Expert Knowledge & Professional Service

Santander for Intermediaries is offering some of the most competitively priced two and five-year fixed-rate remortgage deals.

The lowest rate is 3.84% fixed until 02 October 2027 and it is available for mortgages up to £3 million. Santander's five-year remortgage fix is just 0.03% more expensive. 

These rates have £999 arrangement fees and applicants will need 40% equity in their property to qualify. 

Aaron Strutt, product director at Trinity Financial, says: "More banks and building societies have been lowering their remortgage rates over the last few weeks, so they are looking better value for money. While there are lots of sub-4% rates available at the moment, the market does fluctuate, so it makes sense to secure a deal if you see a good one, especially as lenders do not typically notify customers when rates are going to be withdrawn.

"HSBC has lowered its rates three times in just over a week, while Barclays and Halifax have also lowered their prices. With £147bn worth of mortgages coming up for renewal between now and December, this latest round of rate cuts will come as welcome news for homeowners needing to remortgage."

Representative example: A capital and interest Santander mortgage of £500,000 payable over 30 years, initially on a 3.94% fixed rate for 02 October 2027 and then on a variable rate of 6.75% for the remaining 25 years, would require 25 monthly repayments of £2,339.26 followed by 335 monthly repayments of £3,188.86. The total amount repayable would be £1,128,158.35.

This amount is illustrative and may vary, made up of the loan amount, plus interest (£629,612.20) and £999 (product fee), £225 (final repayment charge), £25 (completion fee). The overall cost for comparison is 6.4% APRC representative.

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7267 9399 to secure a remortgage or book a consultation

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage 

RICS UK Residential Property Survey June 2025

• Sales market stabilising towards a flatter picture
• Buyer demand turns positive for first time since December 2024
• Supply cools slightly but still exhibits marginal growth
• Tenant demand remains flat however landlords continue to leave the sector as rent price rises expected to continue upward trajectory

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published its UK Residential Market Survey for June 2025. The latest findings suggest signs of stabilisation in the sales market, although challenges persist for both buyers and sellers.

According to RICS buyer demand has moved out of negative territory for the first time since December 2024 with the net balance for new buyer enquiries rising to+3% in June. This marks a noticeable improvement from the -22% reported in May, although the figure still indicates a period of stabilisation rather than a strong recovery.

The national net balance for agreed sales improved significantly from previous months, falling to -3%, a marked improvement from the -25% and -28% reported in earlier surveys. Despite this positive trend, sales momentum is expected to remain subdued in the near term.

New instructions to sell have seen a slight decline, with the June net balance dropping to +3% from +7% in May. While this signals a slowdown in the flow of new listings, 16% of respondents reported an increase in market appraisals compared to the same period last year, indicating that supply levels remain relatively healthy.

According to RICS house prices continue to follow a flat to marginally negative trend nationally, with the net balance for June remaining at -7%. The South East, East Anglia, and London have seen a more pronounced decline in prices, while Northern Ireland, the North West, Scotland, and the East Midlands experienced clear growth.

UK residential market appears to be entering a more settled phase

Tarrant Parsons, RICS Head of Market Research & Analysis, said: “The UK residential market appears to be entering a more settled phase, with demand showing signs of stabilising following a period of volatility. The earlier distortion caused by transactions being brought forward ahead of the Stamp Duty changes now appears to have largely dissipated, allowing underlying trends to re-emerge.

“Encouragingly, near-term sales expectations have begun to edge higher, pointing to a modest shift in sentiment. That said, confidence in the market remains somewhat delicate, with economic uncertainty at both the domestic and global level still seen as a potential headwind.“

Lower mortgage rates available with lots of sub-4% fixes

Mortgage lenders are offering more competitively priced rates with a large selection of sub-4% fixes currently available. Cheaper mortgage rates certainly incentivise borrowers to purchase properties and increase remortgaging to new providers.

Source: RICS UK Residential Market Survey for June 2025

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7267 9399 to secure a mortgage or book a consultation

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

It has been a week of rate reductions with more lenders reintroducing sub-4% deals to the market.

