Bridging Loans Explained
How bridging finance works, what it costs, and how to weigh up whether it is right for you What is a bridging loan? A bridging loan is a short-term, secured loan that “bridges” a temporary gap in funding — most often when you need to buy a property before your current one has sold. It […]
Bank of England holds base rate at 3.75% in June 2026
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted once again to hold the Bank of England base rate at 3.75% at today’s meeting. While a rise in base rate was a possibility, it was never considered the most likely outcome. Inflation remained unchanged at 2.8% in May, easing some of the pressure on policymakers as they […]
Cladding, EWS1 and London Flats: A Mortgage Reality Check for 2026
London Office | May 2026 Cladding and EWS1 issues still affect the mortgageability of some London flats, but the position is far more workable than at the height of the disruption. Many lenders now take a risk-based approach, an EWS1 form is not always required, and qualifying leaseholders in many buildings are legally protected from […]
HMO Mortgages in London: A Landlord’s Guide for 2026
London Office | May 2026 An HMO mortgage is a specialist buy-to-let mortgage for a House in Multiple Occupation — broadly, a property let to three or more tenants from two or more households who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Two things make HMO investment in London more involved than a standard […]
How Long Does It Take to Buy a Property in London?
London Office | May 2026 Buying a home in London often takes several months from offer accepted to completion, although actual timescales vary considerably depending on the property, the chain, and the legal process involved. The high proportion of leasehold flats, the prevalence of building safety checks, and wide variation in local search times between […]
International Buyer Mortgages: Buying Property in London from Abroad
London Office | May 2026 London has long attracted international buyers — overseas investors, professionals relocating to the capital, British expats, and families with longer-term plans in the UK. Whether you are a foreign national living in the UK on a visa, a British expat buying from overseas, or a non-UK resident investing in London […]
Leasehold Flats in London: What Can Derail a Mortgage
London Office | May 2026 If you are buying or remortgaging a leasehold flat in London, the mortgage process involves checks that do not apply to freehold houses. Lenders look at the remaining lease term, the ground rent structure, service charges, building insurance, and whether there are any issues with cladding or building safety. Any […]
Later Life Lending in London: Equity Release and Retirement Mortgages Explained
London Office | May 2026 Later life lending covers a range of mortgage and finance products designed for homeowners who are typically aged 55 and over. Whether you want to release equity from your home, supplement retirement income, make home improvements, help family members, or repay an existing mortgage, there are options available — but […]
Complex Income Mortgages in London
London Office | May 2026 Not everyone earns a straightforward salary. If your income includes bonuses, commission, dividends, retained profits, stock options, RSUs, carried interest, LLP drawings, or income from multiple sources, you may find that some lenders’ affordability assessments do not capture your full income picture. In London, where City, professional, and international roles […]
Shared Ownership in London: Is It Worth It?
London Office | May 2026 Shared Ownership can be one route onto the property ladder for buyers who cannot afford to purchase a suitable home outright on the open market. In London, where property prices are among the highest in the UK, it is a route that many first-time buyers consider. But it is not […]