Residential mortgage lending outside England was steady during the third quarter of the year, according to the latest data from UK Finance. Remortgage activity was especially strong in Scotland in the third quarter. Year on year, remortgage increased in Scotland by 18%. Not only did overall mortgage lending maintain momentum in the quarter, but remortgage demonstrated a strength which surprised some economists.

House owners at the end of their property introductory mortgage lending offer are automatically switched to the lender standard variable rate loan. This often immediately leads to a house owner paying more in interest charges than they were prior to maturation date. There is a question for every property owner at the end of the introductory period of their current loan. Do I stay with my lender or look elsewhere for a more suitable deal? The answer can lead to clarity and a brighter financial future.

The last four weeks within the UK housing market have proven quite significant. Property asking prices have dropped more than £5,000. According to recorded data, this is the largest drop since the month of November 2012. In the opinion of some within the market, this drop is the result of several reasons, but the most impactful factor creating the fall could be uncertainty over Brexit. The decrease in asking prices was expected due to the normal end of the housing market selling season and the arrival of the holiday season, but some did not expect a drop of this size, according to Rightmove.

The UK housing market has been quite a tricky area in which to make decisions regarding buying and selling real estate for some time now. Uncertainty caused by Brexit as well as other factors has created a land of the unknown for many looking to move home or even consider it. One investment for those who have committed to it is buy to let. Many housing experts see this sector as one which offers quality return on investment with limited risk.

Remortgage lending experts are expecting there to be a higher number of retired homeowners seeking to remortgage. The reasons behind this are many as some are likely to desire cash release from built up equity, others will seek to secure a lower interest rate, while there are others that may have totally unique reasons for a new deal. However, the biggest reason of all may be that lenders are offering them options and not shutting them out of a remortgage opportunity due to their age.

House price growth has been meteoric for the past several years. Lending criteria has become more difficult for the everyday resident to secure a mortgage, whether it is their first purchase or third. On top of these two challenges, supply of houses available for sale is down and is expected to remain below the goal rate for some time. Overall, it is tough currently to purchase a home in this climate. However, new data suggests lending for first time buyers has increased.