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Category: News

House prices fall: Is it the right time to buy?

Knowing when to buy a house can be challenging, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Although household budgets remain under pressure from high inflation, confidence is returning to the property market as house prices fell 3.1% on an annual basis in March.

Falling house prices

March 2023 registered the biggest fall since July 2009, with the average house price in the UK now £257,122. With house prices falling, underlying factors such as the UK’s current issue of building new homes are preventing large price falls.

Although prices have started to fall, average house prices remain high and affordability will continue to feel challenging for many buyers.

When should I buy?


Buying a house is a major investment decision that requires careful consideration and planning. You may be wondering when the right time to buy a house is, particularly in light of the current economic environment. Sellers are becoming more realistic and open to negotiation, having to compromise in order to sell their property.

So, when is the right time to buy? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, as it will depend on a range of factors, including your personal circumstances and financial situation. It’s best to keep an eye on economic conditions.

If interest rates are expected to rise, it may be beneficial to act quickly and secure a fixed rate mortgage. However, if interest rates are expected to fall, a variable rate mortgage could be cheaper in the short term.

Here to help

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to refinance, or are unclear of your options, our advisers are here to help you find the best deal. Grab us HERE

1st time landlords : Be part of the next generation

Around 140,000 landlords retired in 2022, predominantly these were older investors, who were part of the early buy-to-let mortgages launched in 1996. They leave behind a gap which is at risk of not being filled. What does this mean for the next generation of landlords?

Currently, there are around one million landlords above the age of 65, with an average of 96,000 landlords turning 65 each year in the UK. With many retiring, there is an opportunity for new landlords to enter the buy-to-let market.


Being a first-time landlord in the UK can seem like a daunting task, but there are many positives to owning a rental property:

  1. Steady Income Stream
    As a landlord, you’ll receive monthly rental income from your tenants, which can provide you with a reliable source of income. This income can be
    particularly helpful if you’re looking to supplement your primary income or build wealth over time.
  2. Property Appreciation
    Property values have been steadily increasing in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. As a landlord, you’ll be able to benefit by potentially selling your property for a profit down the line. Additionally, property appreciation can increase the value of your rental property and allow you to charge higher rent prices.
  3. Control over your Investment
    Owning a rental property can give you more control over your investment compared to other options, such as stocks or bonds. You can make decisions about how to manage your property, including setting rent prices, selecting tenants, and developing the property.

From generating a steady income stream to enjoying potential property appreciation, owning a rental property can be a smart investment decision.

If you are in a strong financial position to afford or consider entering the buy-to-let market, becoming a landlord could be a successful investment to make.

However, there are risks involved and it’s important to understand the challenges you may face.

For information on Buy to Let Mortgages, head over to our Buy to Let page for more information, or contact us here

Life Cover: Plan for the future NOW

Life is unpredictable, but preparing for the unexpected can provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones. Whether you are considering life cover or re-evaluating your finances, it’s always important to plan for the future.

Cost-of-living pressure


With inflation remaining high, and continuing to affect household budgets, dealing with price rises could be difficult especially for those on fixed incomes.
While not all types of insurance are indispensable, it’s important to think carefully and consider your future financial security.


Why is life insurance important?


If you were to have no life insurance in place what position could this leave
your family in, should the unthinkable happen? It’s more important than ever to have protection. The policy pay out can cover expenses such as funeral costs, outstanding debts and can provide ongoing financial support for dependants, after the loss of a primary income earner.


Always plan for the future


Planning for the future goes beyond life cover. It requires long-term goals and taking the right steps to achieve them. By taking steps to prepare for the unexpected you can provide financial security for you and your loved ones, giving peace of mind knowing those closest to you will be taken care of if you’re not there to provide for them.


Although it may be challenging to afford insurance, with the uncertainties of life, it’s always important to plan ahead and provide a safety net. It’s essential to act now, if you are able to, as you could face higher premiums when starting a life policy at a later date.

Advisers are there to provide guidance on the most suitable protection plans for you. Updating your life cover to reflect changes in circumstances will also give you the most appropriate level of cover.

To get in touch with us to review or discuss your protection needs, contact us here and an adviser will call you back as soon as possible

Income: Your most valuable asset

lady arranging income protection

Income is undoubtedly your most valuable asset, and protecting it is crucial for both present and future financial security. It’s the source of paying for daily expenses, investing for the future, and building a secure financial foundation.

The importance of income protection

Income protection is vital for future financial security. Unpredictable events such as illness, disability, or unexpected accidents can happen at any time and without income protection, they can significantly impact your financial situation. Income protection helps ensure that you can meet financial obligations and maintain your lifestyle, even in the absence of a regular income source.
Income protection insurance provides a regular income stream in case of unexpected
events that lead to a loss of income. This type of insurance can cover a range of events, including accidents, illnesses, and disabilities that prevent an individual from working.

Financial security & peace of mind

Creating an emergency fund is also another essential step to protect income, ensuring future financial security. Typically, an emergency fund contains three to six months of living expenses, providing a cushion during challenging times. Having an emergency fund in place can help prevent the use of credit cards or loans during unexpected events,
protecting your credit scores and financial well-being. Having a ‘plan b’ in place can offer peace of mind, knowing that you are financially protected in case you are unable to work due to an injury, illness or disability.

When should I start?

It’s essential to start planning early for income protection. By planning early, you can take advantage to build a secure financial foundation. The earlier you start planning for income protection, the more time you have to build a safety net that can build protection against unexpected events.
Starting early and reviewing your income protection can help you build a secure foundation, acting as a safety net against unexpected events and ensuring a more secure financial future.

For more information, head over to our contact page or drop us an email at paul@mortgages4u.uk

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