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Published: 18 May 2023

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Have you ever considered why can you rent at a higher price of a mortgage?

However, you have not been able to borrow a lesser mortgage amount! Well Skipton Building Society have released a product exactly for those renters, 100% mortgage. This is the first non-deposit mortgage option since the crash in 2008.

We think this could be a fantastic opportunity for renters who later on want to buy, however it’s important to understand the potential risks when taking 100% mortgages out. There is a reason they were stopped! Let’s go through it…

-         This product is only available those first-time buyers who have paid their rent in full and on time for at least 12 months

-         It’s a five-year fixed mortgage and works just as other mortgage deals on fixed term basis, the only difference is you don’t need a deposit for Skipton’s

-         It is portable, should you wish to move home during the fixed period

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Published: 25 March 2023

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Key points to mention…

• Annual house price inflation is 5.3% down from 8.6% last year.
• Buyer demand and sales volumes are 20-50% lower than a year ago but slightly ahead of the pre-pandemic years.
• Sellers are having to accept an average 4.5% discount to the asking price to achieve a sale which is the highest its been in 5 years.
• Average discount to asking price is just above £14,000 meaning sellers are having to loose a third of their pandemic house price gains.
• UK house price inflation likely to move into low negative by summer.
• Market is still on track for a soft landing with modest price falls of up to 5% and 1m sales in 2023. This is better than predicted last year.

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Published: 13 March 2023

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On Friday 10th of March saw the return of Isle of Wight Radio's 'Best In Business' awards of 2022, of which we were extremely proud to be the main sponsor of!

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Published: 06 February 2023

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Our outlook from Managing Director, Charlie Panayi

For the Isle of Wight specifically, I see the market performing well still throughout the year. With a far lower expected drop in prices due to the lifestyle factor with the flexible approach to working environments continuing, along with homeowners considering where and who they live with.

We have seen already in January a huge increase in demand here on the island, along with an influx of new properties coming to market. Re-generating and giving confidence of the market moving forward.

It’s realistic to take the viewpoint that the property prices will marginally fall throughout the year, however this will still be significantly higher than pre 2019.

It’s too early to say what will happen for sure during 2023. However, it’s clear to see that the economic outlook has improved in recent weeks, however the rising costs of living will continue to squeeze affordability. The economic outlook has improved slightly in recent weeks but the squeeze on household disposable incomes is very real with a direct impact on sales activity.

That said, the pressure on incomes combined with the costs of running homes is likely to drive a certain amount of movement in the market in 2023. People have huge amounts of equity in their homes over the last decade of property price increases (71% as per previous blog), therefore this will still encourage people to move home by releasing equity, and moving to more affordable housing. In turn continuing to move the property market along in a positive trend.

Hometrack's latest Value of Housing report found that the total value of homes in the UK is over £10.5 trillion. With circa £1.6 trillion of mortgage value, there is almost £8 trillion in housing equity in the UK.

I point this out as it's important for people to remember, the longest it has taken equity value to double in UK property is 14 years. The thought process of waiting to see what happens make's no sense. If you are in a position to proceed, you should! If the rates drop, you refinance.

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