This week’s top headlines: Halifax updates intermediary site to make apps easier and NatWest becomes latest lender to cuts rates. Explore these and other major industry updates below: Halifax updates intermediary site to make apps easier Halifax Intermediaries has upgraded its online mortgage application… The post Mortgage Strategy’s Top 10 Stories: 12 Oct to 16 Oct appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) should assess every Budget measure for its impact on the housing market, according to an independent committee chaired by Sir Vince Cable. In its latest assessment of the government’s housing policy and delivery, the Housing Policy and Delivery Oversight… The post OBR should assess every Budget measure for its impact on housing, says committee chaired by Vince Cable appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
Average two and five-year fixed rates remained broadly flat week on week at just under 6%. The latest weekly rate watch figures from Moneyfacts show that the average two-year fixed edged down by a single basis point to 5.96%, while the average five-year fixed was… The post Average rates continue to hover just below 6%: Moneyfacts appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
The cost of moving house could rise as diesel prices rise, with removal firms warning that soaring fuel bills are adding to the cost of transporting customers’ belongings. Figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show that average diesel prices reached 200.04p… The post Rising diesel prices could push up cost of moving, removals firm warns appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
The number of residential properties offered at auction rose by 8.1% year on year in September, although the number sold fell slightly, according to data from EIG. A total of 4,382 residential lots were offered at auction during the month, up from 4,053 in September… The post More homes auctioned in September, but fewer sold appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
UK construction activity remains under pressure, with new data from Glenigan showing declines across planning approvals, contract awards and project starts over the three months to the end of September 2026. The October edition of the Construction Review, published by Glenigan, found that detailed planning… The post UK construction faces mixed outlook as contract awards rise but project starts fall appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
The housing market in England and Wales remains subdued but steady, according to Landmark Information Group. Landmark’s Q3 2026 residential property trends report found that there has been an improvement in buyer activity seen towards the end of the first half of the year has… The post Housing market in England and Wales remains subdued but steady: Landmark appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
Brokers have a crucial role to play in helping more than nine in 10 (93%) homeowners understand the impact of government policy and economic changes on their finances, Santander reveals. The upcoming Budget on 28 October will be the first budget delivered under Prime Minister… The post 93% of homeowners rely on brokers to understand economic changes: Santander appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
Halifax Intermediaries has streamlined its online mortgage application process and upgraded the platform ahead of its rebrand to Lloyds next year. The changes are designed to make the system easier to navigate and save advisers time when uploading documents. Brokers can now drag and drop… The post Halifax updates intermediary site to make apps easier appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
GB Bank has launched dual legal representation for eligible buy-to-let (BTL) and bridging refinance applications. The arrangement enables a single approved legal panel to act for both the borrower and GB Bank. The bank says it aims to reduce the delays associated with separate representation.… The post GB Bank launches dual legal representation appeared first on Mortgage Strategy.
