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A short email each month covering mortgage rates, Bank of England decisions and what they mean for homeowners and landlords.
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Past updates
October 2026: a sixth hold, rising mortgage rates and Budget watch
The base rate was held again but a rise is looking more likely, fixed rates have climbed to around 5%, what to watch for in the 28 October Budget, and how the North West market is holding up.
Read the update →August 2026August 2026: rates on hold, a new Prime Minister and homebuying reforms
The base rate was held for a fifth time, mortgage rates swung through July, what Andy Burnham's agenda means for housing, and the North West continues to outperform.
Read the update →July 2026July 2026: Halifax brand to retire, and 1.8 million fixed deals ending
Lloyds is retiring the Halifax name after 173 years, Andy Burnham is the frontrunner for Prime Minister, and 1.8 million fixed deals end this year.
Read the update →June 2026June 2026: base rate held again as mortgage rates fall
The base rate was held for a fourth time, but lenders have been cutting fixed rates through June. Plus a warning for anyone sitting on their lender's standard variable rate.
Read the update →May 2026May 2026: rates held as energy prices push inflation up
The base rate was held at 3.75% as energy prices climbed. Further cuts look less certain, mortgage pricing is volatile, and why it pays to look beyond your own bank.
Read the update →April 2026April 2026: mortgage rates rise amid global uncertainty
Conflict in the Middle East pushed up lender funding costs and fixed rates, while the base rate was held at 3.75%. Why timing and preparation matter more now.
Read the update →March 2026March 2026: swap rates easing ahead of the spring market
Swap rates are trending down, the February vote was a narrow 5 to 4 hold, and buyers are returning earlier than usual this spring.
Read the update →February 2026February 2026: rates improving and first time buyer trends
Mortgage pricing continues to edge down, one in three first time buyers now has a 25% deposit, and what analysts are watching for the rest of 2026.
Read the update →January 2026January 2026: base rate cut to 3.75% and planning a 2026 move
The December cut to 3.75%, how the Budget is playing out in practice, and how to put yourself in the strongest position to buy this year.
Read the update →December 2025December 2025: after the Budget, and getting ready for January
What the Budget means now the dust has settled, and three things to do before the January rush, including the documents lenders will ask for.
Read the update →November 2025Autumn Budget 2025: what it means for homeowners and landlords
Stamp duty unchanged, higher tax on rental income from 2027, and a new annual charge on homes worth £2 million or more from 2028.
Read the update →November 2025November 2025: base rate held at 4% and remortgaging without the stress
A close vote kept the base rate at 4%. A simple four step plan if your fixed deal ends early next year, and what to watch for in the Budget.
Read the update →October 2025October 2025: faster homebuying plans and protecting what matters
Government proposals could cut around four weeks from buying a home, house prices are rising again, and why protection deserves a look alongside your mortgage.
Read the update →September 2025September 2025: the autumn market wakes up
Buyer activity usually picks up after the summer. Asking prices dipped in August, but mortgage approvals hit a six month high.
Read the update →August 2025August 2025: base rate cut to 4%
The Bank of England cut the base rate to 4%, the lowest since March 2023. Plus why a Mortgage in Principle helps, and what a mortgage adviser does for you.
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