Mortgage News 🏡✨

There’s a new mortgage product available that could really help some first-time buyers take their first step onto the property ladder.

This option is designed specifically for first-time buyers only, including joint applications, and comes with some standout features 👇

🏡 First-time buyers only (including joint mortgages)
📈 Up to 98% loan-to-value
💷 Minimum deposit £10,000
🏷 Maximum loan £500,000
📅 Maximum term of 40 years
🔒 5-year fixed rate (early repayment charges apply)
💳 Repayment mortgage only
🎁 Gifted deposits accepted

There are a few important points to be aware of:
🚫 Not available for flats, new builds, or properties in Northern Ireland
🚫 Not currently suitable for self-employed applicants
🚫 Not available for shared ownership (maximum LTV currently capped at 90%)

Understanding the detail behind new products like this helps buyers make informed, confident decisions.

Clarity around criteria ensures expectations stay realistic and stress stays low 💙

30/01/2026

What do you do when your fixed mortgage rate is coming to an end?

What Happens When Your Current Mortgage Rate Ends? ⏳🏡

When a fixed or discounted mortgage rate comes to an end, the deal you originally agreed finishes too. If no new rate is arranged, most mortgages move onto the lender’s standard variable rate.

This rate is usually higher and can increase monthly payments without warning. For many households, that change can put pressure on everyday budgets.

Understanding when your rate ends gives time to review options calmly.
It allows space to explore whether staying put or switching makes more sense.

Planning ahead helps avoid rushed decisions and unnecessary cost.
Clarity before the change means your mortgage continues to support your life, not disrupt it 💙

12/01/2026

Really important to note the importance of the mortgage amount per month rather than get caught up in the purchase price of the property…

How Much Will Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Be? 💭🏡

For first-time buyers, the purchase price often gets all the attention.
But it’s the monthly payment that shapes everyday life.

Lenders assess affordability carefully, but what feels affordable on paper may feel different once bills, food, travel, and life costs are considered.
That’s why understanding repayments early is so important.

A mortgage should leave room for living — time with family, social plans, and breathing space when unexpected costs appear.
Not every buyer wants to stretch to the limit, even if the lender allows it.

Looking at payments through a lifestyle lens helps buyers plan a home that supports real life, not just ownership.

That balance is often what makes first-time buying feel sustainable and enjoyable💙

19/12/2025

Great news! Bank of England base rate reduction generally means that mortgage lenders interest rates will be reducing soon too - good news for new buyers and those who are re-mortgaging soon!

Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75% - the lowest level since early 2023!!!!! 🏡💻

Lenders have already started reducing their rates, increasing borrowing power for people looking to purchase, move or simply find a better deal

17/12/2025

Now is as good a time as any to just double check when your mortgage is due up! Planning ahead can save you money 🙌🏼🏡

💬 “I’ll deal with my mortgage in the New Year”

We hear this every Christmas — and it’s completely understandable 🎄

But waiting could mean rolling onto a higher rate without realising. If your fixed deal is ending soon, you can review your options up to 6 months in advance.

That gives you time to compare rates, reduce payments, or plan ahead for 2026.

A quick conversation now could save hundreds over the year 💸No pressure. No obligation. Just useful advice when you need it.

Future-you will thank you — probably while opening presents 🎁

✨ Making Your Mortgage Happen ✨

05/11/2025

23/10/2025

The Heart of Homeownership — Life Insurance

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones — but it also comes with a big responsibility.
If something unexpected happened to you, could your family keep the roof over their heads? 💔

That’s where life insurance comes in.
It protects your loved ones by ensuring the mortgage is paid if you’re no longer around.
It’s not a nice topic — but it’s one of the kindest decisions you can make for your family.

At Ellis-Ridings Mortgage Solutions, we’ll help you find the right cover, at the right price, so your home stays secure no matter what life brings.

Because protecting what matters most should never be an afterthought. 🏡❤️