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Gatehouse Bank

Buy-to-Let Refinance and Home Purchase Plan Refinance for International residents now available

We are pleased to announce that today we have reinstated refinancing for Buy-to-Let (BTL) applications for UK residents, UK Expats, and International residents and refinancing for Home Purchase Plan (HPP) International residents. This now means that refinancing is available across our full range of BTL and HPP products.

Our criteria includes but is not limited to:

  • Maximum 80% FTV for BTL
  • Day one refinancing considered subject to enhanced criteria and underwriting
  • Capital raising for property investment and development is permitted

You can speak to your local BDM and refer to our criteria guides for further information and eligibility here.

Our product range is available to UK residents, UK Expats, International residents and UK registered corporate entities looking to purchase or refinance property in England and Wales. Our full range of products can be found here.

To review our current service levels, click here.

Landbay

Renters Rights Bill musn’t damage the market if good landlords are to thrive

The much-heralded Renters Rights Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons this month and has now reached the Renters Rights Bill Committee for further scrutiny.

At the second reading, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner told the Commons she was “determined to get this bill into law as soon as possible.” The new Government intends to move quickly to act on its commitment to reform the rental system.

Read the full blog here.

Suffolk Building Society

Avoid Stereotyping  Downsizers.

Recent research from Suffolk Building Society highlights that downsizing isn’t just for older homeowners. In fact, with the ongoing cost of living* crisis, younger and middle-aged homeowners are also considering downsizing. Traditionally, the property market has focused on helping people climb the property ladder, but there’s much less guidance for those looking to downsize.

Read the full blog here.

Metro Bank

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme

We are proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. Our commitment to inclusivity means recognising that not all disabilities are visible and ensuring that everyone feels understood and valued in their environment.

There are two types of Sunflower lanyards:

  1. The green lanyard with sunflowers is worn by a person who has a disability or condition that might not be apparent right away.
  2. The white lanyard is for supporters of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Wearing the supporters’ lanyard lets Sunflower wearers know that you understand what the Sunflower stands for.

If you or your customer wears the Sunflower, Metro Bank are here to provide the assistance, time, or additional support you may need. By recognising the Sunflower, we aim to create a welcome space for individuals with hidden disabilities and their families.

Find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme

Vulnerable Customers

At Metro Bank, we are all about providing unparalleled levels of service and convenience to your customers; this means identifying when customers are vulnerable or are at risk of becoming vulnerable. We have a dedicated Vulnerable Customer section on our intermediary website to help you understand how to identify a vulnerable customer and a Mortgage Payment Support page which your customer can visit if they are worried about their finances.

Want to get in touch?

Get in touch with your local BDM; they would love to hear from you. Find your BDM. Or call our Broker helpdesk on 020 3427 1019.

If you no longer wish to receive email updates about our products and services, please let me know and I will remove you from our mailing list.

More2life

Even more innovation from more2life

We’re delighted to introduce the latest addition to our extensive panel of products: Apex Interest Reward

Apex Interest Reward boasts all the incredible features you expect from Apex; including high LTVs and the shortest fixed ERCs in the industry – just 4 years!

That means the same high LTVs, with new, lower rates.

  • Rate discounts available
  • Available for ages 55-84
  • Apex’s high LTVs – up to 52%
  • 4 years fixed ERCs
  • Max property value now £2m (£3m in London and the South East

Discover Apex Interest Reward today.

Foundation Home Loans

In our Q3 2024 BTL barometer, brought to you in conjunction with the Pegasus Insight Landlord Trends research report, we evaluate the trends which are impacting your landlord clients and how their portfolios are currently shaping up. The latest data shows that around half of NRLA members have been operating as a landlord for over 20 years. This is reflected in the demography of the NRLA member base, with an average age of 62 and 4 in 10 being retirees.

Typically, landlords who have been active for longer tend to have larger, more diverse portfolios which achieve a higher yield compared to those newer to the PRS. Longer standing landlords are also significantly more likely to have sold at least one property in the last year and have intentions to sell in the next year.

Click here to read the full story.

