Mortgage News & Insights
The latest mortgage news, rate changes, and expert advice
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
Why Are RBS and NatWest Mortgage Rates Rising — And What Should Borrowers Do Now?
RBS and NatWest mortgage rates are climbing even when the Bank of England base rate holds steady — and searches for answers are up nearly 1,900%. Here's what's driving lender-specific rate changes and the steps borrowers should take right now.
25 April 2026
Why Are Mortgage Lenders Cutting Rates Even as the Iran War Pushes Inflation Higher?
Mortgage lenders are cutting rates even as geopolitical tensions push inflation higher — and the reason lies in swap rates and fierce lender competition. Here's what the data shows and exactly what borrowers should do right now.
23 April 2026
Are Mortgage Rates Going Up in the UK Right Now — And When Will They Fall?
After months of climbing, UK mortgage rates posted their first weekly decline since February — but the picture is more complex than headlines suggest. Here's what the latest data actually means for borrowers deciding whether to fix now or hold off.
21 April 2026
Will Mortgage Rates Drop to 3% Again in the UK?
Data from swap rate markets and Bank of England forecasts suggests UK mortgage rates are unlikely to return to 3% any time soon. Here's the evidence — and what borrowers should actually do in 2026.
18 April 2026