A market finding its rhythm 
After the volatility of recent years, 2025 has brought a more settled tone to mortgage rates. According to Forbes, while rates are no longer at historic lows, the market is adjusting to a new normal, one that rewards preparation and flexibility from borrowers. 

What is driving today’s rates? 

Interest rates are influenced by several factors, including inflation, economic forecasts and Bank of England policy. Steady inflation and moderate growth have led to a more predictable lending environment. This means borrowers are less likely to face sudden changes, and more able to plan with clarity. 

Fixed or variable - what’s right for you? 
Many buyers continue to favour fixed-rate products for their certainty, especially over two or five-year terms. However, some are exploring variable or tracker mortgages in the hope that base rates may ease in the coming year. The best option depends on individual circumstances, including income stability, future plans and risk appetite. 

Remortgaging remains a smart move 
With many fixed-rate deals from the low-interest era now expiring, remortgaging has become a priority for homeowners. Reviewing your mortgage well ahead of your current deal ending can save money and reduce stress. Brokers report that early preparation often results in better terms and smoother transitions. 

First-time buyers: stay realistic, not discouraged 
Mortgage rates are only one part of the affordability picture. Lenders remain keen to support first-time buyers with tailored products, including lower deposit requirements and flexible income assessments. While monthly costs may be higher than a few years ago, careful budgeting and guidance can still lead to homeownership. 

Advice is your best asset 
In a market where headlines can shift weekly, expert advice makes a difference. Understanding how different rates affect your repayments and long-term financial plans is key to making informed decisions. A proactive approach today could mean greater stability tomorrow. 

 
Let’s talk about your mortgage options 

A new kind of first-time buyer 
The idea of climbing the property ladder one rung at a time is changing. According to The Times, more first-time buyers are bypassing the traditional one-bed flat or compact terrace in favour of something larger and longer-term. The shift is not just about preference—it is about priorities, and a smarter view of future-proofing. 

Why the starter home is being left behind 
Once seen as a natural entry point, the starter home is losing appeal. Rising rental costs mean buyers are staying at home longer, saving for bigger deposits and skipping the middle step entirely. Others are combining resources with partners or family members to buy a property they can grow into, rather than out of. 

Space, stability and working from home 
What many first-time buyers want now is a home that fits a fuller lifestyle. This often includes a home office, a spare room for visitors, or even a garden for children who are not here yet—but will be. Remote working has made location more flexible, and buyers are putting space above postcode. In short, they are buying the life they want to build, not just the one they have now. 

The long game of homeownership 
Choosing a family-sized home early may feel ambitious, but it is proving to be a sound strategy. Avoiding two sets of moving costs, fees and upheaval makes financial and emotional sense. These buyers are thinking long term, and their decisions reflect a desire for stability as well as value. 

Advice for sellers of larger homes 
If you are selling a property with multiple bedrooms or versatile living space, the takeaway is clear. Do not assume your buyer will be upsizing. First-timers are coming in with big plans and clear intentions. Staging your home to reflect flexibility—such as showing a study or a playroom—could speak directly to this growing audience. 

Get your home seen by serious buyers 

For first-time buyers, the biggest challenge is often bridging the gap between what they can afford and what is available. Fortunately, you have a range of government-backed schemes designed to ease that step onto the property ladder. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, these initiatives remain a crucial part of market activity, particularly for younger and lower-income buyers.

Understanding your options 
From Lifetime ISAs to shared ownership, the support landscape offers several routes. The First Homes scheme, for example, provides newly built properties at a discount of up to 30 per cent for key workers and local residents. Meanwhile, the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme enables buyers with just a five per cent deposit to access mainstream mortgage products with greater confidence. 

Using incentives wisely 
These schemes are not one-size-fits-all. Each has specific eligibility criteria and financial implications, so it is important to assess how they fit your long-term plans. A shared ownership property might offer an affordable entry point, but buyers should understand lease terms and potential restrictions on resale. 

Plan with the future in mind 
Government initiatives can reduce initial costs, but they should be part of a bigger picture. Before applying, first-time buyers are encouraged to speak to advisers who understand how these schemes interact with local markets, mortgage products and lifestyle goals. The best outcomes come when support is used strategically, not just out of necessity. 

A more accessible market - if you know where to look 
While house prices remain a concern in some regions, these initiatives are making a difference, and they continue to open doors that might otherwise remain closed. The key is awareness and action. Buyers who know what is available and move quickly are in the strongest position. 

 
Explore your first-time buyer options today

A market finding its rhythm 
After the volatility of recent years, 2025 has brought a more settled tone to mortgage rates. According to Forbes, while rates are no longer at historic lows, the market is adjusting to a new normal, one that rewards preparation and flexibility from borrowers. 

What is driving today’s rates? 

Interest rates are influenced by several factors, including inflation, economic forecasts and Bank of England policy. Steady inflation and moderate growth have led to a more predictable lending environment. This means borrowers are less likely to face sudden changes, and more able to plan with clarity. 

Fixed or variable - what’s right for you? 
Many buyers continue to favour fixed-rate products for their certainty, especially over two or five-year terms. However, some are exploring variable or tracker mortgages in the hope that base rates may ease in the coming year. The best option depends on individual circumstances, including income stability, future plans and risk appetite. 

Remortgaging remains a smart move 
With many fixed-rate deals from the low-interest era now expiring, remortgaging has become a priority for homeowners. Reviewing your mortgage well ahead of your current deal ending can save money and reduce stress. Brokers report that early preparation often results in better terms and smoother transitions. 

First-time buyers: stay realistic, not discouraged 
Mortgage rates are only one part of the affordability picture. Lenders remain keen to support first-time buyers with tailored products, including lower deposit requirements and flexible income assessments. While monthly costs may be higher than a few years ago, careful budgeting and guidance can still lead to homeownership. 

Advice is your best asset 
In a market where headlines can shift weekly, expert advice makes a difference. Understanding how different rates affect your repayments and long-term financial plans is key to making informed decisions. A proactive approach today could mean greater stability tomorrow. 

 
Let’s talk about your mortgage options