Mortgage News & Insights
The latest mortgage news, rate changes, and expert advice
What Are NatWest Loan Rates Right Now — And How Do They Compare to a Remortgage?
NatWest personal loan rates can look attractive, but for homeowners raising larger sums, remortgaging or a second charge mortgage may cost significantly less. Here's how the numbers compare in 2026.
23 May 2026
What Are Santander First-Time Buyer Mortgages — And Are They Worth It in 2026?
Santander is one of the UK's most searched first-time buyer mortgage lenders in 2026 — and for good reason. This guide breaks down their current rates, eligibility rules, and how they stack up against rival lenders.
21 May 2026
How Much Has the Iran War Added to UK Mortgage Payments?
The Iran conflict has driven swap rates higher, with 1.3 million UK households now facing an average £350/month increase in mortgage costs. Here's how to decide whether to fix now, wait it out, or overpay your way through the uncertainty.
19 May 2026
What Is the NatWest Mortgage Affordability Calculator — And How Much Could You Borrow in 2026?
The NatWest mortgage affordability calculator uses income multiples of around 4.5x salary — but your actual offer depends on far more than that. Here's exactly how it works in 2026, with real examples and tips to improve your result.
16 May 2026
Is 2026 a Good Year for First-Time Buyers? What the Data Says
Santander first-time buyer mortgages are seeing a 3,150% surge in search interest — and for good reason. With lenders cutting rates and house prices softening, 2026 may be the most favourable window first-time buyers have seen in years.
14 May 2026
NatWest Mortgage Overpayment Calculator: Should You Actually Overpay in 2026?
The NatWest mortgage overpayment calculator tells you how much interest you'd save — but with rates at 3.75%+ and economic uncertainty in 2026, whether you should overpay is a different question entirely. Here's a worked example and a clear framework to help you decide.
12 May 2026
What Are RBS Mortgage Rates Right Now — And Are They Worth It in 2026?
RBS mortgage rates in 2026 are competitive but not always market-leading — here's how they stack up against top lenders right now. We break down current RBS fixed and tracker deals so you can decide whether to stay or switch.
9 May 2026
Is 2026 the Worst Time to Buy a Home Since 2008?
UK homebuyers face the worst mortgage affordability conditions since 2008, with house prices still rising and rates remaining stubbornly high. Here's what the data actually means for your decision to buy in 2026.
7 May 2026
What Will Happen to UK Mortgage Rates If the Iran War Escalates?
The Iran conflict is already moving swap rates and stalling Bank of England cut expectations — and it could get worse. Here's how three escalation scenarios play out for UK borrowers, and a clear framework for deciding whether to fix, wait, or go tracker.
5 May 2026
What Does the Bank of England Holding Rates at 3.75% Mean for Your Mortgage?
The Bank of England voted to hold the base rate at 3.75%, with Iran war inflation fears complicating the path to cuts. Here's what it means for fixed, tracker, and SVR borrowers — and what the data says about where rates go next.
2 May 2026
Can You Port a Santander Mortgage in 2026 — And Is It Worth It?
Porting a Santander mortgage keeps your existing rate when you move — but it's not automatic, and it's not always the cheapest option. Here's exactly how it works in 2026 and when remortgaging wins instead.
30 April 2026
What Is Mortgage Protection Insurance — And Do You Actually Need It in 2026?
Mortgage protection insurance pays your mortgage if illness, injury or redundancy stops you working — but it's not always the best option for every homeowner. Here's what it covers, what it costs in 2026, and how to decide if it's worth it for you.
28 April 2026