Prominent lenders that reduced fixed rates include Barclays, by up to 0.18%, Halifax by upto 0.10%, HSBC by up to 0.17%, NatWest by up to 0.15%, Gen H by up to 0.15%, Santander by up to 0.16% and finally, Virgin Money reduced its ‘intermediary exclusive’ rates by up to 0.05%.

Among the building societies to reduce rates were the West Brom Building Society by up to 0.28%, Leeds Building Society by up to 0.12%, Nationwide Building Society by up to 0.20% and Principality Building Society by up to 0.51%.

Aaron Strutt, product direcotro at Trinity Financial, says: "Our brokers have access to two-year fixes from just over 3.80% and five-year fixes available from just over 3.90%.

"There is a lot of compeition in the mortage market at the moment which is good news if you are planing to get on the property ladder or remortgage." 

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7267 9399 to secure a mortgage or book a consultation

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Trinity Financial calculates first-time buyer borrowing figures for thisismoney.co.uk

First-time buyers may be pushed into buying smaller, cheaper homes in less desirable areas if they pick the wrong mortgage lender, new analysis has revealed.

Mortgage broker Trinity Financial entered details of a fictional typical first-time-buyer couple into nine mortgage lenders' online calculators to find out how much they could borrow.

It found that mortgage lenders offer different loan amounts to applications with identical circumstances due to their varying mortgage affordability assessments.

Nationwide offers to lend up to six times annual income, via its Helping Hand scheme, which is available to eligible first time buyers with its five and 10 year fixed rate mortgages.

Securing a Helping Hand mortgage with Nationwide on a five-year fix with a 25 per cent deposit could mean a couple earning £40,000 each (£80,000 combined) could borrow up to £480,000. 

Aaron Strutt of Trinity Financial, told thisismoney.co.uk: 'Many first-time buyers do not realise that the amount they can borrow ranges so significantly depending on the lender they apply to for a mortgage.

'It does pay to shop around when it comes to mortgage affordability and borrowing the amount you need. Most lenders use completely different calculations to determine how much their customers can borrow, and as a result, the maximum loan sizes can vary significantly. 

'Lenders can also offer surprisingly large loans to joint applicants with clean credit histories and strong incomes.' 

Click here to read the full story 

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7267 9399 to secure a mortgage, book a consultation, or complete our mortgage questionnaire. 

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

FIRST-TIME BUYER MORTGAGE GUIDE

Looking to buy your first home? Here’s everything you need to know — from saving a deposit to getting a mortgage offer accepted.

How does a lender classify a First-Time Buyer?

A first-time buyer is someone purchasing their first main residence and has never owned a property before. However, with some lenders, buyers cannot have owned a property within the last three years to be classed as a first-time buyer. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a sufficiently large mortgage, contact us for a quick eligibility check.

Why does it matter if you're classified as a first-time buyer or not? Many of the lenders offer specific schemes and incentives. You may not qualify for them if you have previously owned a home.

Aaron Strutt, product director at Trinity Financial, says: "Buying a property does not need to be complicated, especially if you choose a good broker, an efficient and trustworthy solicitor, the estate agent is good, and the property chain is not too long or complicated. Getting good advice and choosing a good mortgage lender is important, as well as discussing your upcoming purchase with your close friends and family."

Step-by-Step mortgage journey for first-time buyers

Step 1: Save for a Deposit and keep tabs on your credit file

• Minimum deposit required: 5% of the property value with most banks and building societies (e.g. £15,000 for a £300,000 home). Some lenders are offering 1% deposit mortgages, also 100% to longer-term renters. 

• 10–20% deposits often unlock better mortgage rates.

• Making sure you know what your credit score is and that there are no errors on your credit report can save you a lot of time, money and hassle. 

Step 2: Get a Decision in Principle (DIP)

• A DIP is a conditional approval from a mortgage lender confirming how much you could borrow. 

• It strengthens your position when making offers, but it is not an offer. This is not a guarantee that the lender will lend you the money, but it is a good indication that it will provide a mortgage.

• Once you have a DIP, it is often not worth taking on new credit or buying things on finance if possible. Additional debt could reduce the amount you can borrow.

We can secure a DIP from multiple lenders in one go – without damaging your credit score. This is known as a soft footprint. 

