https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/news/ Plain-English mortgage guides and market news from Belle Maison Mortgages. en-GB https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/life-insurance-critical-illness-or-income-protection-which-do-you-need/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/life-insurance-critical-illness-or-income-protection-which-do-you-need/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT guides Life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection each solve a different problem. A plain-English comparison to help you see which fits your life. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/the-2026-homeowner-check-up-four-things-worth-reviewing-this-year/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/the-2026-homeowner-check-up-four-things-worth-reviewing-this-year/ Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT guides Four key areas every homeowner should review in 2026 — from mortgage deals and protection cover to home insurance and household resilience. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/selling-in-spring-2026-checklist/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/selling-in-spring-2026-checklist/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:10:00 GMT guides Spring brings more buyers but also more competing listings. A practical checklist to get your home, your paperwork and your mortgage position ready for a smoother sale in Spring 2026. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/could-your-household-cope-if-your-payslip-stopped/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/could-your-household-cope-if-your-payslip-stopped/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:05:00 GMT guides If illness or injury stopped you working, even for a few months, what would happen to the mortgage? A mortgage reality check on sick pay, state support, and the protection that turns a financial 'what if' into a plan. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-deal-ending-this-year-what-to-do-now/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-deal-ending-this-year-what-to-do-now/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT guides If your mortgage deal ends this year, acting early can widen your choice of lenders and help you avoid slipping onto your lender's Standard Variable Rate. Here is how to get ahead of it and give yourself the best chance of a good rate. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/the-home-insurance-detail-many-homeowners-miss/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/the-home-insurance-detail-many-homeowners-miss/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:05:00 GMT guides Home insurance is often treated as a simple renewal, but small policy details can leave you underinsured and facing an expensive shortfall. Here is the rebuild-cost detail many homeowners miss, and what to check this year. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/house-prices-set-for-a-gentle-rise-in-2026/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/house-prices-set-for-a-gentle-rise-in-2026/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT news Rightmove expects UK house prices to rise by around 2 per cent in 2026, marking a more stable phase after a flat period. Here is what the forecast means for homeowners planning ahead. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/bank-of-england-rate-cut-to-3-75/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/bank-of-england-rate-cut-to-3-75/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:26:44 GMT news On 18 December 2025, the Bank of England (BoE) cut the base rate from 4% to 3.75%, taking interest rates to their lowest level since early 2023. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/common-bank-statement-mistakes-that-could-delay-your-mortgage/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/common-bank-statement-mistakes-that-could-delay-your-mortgage/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides Lenders scrutinise your bank statements closely when you apply for a mortgage — here are the most common red flags to avoid and how to prepare your finances before you apply. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/how-new-energy-efficiency-rules-could-affect-uk-landlords-and-tenants/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/how-new-energy-efficiency-rules-could-affect-uk-landlords-and-tenants/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT news The Government is preparing major changes to energy efficiency requirements for rental properties — what the proposed EPC rating increases mean for landlords and tenants across England and Wales. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/important-warning-about-mortgage-quick-fixes-circulating-online-this-christmas/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/important-warning-about-mortgage-quick-fixes-circulating-online-this-christmas/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT news The FCA has issued a firm warning about so-called promissory note schemes being promoted online — here's what homeowners under financial pressure need to know. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/a-guide-to-the-autumn-budget-2025/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/a-guide-to-the-autumn-budget-2025/ Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT news A summary of the key announcements from Chancellor Rachel Reeves's 2025 Autumn Budget, covering tax, wages, housing, transport and public finances. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/end-of-no-fault-evictions-in-biggest-shake-up-to-renting-laws-in-a-generation/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/end-of-no-fault-evictions-in-biggest-shake-up-to-renting-laws-in-a-generation/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT news The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent in October 2025, abolishing no-fault evictions, raising property standards, and introducing new rights around rent, pets and fair treatment. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/how-to-choose-the-right-investment-property-in-2025/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/how-to-choose-the-right-investment-property-in-2025/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides With rental demand strong and borrowing costs elevated, choosing the right buy-to-let property in 2025 requires a clear strategy — here's what to consider before you invest. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-product-transfer-vs-remortgaging-why-advice-can-make-all-the-difference/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-product-transfer-vs-remortgaging-why-advice-can-make-all-the-difference/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides When your mortgage deal ends, staying with your lender isn't always the cheapest option — here's why professional advice can uncover better deals and save you money long-term. