July 2026: Halifax brand to retire, and 1.8 million fixed deals ending

July brings some big news for the mortgage world, from a famous lender brand disappearing after 173 years to a change in political leadership that could reshape housing policy for years to come.

Bank of England: rates still on hold

The base rate remains at 3.75% and the next decision is on 30 July. Another hold is widely expected, but the picture remains uncertain. Two committee members voted for a rise at the June meeting, inflation is expected to tick back up in the second half of the year, and while the US and Iran ceasefire has helped ease energy prices slightly, the situation remains fragile.

The good news is that mortgage rates have been falling anyway. Virgin Money and Nationwide both made several cuts in late June, and other major lenders have followed. Whether that continues depends heavily on global energy prices and the 30 July decision.

Halifax is disappearing after 173 years

Lloyds Banking Group has announced it is retiring the Halifax brand, ending its 173 year presence on UK high streets. New Halifax accounts are closing, existing customers will move to Lloyds branding through 2027, and branch signage will start coming down early next year.

If you have an existing Halifax mortgage, there is nothing you need to do. Your deal, your rate and your account number stay exactly the same.

For buyers and remortgagers, the products are not disappearing either. Halifax Intermediaries will rebrand to Lloyds Intermediaries from early 2027. As a broker I am gaining more access as a result, not less. From 7 July, I can access Lloyds Premier account discounts on Halifax mortgages for the first time, and the rebrand will also let me arrange product transfers for existing Lloyds customers, which was not previously possible through a broker.

It is the end of a famous name, but business continues as usual.

Andy Burnham and what it could mean for housing

Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as Prime Minister, and Andy Burnham is the frontrunner to replace him. For anyone in Manchester, this is particularly interesting.

As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham made housing a central priority, with a target of 10,000 new council homes by 2028, a focus on brownfield development and a push for more affordable housing across the region. His national agenda is expected to centre on large scale social and affordable housebuilding, tighter regulation of the private rented sector, and reform of property taxation.

1.8 million fixed rate deals are expiring this year

According to UK Finance, around 1.8 million fixed rate mortgages are due to end in 2026. If yours is one of them and you have not yet reviewed your options, now is the time. When a fixed deal ends and you do nothing, your lender moves you onto its standard variable rate, which currently averages just below 7%. Fixed rate deals available today are considerably lower.

Everything I can help with

People often think of a mortgage broker just for buying a home. In reality there is a lot more:

• First time buyers: I will walk you through the whole process, from understanding what you can borrow to getting your keys.
• Home movers: moving up or downsizing, I will find the right deal and handle everything from application to completion.
• Remortgages: do not just accept what your existing lender offers when your deal ends. I can compare a wide range of lenders for a better rate.
• Product transfers: sometimes staying with your existing lender is the right move. I will compare it against other lenders to make sure you are not missing out.
• Buy to let: whether you are an existing landlord or looking to invest, I can find the right buy to let lender for your circumstances.
• Further borrowing: looking to extend, renovate or consolidate? I can explore whether releasing equity from your home makes sense for you.
• Commercial mortgages: for business owners and property investors, I work with specialist lenders to find the right solution.
• Protection: buildings and contents insurance, life cover, critical illness cover and income protection. This is the part people overlook, and it matters.

If you are not sure whether I can help with something, just ask.