Step 3: Explore First-Time Buyer Schemes depending on the amount you need to borrow

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:

• The most popular first-time buyer scheme is arguably Nationwide's Helping Hand income stretch mortgage, which enables borrowers to access up to six times their annual salary to secure a mortgage.

• The Accord Mortgage £5k deposit scheme is a 1% deposit mortgage available to first-time buyers who provide a £5,000 deposit. The minimum loan size is £95,001, with a maximum of £495,000.

• Skipton for Intermediaries is offering a 100% Track Record Mortgage, providing a no-deposit mortgage for current renters who haven't owned a property in the last three years and can demonstrate a track record of affordability of all monthly rent for a minimum of 12 months in the last 18-month period.

• 95% loan-to-value mortgages: Low-deposit mortgage lending is available through a range of banks and building societies.

We can explain which of these you’re eligible for and what lenders support them.

Step 4: Confirm How Much You Can Borrow

Lenders assess affordability based on:

• Income (salary, bonuses, self-employment)

• Monthly outgoings (credit cards, childcare, loans and cars on finance)

• Credit history

Lenders use mortgage affordability calculators to determine how much you can borrow. Some lenders offer enhanced income multiples for first-time buyers, enabling them to borrow a higher amount of money. 

Use our mortgage calculator to get a quick estimate. Or speak to a Trinity adviser, who will calculate your real borrowing potential and find a suitable lender. 

Step 5: Find a property and get the offer accepted

• First-time buyers purchase all types of property, and they have a range of budgets. With many first-time buyers staying in their property for around five years before moving on, getting a spare room is a good idea if your budget stretches. This could give you the chance to let a room or even expand your family if you meet a partner.
• Try to obtain a property in a good location, with standard construction, and a straightforward legal pack. Freehold properties are becoming increasingly attractive due to the freedom from service charges and management agents.
• Once you have found a property, the lender will conduct a property valuation. 
• Once your offer on a property is accepted, we'll help you submit the full mortgage application. 

Step 6: Start the mortgage process

• Once your offer on a property is accepted, we assist you in selecting a lender and completing the full mortgage application.

• You will need to decide if you want a two, three or five-year fixed-rate mortgage. 

• The lender will conduct a property valuation and issue a mortgage offer, it is typically valid for between 3–6 months.

• Before completing, check if the lender is offering a cheaper rate. If they are, switch deals.
• Appoint a trusted solicitor. Someone you can speak to and rely on. We have referred our clients to Steph Lyke for 20+ years.

Step 7: Complete and Move In

• Exchange contracts and agree a completion date.

• The average time to complete a house or flat purchase in the UK typically ranges from three to six months. This timeline can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, such as whether you are part of a buying or selling chain, the complexity of the conveyancing process, and how quickly you secure a mortgage.
• Book a removal firm if you need one.

• Get your keys and move in!

FAQs for First-Time Buyers

Do I need a mortgage broker?
Using a broker gives you access to exclusive deals, tailored advice, and faster approvals.

Can I buy with someone else?
Yes – joint mortgages are common. We can also help you understand options like Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor. Applicants can often borrow significantly more when they buy with someone else.

What if I have bad credit?
We work with lenders who understand real-life credit issues — we’ll help find the right fit.

Mortgage Consultation for First-Time Buyers

Whether you’re just starting or already house-hunting, our team of expert advisers can:

• Compare mortgage deals from over 90 lenders

• Help you plan your deposit strategy

• Explain your scheme eligibility

• Guide you from DIP to completion

Let’s turn your dream of homeownership into reality. Call Trinity Financial on 020 7267 9399 to secure a first-time buyer mortgage or a phone or video consultation.

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage 

Whether you're moving up the property ladder, downsizing, remortgaging your home, or buying your first property, working with a reputable mortgage broker can save you time, effort and money. 

In some cases, using an award-winning mortgage broker, like Trinity Financial, can be the difference between getting a mortgage to buy the property you want or not.

But what is a mortgage broker, exactly? What services do mortgage brokers provide? In this article, we will address the most frequently asked questions about mortgage brokers.

