The UK financial markets have seen sharp swings this week, driven largely by escalating tensions in the Middle East. After a turbulent start, conditions stabilised today, offering some relief to investors and borrowers.
We’ve had a raft of recent economic announcements, a bank rate decision just yesterday and a budget in a few weeks’ time. As always, we will try and pick through it all and provide some guidance as to exactly what all this means for you and your mortgage.
From 7 August 2025 the US put a broad “reciprocal” tariff regime into effect, lifting average US tariffs to multi-decade highs and layering extra levies on sensitive sectors (cars, metals, some tech inputs).
As we move into May 2025, both central banks and mortgage lenders are making strategic moves in response to a shifting economic outlook.
Yesterday, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to cut the base rate to 4.5%, down from 4.75%.
Let’s begin with a look at last week’s autumn budget statement, the first one of the new(ish) Labour government.
The Bank Of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to maintain Bank Rate at its current level of 5%.
A warm(ish) welcome to the latest edition of a word on the mortgage market. Since last we spoke much has happened. You wait for one economic announcement and then 37 come along at once. We’re stretching a point to make one, of course.
When last we spoke, the mortgage market was pretty chaotic. Thankfully, we are beginning to see signs of calm. Not the type of calm that allows us all to kick back of course, more a calm that is relative in comparison to what has gone before.
This month we’re looking at mortgage rates, the debate on fixed rates versus trackers, why you shouldn’t just accept a lender’s offer on product transfers, and the rise of second charge mortgages and their very real benefit for many borrowers right now.
You’ll no doubt be aware the the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) continues to increase Bank Rate and that mortgages have been an ever-present topic in the news over the last few weeks.
Yet again (it’s becoming a painful habit) it’s been a challenging year. Those of us in the world of mortgages will never forget those few weeks after the disastrous mini-budget when the market more or less imploded.
