Every month, Mortgage Introducer produces a series of articles on a theme affecting mortgage professionals across the UK. All coverage through the month can be found here
February spotlight: First Time Buyers
NatWest and Barclays raise fixed mortgage rates again
Major lenders continue to reprice as Middle East tensions stoke inflation fears and push up swaps
Average fixed mortgage rates move above 5%
Hundreds of residential deals pulled in two days as swap rates rise
Can 98% LTV mortgages unlock the first‑time buyer market?
Low-deposit mortgages open doors for first-time buyers – but risks remain
Average deposit now exceeds annual salary in most British housing markets
New analysis shows deposits outpacing earnings in nearly two-thirds of local areas
First-time buyer house prices projected to climb sharply
Forecast price rises set to increase affordability pressures for aspiring homeowners
Santander’s 98% LTV first-time buyer rate drops below 5%
Lender also trims pricing across first-time buyer, home mover and remortgage ranges
Momentum returns to mortgage market, but borrowers aren’t rushing in
Brokers report rising enquiries and renewed first-time buyer activity, but few clients are in a hurry ahead of a potential rate cut
