IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: The content of this page does not consider your particular circumstances and does not constitute personal advice. For specific advice always consult a registered Independent Mortgage Advisor.
Monday, 21st July 2025
Interest Rates Continue to Drop as Inflation Increases
June’s somewhat higher-than-expected inflation figures reduced hopes of an early interest rate cut this summer. Still, lenders including Halifax, Santander and Barclays continue to cut rates as they expect further base rate cuts in autumn.
In June, inflation peaked at 3.6%, slightly higher than May’s 3.4% but still in line with the Bank of England’s expectation of a peak of 3.7% this year. BoE experts believe that this is the level inflation will reach before starting to drop an move closer to the bank’s 2% target.
While that may not sound like good news at first sight, it’s worth looking at average two-year fixed rates to understand the bigger picture. This summer, these mortgages have average interest rates of 4.53% compared to 5.34% last year.
Borrowers continue to have access to excellent deals, keeping interest levels high. As a result, we’ve been as busy showing Edinburgh period properties during the summer as we were during spring season. If you would like to know more about our personalised approach to marketing prime property, get in touch.
Contact me, Fiona Vernon, on 07900 605674 or 0131 6690333, or email [email protected].
Monday, 14th July 2025
Interest Rates Continue to Tumble Reaching 3.74%
This past week we’ve seen lenders drop interest rates even more than the previous week as the market’s confidence grows that new base rate reductions are on the horizon.
At the time of writing, Halifax led the pack with a two-year fixed-rate deal at 3.74%, although this deal comes with rather high fees. Still, it’s the lowest rate we have seen in months. Other High Street and specialist lenders echoed Halifax’s confidence and launched new, more competitive deals.
With borrowers having this much choice, interest in viewing and buying Edinburgh period property has remained at an exceptionally high level for the season. If you’re contemplating listing your property, don’t hesitate to contact us now.
Whilst it’s not too late to list for this summer, we’re also happy to talk about the ins and outs of an autumn and winter listing or what’s likely in store for 2026. Contact our Director, Fiona Vernon, on 07900 605674 or 0131 6690333, or email [email protected].
Monday, 7th July 2025
Fixed Rates Tumble to 3.81%
Last week brought incredible levels of movement in the mortgage market as leading lenders are dropping interest rates on fixed-rate deals. Nationwide is leading the market at the time of writing with a two-year fixed deal of 3.81%.
HSBC, Barclays and Halifax are some of the other lenders offering mortgages with interest rates below 4%, depending on deposits, amount borrowed and borrower circumstances. The flurry of new, lower interest rates has some experts talking about a price war in the mortgage market.
For Edinburgh period property sellers, these developments mean enhanced interest in listings as buyers benefit from even greater access to competitive mortgage deals. Could this summer be the right time to start the ball rolling on selling your home?
Contact me, Fiona Vernon, on 07900 605674 or 0131 6690333 or email [email protected] for an informal chat.
Monday, 30th June 2025
Interest Rates Drop As Lenders Are Optimistic About Future Rate Drops
Lenders like Halifax, Virgin Money, TSB, and Barclays – among others – have dropped interest rates for two-year and five-year fixed deals this week, making it easier for period property buyers to find an outstanding deal. Buy-to-let buyers can also benefit from lower mortgage interest rates now available.
Despite the base rate remaining unchanged, mortgage lenders are reacting to decreases in so-called swap rates between banks. These drops are showing the market’s confidence in further interest rate decreases coming later this year. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee will meet again in August to consider changes to its current base rate.
For period property sellers, that means interest is only going to grow over the next few months. We’ve already seen some of our busiest weeks to date, and improved mortgage availability will continue to drive enquiries. To learn more or discuss your potential period property sale, contact me, Fiona Vernon on 07900 605674 or 0131 6690333 or email [email protected].
Monday, 23rd June 2025
Mixed Reactions Expected to BoE Rate Stay
As experts pedicted, the Bank of England kept its base rate at 4.25% last week. With the global economic outlook uncertain, further rate drops will likely be delayed until later in the year.
It’s too early to look at lenders’ reactions – we’ll have those for you in our next update – but it’s always worth remembering that mortgage availability remains high. We’re also seeing a great variety of mortgages catering to different circumstances, making this an excellent time for prospective borrowers looking for finance options.