Bluestone Mortgages

Bluestone’s Affordability Calculator is here!

It has been a long time coming, but taking your feedback on board, Bluestone Mortgages are pleased to share their new affordability calculator. Confident that the new calculator will streamline the process and improve your experience when working with Bluestone, the team have worked hard to ensure the calculator meets your needs.

Key Highlights of the calculator include…

  • Minimal questions, fast results
    • It only takes a few minutes to complete, informing you with a clients borrowing estimate upfront, saving time and simplifying initial discussions.
  • Streamlined process for adverse cases
    • Tailored for customers with adverse credit, receive a quick indication of borrowing potential, and gain a realistic outlook that fits your client’s circumstances.
  • Supports informed decision making
    • Help your clients make an informed decision with a clearer understanding of their borrowing capacity, and identifying those who meet our criteria more efficiently.

Bluestone strive to help you provide your clients with security and certainty when taking out a mortgage. Get calculating by clicking here.

Bluestone Mortgages for intermediaries logo

e.surv Chartered Surveyors

Green Watch Newsletter

In this month’s issue we’ll be taking a look at:

• Budget Update
• Property Market
• Global Climate Change Impacts
• Environmental Pollution at home
• Climate Risk & Climate Risk Reporting
• Property Risk
• Energy
• Retrofit
• New Build
• Green Business
• Drive Green
• Climate Litigation
• Climate Action
• Environment Days In November

To read the latest issue of Green Watch, click here.

Aria Finance

Think Buy-to-Let is Dead? Think Again!

In recent years, the buy-to-let industry has faced its share of challenges, not least the surprise SDLT increase and changes to CGT within last week’s budget. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly turbulent market lies a wealth of untapped potential and exciting opportunities for savvy investors. In the latest blog from Aria Finance, four strategies investors are using to not only navigate but excel in this ever-changing environment are explored. Find out more about:

  • High Yielding HMOs and MUBs
  • Smart Buys on Below Market Value (BMV) Properties
  • Steady ROI from Student Accommodation
  • Premium Rates for Holiday Lets

https://www.ariafinance.co.uk/broker-hub/blog/buy-to-let-is-dead-think-again

United Trust Bank

Our new look

Things are starting to look a little different at United Trust Bank. We’ve created a fresh and vibrant new look for our brand that can capture and communicate all the values that make us a great partner.

Our beliefs and commitment to outstanding service remain the same, with people and connections at the heart of everything we do. At UTB we have always understood that it is not only what we achieve that matters, but how we achieve it, and this exciting evolution builds on our strong foundations.

United, we go further
At the core of our brand is the belief that we can achieve more together. That united, we go further. That’s why we’re committed to supporting our customers, partners, colleagues, and community to build the futures that matter to them.

Watch our new brand video here.

This new chapter is more than just a rebrand; it’s a renewed commitment to delivering competitive products and exceptional service for all your customers’ needs. It represents our dedication to working with you to stay ahead in an ever-changing world and providing the support you need to achieve your goals.

You’ll also be pleased to learn that we’ve improved our mortgage intermediaries website to make it easier to use and quicker to find the information you need.

Visit our new website here.

Bank of Ireland

our product transfer early booking period is changing

We’re making changes to our product transfer early booking period during November and December.

Here’s what’s happening and when:

  • From 1st November 2024, our product transfer early booking period is changing from six months to five months
  • From 1st December 2024, our product transfer early booking period is changing from five months to four months.

You can transfer your customers to a new mortgage rate with our online product transfer service. Your customer’s new interest rate will start on the expiry of their existing promotional period.

Why transfer with us?

  • It’s quick and easy. Apply online in minutes
  • Reduce the mortgage term at the same time
  • No paperwork. The application can progress straight to offer.

To guarantee that your customer’s product transfer takes effect on the 1st of the month after their current deal ends, we must receive their offer acceptance, signed by all parties on the mortgage, and any associated information by the 19th of the final month of their current deal. Offers are valid for 30 days.

You’ll receive a 0.30% proc fee for a product transfer.

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