1. What does a good mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker acts as a middleman between you and the mortgage lenders. They:

• Provide a private and confidential service. 
• Research the market to find the most suitable and cost-effective mortgage.
• Take the time to understand your personal and financial property-related needs and requirements.
• Apply to lenders on your behalf once you have provided them with permission, the necessary documentation and proof of identity.
• Work to secure the mortgage loan size their clients need at the lowest possible rate.
• Often get access to deals not widely available.
• Notify you if a cheaper mortgage rate than the one you have applied for with a lender is available.
• Contact business development managers to obtain approval for complex cases, even if the applicant does not meet the standard acceptance criteria.

2. Is it quicker to use a Mortgage Broker or apply to a lender directly?

In many cases, it is much quicker to get a mortgage through a broker. 

Trinity Financial regularly submits mortgage applications for our clients before they have been able to get an appointment with their bank or building society's mortgage adviser.

It typically takes ten working days to produce a mortgage offer; however, if an application is straightforward, it may be possible to receive a mortgage offer within a few hours or a few days. 

Brokers accounted for 87% of all mortgages written in the UK in 2024, and this figure is expected to rise according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association. 

3. What documents will I typically need to provide to a mortgage broker?

To provide you with bespoke mortgage advice and submit an application to the recommended lender, your adviser will need you to complete and return a mortgage questionnaire and supply the following documents (for each applicant, as applicable). They will also want to have a 15-minute consultation.

At Trinity Financial, we will request proof of Identity, proof of address, and proof of income (three months' payslips if employed or the last two years' SA302 tax computations and tax year overviews if self-employed. Or a copy of your contract(s).

Additionally, provide three months' bank statements (full monthly statements showing salary credits, which can be online-generated), proof of deposit funds (if applicable for a purchase), details about your work plans, and your anticipated retirement age. Plus, a copy of your visa is required if you are a foreign national.

4. What are the advantages of using a mortgage broker? And the disadvantages?

Advantages of using a mortgage broker

• They could save you time and money.
• They possess the necessary expertise, systems and contacts to secure mortgages quickly and efficiently.
• It is convenient. You do not need to stay on hold to chase mortgage lenders. You also do not need to complain if something goes wrong with the application, because any decent broker will have access to the decision-makers at the banks and building societies.
• A reputable broker should be able to secure the lowest rates and the most generous loan sizes for you.
• A good broker will also work closely with your estate agent and solicitor to help ensure the property purchase is completed smoothly.

Disadvantages of using a mortgage broker

• There may be costs involved.
• Some brokers offer a limited number of mortgage deals.
• The quality of brokers varies.

5. Understand their access to lenders

Some brokers have access to a vast network of lenders, while others work with a smaller panel of lenders. You’ll want someone who can shop around for the best rates and terms, rather than just pushing one product.

Trinity Financial's brokers have access to a wide range of lenders, including large and small banks, building societies, and specialist and bespoke lenders. Plus private banks seeking high net worth clients.

6. Check their reviews and testimonials

• Look on Google or Trustpilot for reviews about their company. See if the firm has taken the time to respond to the reviews. 

7. Evaluate their communication skills

Good brokers are:

• Transparent about costs and timelines.
• Easy to reach and responsive, ie they pick up the phone and reply to emails. At Trinity, each broker has a designated mortgage administrator that our clients have access to. They help keep clients updated at each important stage of the application process.
• Willing to explain terms and options in plain language.
• A good broker will inform you of the lender they recommend as part of their advice and recommendation process.

8. Watch for red flags with Mortgage Brokers

Avoid brokers who:

• Pressure you into quick decisions.
• Do not tell you the name of the lender they recommend.
• Are vague about fees or charge upfront fees.
• Promise unusually low interest rates without explanation.
• Force you to use them if you want to buy a property through the estate agent they are linked to.

9. What other services do they offer?

A mortgage broker's primary role is to secure a mortgage for their client, but financial protection policies are also crucial. At Trinity our specialists arrange:

• Financial protection policies, such as life insurance or critical illness cover. This is designed to help ensure borrowers can remain in their property in the event of death or illness.
• Building and contents insurance.
• Wills and Trusts.

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7267 9399 to secure a mortgage or book a consultation

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage