In recent years, the UK mortgage market has seen a notable shift in borrower behaviour. As market conditions evolve and borrowers look for alternatives to locking into long-term fixed deals, tracker mortgages have surged in popularity.According to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) data, the number of active tracker mortgages jumped by over 60% between 2021 and 2024. At Major Financial Services, we work closely with homeowners, investors, and first-time buyers navigating these

Political conference season always brings a flurry of property announcements, and this year’s Labour conference was no exception. While several updates were announced across regulation, leasehold reform, and the rental market, the biggest headline for hopeful homeowners is the proposed 'Your First Home' scheme. Here is a quick breakdown of what was announced, what it could mean for you, and where things currently stand. What is the 'Your First Home' Scheme? The Government has

Mortgages have a habit of becoming part of the background. Once you set up a deal and your monthly direct debit is running smoothly, it is easy to put it out of mind for a few years. However, leaving your home loan on autopilot can end up being a costly oversight, especially in today's economic climate. With vast numbers of fixed-rate deals coming to an end this year alongside a constantly shifting interest rate environment, taking an active approach to your property finance

If your business is growing, you’ve likely faced the classic commercial property crossroad: Should you keep paying rent to a landlord, or invest in buying your own premises? While renting offers short-term flexibility, buying your business property gives you complete control over your premises, protects you from sudden rent hikes, and builds a tangible asset for your business's balance sheet. A commercial mortgage is the key that unlocks property ownership for business owners

Buying your first home can feel like a high-wire act, balancing rising house prices, strict deposit requirements, and affordability tests. The good news? Lenders across the UK market are becoming increasingly creative with their First-Time Buyer (FTB) product ranges, designing tailored mortgage solutions to solve the exact hurdles modern buyers face. Whether you are struggling to save a deposit while paying rent, or finding your single salary capped by standard borrowing mult

Buying a property at auction is one of the fastest, most exciting ways to secure a home or expansion for a property portfolio. Whether you are looking for a fixer-upper, a discounted buy-to-let, or a unique commercial space, the auction room offers fantastic opportunities. However, the auction environment moves at lightning speed. Unlike a traditional private sale, where conveyancing can drag on for months, buying at auction creates a legally binding contract the moment the g

For the past few years, fixed-rate mortgages have been the preferred choice for many borrowers, offering certainty over monthly repayments during a period of rising interest rates. However, with expectations that the Bank of England may continue to reduce the base rate over time, tracker mortgages are once again attracting attention from homeowners, first-time buyers, landlords and those looking to remortgage. But is a tracker mortgage the right choice for you? What is a Trac

Property purchases don't always fit neatly into the timescales of a traditional mortgage. Whether you're buying at auction, renovating a property, purchasing before selling your existing home, or investing in a development project, there are times when speed is essential. This is where bridging finance can provide a practical solution. At Major Financial Services, we help clients understand whether bridging finance is the right option for their circumstances and source compet

For many people, buying a home is one of life's biggest milestones. It should be an exciting experience—but too often it's remembered for the delays, uncertainty and frustration that come with the process. From accepted offers falling through to unexpected legal issues and lengthy waiting times, it's no surprise that moving home is often considered one of the most stressful life events. The good news is that change could be on the horizon. The UK Government has announced prop

When people arrange a mortgage, protecting it is often part of the process. However, while your mortgage may be reviewed every few years, many people forget to review the protection policies that were put in place alongside it. Life doesn't stand still, and neither should your financial protection. Why Regular Protection Reviews Matter The cover that was right for you a few years ago may no longer meet your needs today. Since arranging your mortgage, you may have: Moved to a

Buying a home in the UK for first time buyers has become increasing harder over the past 5-10 years with house prices rising. And although that hasn’t slowed down, there has been a 5k deposit mortgage scheme introucted in the UK. In this blog, we’re going to cover everything, you, as a first-time buyer will need to understand before making this one of the biggest decisions of your life; your new home. ‍ What is the 5k Deposit Mortgage? The £5k deposit mortgage is designed to

What Are Swap Rates? Most mortgages in the UK are offered on a fixed interest rate, usually for two, three, or five years. This means the rate you pay stays the same during that period. Lenders fund these mortgages partly with their own money and partly by borrowing from the wholesale market. To manage the risk of interest rate changes, lenders use swaps. A swap is a financial arrangement where one bank pays a fixed interest rate to another bank in exchange for receiving a va

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities and important financial decisions. One of the most common questions we’re asked at Major Financial Services is: Do you need life insurance when getting a mortgage? The short answer is no, life insurance is not a legal requirement for a mortgage in the UK . However, while it isn’t compulsory, it can play a crucial role in protecting your home, your family, and your financial future. In this gu

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when saving for a deposit seems impossible. Many first-time buyers feel trapped, paying rent with nothing to show for it. At Major Financial Services , we’re here to help you understand your options, because there are ways to get onto the property ladder without a substantial deposit. One of these options is a 100% mortgage , which allows you to borrow the full value of a property without putting down any deposit. Let’s

Can using Buy Now, Pay Later harm your credit score? Discover how your credit history affects mortgage approval, interest rates, and loan amounts, and learn tips to improve your credit before applying. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders don’t just look at your income and deposit; they also review your credit score. Your credit history shows lenders how reliable you are with borrowing, and it can significantly influence whether you’re approved, the interest rate you receiv

Sometimes, buying a property doesn’t fit neatly into a standard mortgage timeline. That’s where bridging finance or a bridging loan can come in. These short-term property loans are designed to “bridge the gap” between needing immediate funds and securing long-term financing. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in property, or renovating before selling, bridging finance for property can provide the flexibility you need. What Is Bridging Finance? A bridging loan i

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but it can also feel like one of the most daunting. Between saving for a deposit, understanding how much you can borrow, and navigating the process of applying for a mortgage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? There are now more first-time buyer mortgages than ever before, designed to make buying your first home more achievable. Whether you need a low deposit mortgage, help from family, or extra flexibili

Separation or divorce can complicate your finances, especially when a mortgage is involved. Many couples face difficult decisions about what happens to their family home, which is often their largest shared asset. Understanding your options during this challenging time is crucial to protecting your credit score, avoiding mortgage default, and securing your financial future. Divorce and Joint Mortgages When a couple shares a mortgage, both parties are usually jointly liable fo

For many first-time buyers, saving for a deposit can feel like an impossible task. Rent, bills, and the rising cost of living can make it difficult to put money aside, even when you’re earning a good income. The good news is that some lenders now offer no-deposit or low-deposit mortgages , designed specifically for people who can afford rent but haven’t been able to save a large lump sum for a deposit. 💡 What is a No-Deposit Mortgage? A no-deposit mortgage allows you to buy

If you’re thinking of buying a flat in England or Wales, there’s one phrase you’ve probably heard a lot: leasehold . But big changes are...