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/why-autumn-is-the-perfect-time-to-review-your-income-protection/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/why-autumn-is-the-perfect-time-to-review-your-income-protection/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides Autumn is a natural moment to check whether your financial safety nets still fit your life — especially income protection, which covers the thing most likely to threaten your mortgage. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/first-time-buyers-now-spend-163-000-on-rent-before-buying-why-this-matters-to-homeowners-and-landlords/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/first-time-buyers-now-spend-163-000-on-rent-before-buying-why-this-matters-to-homeowners-and-landlords/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT news New research shows first-time buyers now spend £163,000 on rent before purchasing — a 40% rise in a decade — with knock-on effects for homeowners, landlords, and the wider housing market. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/nearly-5-000-fake-fca-scams-reported-in-just-six-months/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/nearly-5-000-fake-fca-scams-reported-in-just-six-months/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT news Fraudsters pretending to be the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have targeted thousands of people this year, with almost 5,000 fake FCA scams reported in the first half of 2025. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/when-will-interest-rates-drop-and-what-it-means-for-your-mortgage/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/when-will-interest-rates-drop-and-what-it-means-for-your-mortgage/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT news Economists are split on how far base-rate cuts will go. What the forecasts mean for homeowners and landlords — updated since the Bank's cut to 3.75%. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/hmrc-warning-after-170-000-taxpayers-targeted-by-scammers-how-to-stay-protected/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/hmrc-warning-after-170-000-taxpayers-targeted-by-scammers-how-to-stay-protected/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT news HMRC received over 170,000 scam referrals in the year to July 2025 — here's how to spot fake tax refund fraud and protect yourself ahead of self-assessment season. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/why-reviewing-your-protection-cover-matters-when-remortgaging/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/why-reviewing-your-protection-cover-matters-when-remortgaging/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides Remortgaging isn't just about chasing a lower rate — it's the ideal moment to check whether your life insurance, income protection, and home cover still reflect your life as it is now. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/is-your-mortgage-deal-ending-in-early-2026-why-now-is-the-time-to-act/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/is-your-mortgage-deal-ending-in-early-2026-why-now-is-the-time-to-act/ Sun, 10 Aug 2025 14:34:45 GMT guides Around 1.6 million fixed-rate mortgage deals end in 2025–26. You can usually lock in a new rate up to six months early — here's how to plan ahead. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/more-lenders-slash-income-barriers-for-bigger-mortgages-as-first-time-buyers-get-a-boost/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/more-lenders-slash-income-barriers-for-bigger-mortgages-as-first-time-buyers-get-a-boost/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:35:00 GMT news Skipton, Nationwide and Yorkshire Building Society have cut the income needed for 5× and 6× salary mortgages. The new thresholds for first-time buyers. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/thousands-of-landlords-to-face-quarterly-tax-reporting-under-new-hmrc-rules/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/thousands-of-landlords-to-face-quarterly-tax-reporting-under-new-hmrc-rules/ Sun, 03 Aug 2025 14:36:00 GMT news Landlords across Britain are being warned to prepare for a major tax shake-up that will affect thousands from April 2026. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/young-homeowners-risk-losing-homes-as-thousands-remain-unprotected/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/young-homeowners-risk-losing-homes-as-thousands-remain-unprotected/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:37:56 GMT guides Thousands of young homeowners have no protection in place if illness or job loss strikes. Why 18–34s are most exposed, and the cover worth considering. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/simple-summer-projects-that-could-add-thousands-to-your-homes-value/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/simple-summer-projects-that-could-add-thousands-to-your-homes-value/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:39:15 GMT guides The summer home improvements that genuinely add value — practical, budget-friendly projects UK homeowners can tackle, and the jobs buyers actually pay for. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/sick-pay-gaps-and-your-mortgage-are-you-covered-if-you-cannot-work/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/sick-pay-gaps-and-your-mortgage-are-you-covered-if-you-cannot-work/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:27:05 GMT guides Sick leave can affect a mortgage application: lenders assess your current income in affordability checks, and SSP of £123.25 a week rarely covers repayments. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/home-insurance-and-emergency-cover-are-you-protected-for-summer-risks/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/home-insurance-and-emergency-cover-are-you-protected-for-summer-risks/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides Summer brings specific home insurance risks many homeowners overlook — this guide covers what to check on your buildings, contents, and emergency cover policy before the season starts. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-timebomb-could-your-monthly-repayments-be-about-to-soar/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-timebomb-could-your-monthly-repayments-be-about-to-soar/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT news Millions of fixed-rate mortgage deals taken out at pandemic-era lows are ending — the average household faces a £146-a-month increase, and acting early is the best way to limit the shock. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/hmrc-plans-to-raise-side-hustle-tax-threshold-and-strengthen-anti-tax-evasion-measures/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/hmrc-plans-to-raise-side-hustle-tax-threshold-and-strengthen-anti-tax-evasion-measures/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT news HMRC plans to raise the self-assessment threshold for side incomes from £1,000 to £3,000 and is exploring whistleblower rewards — here is what it means for small-scale earners and online sellers. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/how-first-time-buyers-can-get-a-mortgage-a-guide-to-government-schemes-and-support/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/how-first-time-buyers-can-get-a-mortgage-a-guide-to-government-schemes-and-support/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides From 95% mortgages and the Lifetime ISA to Shared Ownership and family guarantor schemes, this guide covers the main routes onto the property ladder and why mortgage advice matters. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/labour-government-plans-to-end-leasehold-for-new-flats/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/labour-government-plans-to-end-leasehold-for-new-flats/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT news The Labour Government plans to replace leasehold with commonhold for new flats in England and Wales — what the proposed reform means for buyers, existing leaseholders, and the property market. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/spring-statement-2025-what-you-need-to-know/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/spring-statement-2025-what-you-need-to-know/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT news Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spring Statement on 26 March 2025 — here are the key announcements on housing, tax, welfare, defence, and economic forecasts. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/landlords-face-15-000-epc-upgrade-bill-as-government-confirms-2030-deadline/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/landlords-face-15-000-epc-upgrade-bill-as-government-confirms-2030-deadline/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT news The government has confirmed all rental properties must reach EPC rating C by 2030, with upgrade costs capped at £15,000 per home — and landlords warn the bill could be passed on to tenants. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/the-governments-help-to-build-scheme-making-custom-and-self-build-homes-more-accessible/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/the-governments-help-to-build-scheme-making-custom-and-self-build-homes-more-accessible/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT guides The government's Help to Build equity loan scheme, combined with specialist self-build mortgages, is making it genuinely possible for more people to design and build their own home. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/grow-your-portfolio-benefits-and-considerations-when-looking-to-buy-to-let/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/grow-your-portfolio-benefits-and-considerations-when-looking-to-buy-to-let/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:18:41 GMT guides How buy-to-let mortgages work in the UK — rental cover (ICR), interest-only vs repayment, deposits, limited company questions and the costs landlords forget. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/homes-for-self-starters-self-employed-mortgage-starter-guide/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/homes-for-self-starters-self-employed-mortgage-starter-guide/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:13:59 GMT guides Can you get a mortgage when you're self-employed? Yes. How lenders assess sole traders, company directors and contractors — and the paperwork you'll need. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/stamp-duty-uncovered/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/stamp-duty-uncovered/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:23:04 GMT guides How stamp duty works in England and Northern Ireland: current rates, first-time buyer relief, the second-home surcharge and worked examples in plain English. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/is-a-remortgage-right-for-you/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/is-a-remortgage-right-for-you/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:36:25 GMT guides Is a remortgage right for you? The benefits, the considerations and the alternatives — including when a product transfer might suit you better. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/insure-whats-yours-what-is-home-insurance/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/insure-whats-yours-what-is-home-insurance/ Fri, 02 Aug 2024 23:00:00 GMT guides What home insurance is, how buildings and contents cover differ, why most lenders require buildings cover, and how to avoid underinsuring your home. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-jargon-buster/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-jargon-buster/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:41:13 GMT guides Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or looking to refinance your existing home, understanding this jargon is crucial to making informed decisions. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive Mortgage Jargon Buster — your go-to resource for demystifying complex mortgage terms. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/credit-report-guide/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/credit-report-guide/ Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:24:28 GMT guides A good credit score opens doors to better mortgage deals. Our plain-English guide to credit reports: what lenders see, and how to improve your score. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-capacity-report-faqs/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-capacity-report-faqs/ Sun, 19 Nov 2023 14:42:12 GMT guides A Mortgage Capacity Report provides you with a bespoke report, outlining how much you could borrow under a mortgage, following divorce/separation. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/zero-deposit-mortgage/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/zero-deposit-mortgage/ Tue, 09 May 2023 13:40:04 GMT news Can you really buy a home with no deposit? How 100% and rent track-record mortgages work, the risks of negative equity, and low-deposit alternatives. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-advice-faqs/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/mortgage-advice-faqs/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT guides Introduction When it comes to purchasing a property, securing a mortgage is often the most important financial decision you will make. https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/first-time-buyer-guide/ https://bellemaisonmortgages.com/first-time-buyer-guide/ Sat, 14 May 2022 09:42:00 GMT guides The complete first-time buyer guide: deposits, how much you can borrow, mortgage types, government schemes and the application journey — explained simply.