As a result, we continue to see high levels of activity in Edinburgh’s prime property sales market. While spring is generally considered to be the best time of the year to sell, summer is not disappointing so far. If you think that this may be the right time to consider selling your property, contact me, Fiona Vernon, for an informal chat on 07900 605674 or 0131 6690333, or email [email protected].
Monday, 16th June 2025
Lenders Stay Cautious As BoE Rate Stay Expected
Industry experts are expecting the Bank of England (BoE) base rate to remain the same as the bank’s monetary policy committee meets later this week. Continued geopolitical tensions and uncertainty about U.S. trade policy is keeping lenders’ swap rates on an overall upward trend.
As a result, some lenders have raised their rates while others, potentially in a position to wait out uncertainty, are dropping theirs. For borrowers, there remains ample choice of competitive mortgage products, although they may have to look a little further to find the perfect deal.
That’s when it’s particularly advantageous to work with a professional – an independent, registered mortgage adviser, and we’re happy to recommend one of our trusted partners. To learn more about selling your period property, feel free to reach out for an informal chat. Contact me, Fiona Vernon, on 07900 605764 or 0131 669 0333, or email [email protected].
Monday, 9th June 2025
More Mixed News From Lenders This Week
Looking at mortgage interest rates over the past week showed a mixed picture with some lenders lowering rates while others increased their interest rates.
Nationwide lowered selected fixed rates, when Halifax chose to raise theirs. Even Nationwide owned Clydesdale Bank increased some of its interest rates. A rise in so-called swap rates used by banks to lend money to each other is the driving force behind rising interest rates.
Despite the mixed picture, borrowers still have access to a wide choice of highly competitive interest rates. That’s why we’re not expecting any noticeable negative effects on the level of interest in Edinburgh prime properties at this stage.
If you would like to discuss your specific circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Fiona Vernon, on 0131 669 0333 or 07900 605674 or email [email protected].
Monday, 2nd June 2025
How Interest Rates Will Likely Develop This Year
With the recent bank holiday, there’s been comparatively little activity from mortgage lenders this week, giving us a chance to look ahead and see what borrowers can expect in the next weeks and months.
Inflation rose significantly in April, mostly because of a range of household bills increasing at the beginning of the month. Council tax and energy bills rises all put a strain on household finances. The rise in inflation as a result of it is likely to cause the Bank of England to exercise caution in the coming weeks.
As we’re getting closer to the next interest rate announcement on 19 June, experts are ot expecting drops. While that all may sound a little gloomy, the fact remains that interest rates are as low as they have been in more than 18 months while mortgage availability continues to be high.
As a result, interest in Edinburgh period property has remained high with sellers achieving excellent sales. For more details, contact me, Fiona Vernon, on 07900 605674 or email [email protected].
Monday, 26th May 2025
Interest Rates Present Mixed Picture As Lenders React to Inflation News
After a period of consistent interest rate drops across the market, some lenders have changed direction over the past week. Halifax, the UK’s biggest mortgage lender raised rates slightly for a range of products. Some experts believe this is a reaction to last week’s news of increased inflation.
So far, Halifax is one of a few lenders increasing rates. At the same time, First Direct and Yorkshire Building Society dropped the interest rates on several of their fixed-rate products. After a period of rate reductions, financial experts now believe the market might be entering a period of adjustment.
While mortgage availability remains high, we continue to see high levels of interest in Edinburgh period property from qualified buyers. If you would like to learn more about selling your period property, contact me, Fiona Vernon, on 07900 605674 or email [email protected].
Monday, 19th May 2025
Sharpest Drop in Fixed Rates in Six Months
This past week, smaller lenders have followed their bigger counterparts in dropping interest rates on two-year fixed rate mortgages. Financial data firm Moneyfacts has published figures this drop is the largest since October 2024. Average two-year fixed rates are now at the lowest since September 2022.
In addition, it’s becoming easier for buyers to find out whether they’re eligible for a mortgage as the Nationwide launches a property lending checker tool. The tool enables prospective buyers to check if a property they’re interested in would qualify for a mortgage.
Would you like to learn more about selling your Edinburgh period property? Contact me, Fiona Vernon, for an informal chat on 07900 605674 or email [email protected].
