By Simon Comber on

Mortgages

Several major lenders have recently introduced mortgage deals with interest rates below 4%…

Mortgage approvals in January were 18% higher than a year earlier, as buyers look to secure properties before the nil-rate threshold for stamp duty reverts from £250,000 back to £125,000 in April.

While the current rush might leave the market quieter than usual after April, indications are that demand levels are rising modestly with activity increasing, even for sales unlikely to complete before the deadline.

Agents in the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey report rising levels of market appraisals compared to a year ago and anticipate an increase (albeit modest) in transactions in coming months.

The picture is fairly cautious. As stamp duty changes bring extra costs, the wider economic backdrop, with its uncertainty on inflation and mortgage rates, may deter some buyers as we move through the year.

To find the right mortgage for you, please visit our Mortgage comparison tool..

Source: Dataloft (now PriceHubble), Bank of England, January 2025.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.
The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is £595.

Simon Comber
Back to blog

Related Blogs

BANK OF ENGLAND LOWERS BASE RATE

After two years of nearly continuous interest rate increases by the Bank of England, followed by an additional year of persistently high rates that have placed considerable strain on many...
buy to let guide

Buy to let mortgages: A beginner’s guide

Welcome to our Buy-to-Let Guide, your ultimate resource for navigating the dynamic world of property investment. If you are a newcomer exploring the potential of rental income, this guide is...

Mortage decision were great at getting our mortgage for a shared ownership property. Helen and Matt were very helpful, answered my 1000s of questions and handled any issues that us and the mortgage company throw their way. Helen was excellent and getting in touch with us to answer all our emails very quickly. Often well within an hour. We appreciate this so much! I would absolutely recommend them and use them again.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotJasmine

Brilliant experience with Simon, we had previously gone with a different broker, and then when we were introduced to Simon we went through him and I'm so glad we did, his attentiveness and knowledge was excellent. I would highly recommend Simon.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotMegan

The process of securing a mortgage was made very swift and painless by Gavin & Helen at Mortgage Decisions. Very responsive & helpful at every stage. Thank you for making this potentially stressful process quick and easy.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotRob

Thank you for your agility, attention to detail, and kindness — it made the service experience smooth and pleasant.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotKatiane

We would not hesitate to recommend Kevin Hogan and his assistant Robyn for their efficient and professional service in securing us a mortgage. The process was faultless and communication was excellent throughout. Thank you

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotRebecca