Our Blog
15th January 2026S. Remortgaging in January 2026:
Thinking About Remortgaging in January 2026?
Here’s Why Now Is the Smart Time to Start
Published: January 2026 – Astute Mortgages Ltd (Authorised and regulated by the FCA – FRN 974763)
If your mortgage deal is ending in 2026, January is one of the best months of the year to start planning your remortgage – especially if you live in Waterlooville, Portsmouth or the surrounding Hampshire areas.
Every year we speak to homeowners who wish they’d started earlier. Not because they made a mistake — but because they didn’t realise how much flexibility and control early remortgage planning can give you.
This guide explains why starting your remortgage in January 2026 makes sense, how far in advance you can act, and how you can often secure a rate now while keeping the option to switch later.
How Early Can You Start a Remortgage?
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:
“It’s too early — my mortgage doesn’t end until later in the year.”
In reality, many lenders allow you to secure a new mortgage rate up to 6 months before your current deal ends. Some products may allow even earlier planning, depending on circumstances and lender criteria.
This means if your fixed rate ends in summer or autumn 2026, January is often the perfect time to start the conversation.
Early planning gives you: - More choice of lenders and products - Less pressure to rush decisions - Protection against rates rising unexpectedly
Can You Secure a Rate Now and Change It Later?
Yes — and this is one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) parts of remortgaging.
In many cases, you can: 1. Secure a fixed mortgage rate now 2. Continue monitoring the market 3. Switch to a cheaper rate with the same lender before completion if rates improve
This approach allows you to: - Lock in certainty early - Keep flexibility if the market improves - Avoid last-minute panic
Important note: This depends on the lender and product. Not all mortgages allow changes, which is why professional advice matters.
Why January 2026 Is an Ideal Time to Review Your Mortgage
January is a natural reset. It’s when many homeowners: - Review household finances - Set goals for the year ahead - Look for ways to reduce monthly outgoings
For homeowners in Waterlooville, Portsmouth and across Hampshire, it’s also a practical time because: - Lender product ranges are refreshed early in the year - You avoid the spring and summer rush - You have time to improve affordability or documentation if needed
Starting early doesn’t mean committing early — it means being prepared.
Remortgaging in Waterlooville & Portsmouth – Why Local Advice Helps
While mortgages are national, local knowledge still matters.
Property values, buyer demand and lender appetite can vary between: - Waterlooville - Portsmouth - Havant - Fareham - Surrounding Hampshire towns and villages
A broker who understands the local market can: - Sense-check loan-to-value assumptions - Flag issues early (especially for flats or ex-local authority properties) - Tailor lender selection to your circumstances
Remortgaging If You’re Self-Employed
If you’re self-employed in Portsmouth, Waterlooville or Hampshire, remortgaging can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to be.
Starting early gives time to: - Review income evidence - Identify suitable lenders - Avoid last-minute stress
Many self-employed clients are surprised how smooth the process is when planned properly.
What Happens If You Leave It Too Late?
Leaving your remortgage until the last minute can mean: - Fewer lender options - Less flexibility on rates - Risk of moving onto a lender’s standard variable rate
Starting in January doesn’t lock you in — it keeps options open.
Why Speak to Astute Mortgages in January 2026?
Astute Mortgages supports clients across Waterlooville, Portsmouth and Hampshire with: - Early remortgage planning - Clear explanations (no jargon) - Fixed rate strategies with flexibility - Support for employed and self-employed clients
We focus on helping you: - Understand your options - Avoid unnecessary risk - Make informed decisions at the right time
Ready to Start Your Remortgage Planning?
If your mortgage deal ends in 2026, now is the time to start the conversation.
A simple review in January could: - Save you money later in the year - Reduce stress - Give you confidence in your next steps
Important Information
This article is for general information only and does not constitute mortgage advice. Mortgage products and availability are subject to lender criteria and affordability checks.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
For personalised advice, please contact Astute Mortgages.
2nd December 2025. UK Budget News:
What the November 2025 UK Budget Means for Your Mortgage and the Housing Market
Published: November 2025 – Astute Mortgages Ltd (Authorised and regulated by the FCA – FRN 974763)
The Autumn Budget 2025, delivered on 26 November 2025, introduced several tax and economic measures that could influence the UK property market over the coming years. While the Budget does not directly set mortgage rates, the changes announced can affect household finances, lender confidence, and long-term affordability.
Here’s a clear, accurate breakdown of what the Budget means for homebuyers, remortgagers, landlords and anyone planning a move in 2026.
1. Mortgage Rates: What Has Actually Changed?
Nothing in the Budget directly changes mortgage interest rates.
The Bank of England sets the base rate, and lenders adjust pricing independently.
However, the Budget contributes to the overall economic picture, which lenders watch closely. A tighter fiscal stance and higher taxes for some groups may influence long-term borrowing conditions, but no immediate rate changes were announced.
Good news: According to recent Bank of England data, mortgage approvals in late 2025 were at their highest level since December the previous year, showing buyer confidence slowly returning.
2. No Changes to Stamp Duty for Most Buyers
The Budget did NOT include any changes to stamp duty thresholds.
That means:
- First-time buyer relief stays the same
- Standard stamp duty bands remain unchanged
- No temporary holidays or reductions were announced
For most movers and first-time buyers, the buying costs remain exactly as they were throughout 2025.
3. Tax Changes Affecting Landlords and High-Value Properties
Although most homebuyers are unaffected, the Budget did introduce changes for landlords and high-value properties.
Landlords
The government announced:
- Higher tax on property income
- Reduced allowances in some areas
- This could squeeze rental yields, especially for highly leveraged buy-to-let investors.
High-Value Homeowners
A future “high-value property surcharge” (often dubbed a “mansion tax”) is planned to take effect in coming years.
This does not affect most homeowners, but those purchasing at the top end of the market should factor this into long-term costs.
4. What This Means for First-Time Buyers
Although the Budget didn’t introduce new schemes like Help to Buy or stamp duty reductions, it also didn’t remove existing first-time buyer reliefs.
The biggest impacts for first-time buyers come indirectly:
-
Cost-of-living pressures remain
Lenders continue to assess affordability cautiously
Economic tightening could influence lending criteria later in 2026
5. What This Means for Home Movers & Remortgagers
With no stamp duty changes and no direct rate changes from the Budget, the market remains steady.
But the long-term fiscal tightening could influence:
- Lender appetite
- Affordability checks
- Term lengths offered
- Fixed-rate pricing into 2026
If your mortgage deal is ending in the next 6–12 months, reviewing your options early is sensible, especially if rates remain volatile.
6. Buy-to-Let Market Outlook After the Budget
Given the tax increases announced:
- Some landlords may see lower net rental profit
- Stress tests for buy-to-let mortgages may tighten
- Larger deposits or stronger income may be required by some lenders
However, rising rental demand continues to support the sector — so buy-to-let remains viable for well-planned investments.
7. Housing Market Sentiment Going Into 2026
The Budget didn’t deliver dramatic property reforms, but the industry reacted with caution, particularly around:
- Higher property-related taxes
- Pressure on high-value homes
- Reduced incentives for landlords
However, major news outlets reported ongoing lender rate reductions immediately after the Budget, suggesting confidence in the medium-term outlook.
Overall, the market appears stable, with modest growth expected rather than large swings.
8. Thinking About Your Next Move?
Whether you’re:
- A first-time buyer
- Remortgaging
- Moving home
- A landlord reassessing your portfolio
…the November 2025 Budget may influence your next decision, even if only indirectly.
At Astute Mortgages, we provide clear, balanced, FCA-compliant mortgage advice tailored to your personal circumstances — with no pressure and no jargon.
If you want help understanding your options for 2026, we’re here to support you.
13th November 2025. October Mortgage Market Update:
What Homeowners & Buyers need to know (2025)
By Astute Mortgages — Your Straight-Talking, Whole-of-Market Broker
October was a surprisingly eventful month for the mortgage world — from shifting interest rates to lenders tightening affordability checks in the run-up to the November Budget. Whether you're a homeowner, a first-time buyer, or self-employed, here’s what the changes mean and how to stay ahead.
📉 1. Rates Have Stabilised — But Expect Movement After the Budget
After months of volatility, rates in October finally settled. Most lenders held their fixed rates between:
- 4.5% – 5.25% for 2-year fixes
- 3.9% – 4.8% for 5-year fixes
However, all eyes are now on the November 26th Budget. Depending on what Rachel Reeves announces, lenders may:
- Reprice quickly (sometimes within hours)
- Tighten affordability tests
- Adjust interest-only criteria
- Reduce high LTV product availability
Our take: If you need a mortgage soon, don’t wait for the Budget hoping for a rate drop. Budget weeks often bring short-notice changes — the market hates uncertainty.
💼 2. Self-Employed Borrowers: Lenders Are Asking for More
We’ve seen a clear shift this month:
Banks are requesting:
- More recent bank statements
- Updated year-end accounts
- Evidence of ongoing contracts
- Where income has dipped, written explanations
This doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage — it just means packaging the case properly matters more than ever.
At Astute Mortgages, we specialise in self-employed and complex income, so we know exactly which lenders are still flexible and what documents they need.
🏡 3. Homeowners Are Turning to Product Transfers
With interest rates higher than previous fixed deals, many homeowners who are due to remortgage are choosing:
Lenders are offering strong retention rates, and switching internally avoids new affordability checks in most cases.
If your mortgage renews in the next 6 months, we can secure your new rate now — and if it drops before your switch date, we’ll simply update it.
💸 4. Rising Bills Means Affordability Is Tighter
Mortgages are harder to get approved because:
Banks are factoring all of this into their affordability models, meaning some clients can borrow 5–10% less than they could last year.
A quick free affordability check with us can give you an accurate picture before you book viewings or make offers.
🔍 5. Buy-to-Let Still Challenging — But Not Dead
Buy-to-let remains tough, but not impossible.
What’s working right now:
- LTD company (SPV) BTLs
- Higher-yield areas like Waterlooville, Portsmouth, Gosport
- HMO conversions (if the numbers stack)
- Interest-only with sensible exit strategies
Stress tests are still strict, but we know the lenders taking a more pragmatic view.
📞 Need Mortgage Advice Before the Budget?
October has shown us one thing clearly: the mortgage landscape can shift at any moment.
If you:
- Have a remortgage due
- Are thinking about buying
- Want to check affordability
- Need advice as a self-employed borrower
- Want to compare a product transfer vs a remortgage
…now is the perfect time to get clarity.
Astute Mortgages — Straight-Talking, No Nonsense, Whole-of-Market Advice.
📞 02394 215 055
16th September 2025. Self-Employed Mortgages in Waterlooville & Portsmouth: Why It’s Tough.
Getting a Mortgage when you're self-employed can be hard
Self-Employed Mortgages in Waterlooville & Portsmouth: Why It’s Tough – and How Astute Mortgages Can Help You Secure One
If you’re self-employed in Waterlooville, Portsmouth, or across Hampshire, you already know how frustrating mortgages can be. High street lenders love neat payslips – but if you run your own business, it often feels like the system isn’t built for you.
The good news? With the right advice and the right broker, your dream home doesn’t have to stay out of reach. At Astute Mortgages, we specialise in helping self-employed people – from sole traders to limited company directors – secure the mortgages they deserve.
Why Do Self-Employed People Struggle with Mortgages?
Even though nearly 5 million people in the UK are self-employed, lenders often make the process harder than it should be.
- 📑 They usually want 2–3 years of accounts or tax returns (SA302s).
- 📉 Fluctuating profits can make lenders nervous, even if your overall income is strong.
- 🏢 Company directors may be judged on salary + dividends only, ignoring retained profit.
- 🚫 High street banks often have rigid criteria and limited flexibility.
The result? Lower borrowing offers, declined applications, and unnecessary stress.
How Astute Mortgages Helps Self-Employed Clients
Here’s where we make the difference:
✅ Specialist knowledge – we’ve supported contractors, freelancers, tradespeople, and directors across Waterlooville and Portsmouth.
✅ Access to the right lenders – not just the high street, but specialists who understand self-employed income.
✅ Tailored approach – whether you’ve got one year’s accounts or multiple income streams, we’ll find the right fit.
✅ Preparation upfront – we review accounts and affordability before you apply, avoiding nasty surprises.
✅ Local expertise – we’re based in Waterlooville, not a call centre.
Real Success Story
A Portsmouth-based electrician came to us with just 18 months’ trading history. High street banks said no. By presenting his accounts to the right lender, we secured the mortgage he needed to buy a family home.
That’s the power of getting specialist advice.
Self-Employed Mortgage Tips
💡 Keep your accounts up-to-date with a qualified accountant.
💡 File your tax return early – lenders will want the latest SA302.
💡 Reduce personal debt before applying.
💡 Speak to a broker before house-hunting so you know your true borrowing power.
Why Choose Astute Mortgages?
- Local mortgage experts, trusted by self-employed clients in Waterlooville, Portsmouth, and beyond.
- Independent and FCA regulated – your interests come first.
- “You Talk, We Listen” – our promise to understand your goals before anything else.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t let self-employment hold you back. If you’re based in Waterlooville, Portsmouth, or nearby, and you’re self-employed and struggling to get a mortgage, we can help.
📞 Call us today on 02394311110
Astute Mortgages – helping self-employed people in Waterlooville and Portsmouth get the keys to their future.
25th July 2025. Helping those that are self-employed: some brief highlights about what you need to know.
Getting a Mortgage When You're Self-Employed in Waterlooville, Portsmouth & Surrounding Areas
If you're self-employed in Waterlooville, Portsmouth, or anywhere across Hampshire, getting a mortgage can feel frustrating especially if your accountant has done a great job of keeping your declared income low for tax purposes.
But here's the reality: while minimising tax might feel smart now, it could be seriously damaging your mortgage affordability in the future.
At Astute Mortgages, we specialise in helping self-employed people just like you navigate this tricky balance.
Why Your Self-Assessment Tax Return Matters So Much
When applying for a mortgage as a sole trader, limited company director, contractor, or freelancer, the key document lenders assess is your SA302 (your self-assessment tax calculation). This shows how much income you've officially declared to HMRC.
If you've kept your income low to reduce tax, you're also telling lenders you have less money to repay a mortgage. That directly affects how much you can borrow.
What Lenders Look At for Self-Employed Applicants
Lenders usually assess your income using one or more of the following:
- Sole Traders: Net profit after expenses (from SA302 and Tax Year Overviews)
- Limited Company Directors:
- Salary + Dividends, or
- In some cases: retained profit (only with select lenders)
Contractors: Daily or hourly rate x days worked (based on contract terms)
They often want to see:
- Two years of accounts or SA302s
- Occasionally, just one year with a strong track record or same-industry experience
How Declared Income Affects Affordability
Let's say your business earns £60,000 a year, but your declared income after expenses is £18,000.
A lender won't see the £60k. They'll assess affordability on the £18k.
At current rates, this could mean:
- Declared income £18,000 = Mortgage offer ~£80,000
- Declared income £35,000 = Mortgage offer ~£175,000
That's a massive difference.
How Many Years Do You Really Need?
Most lenders want two full years of self-employed accounts or tax returns.
However, some lenders accept just one year — ideal if you're newly self-employed but have a great first year and solid industry background.
This is where using a specialist broker really helps: we know which lenders to approach depending on your history.
Top Tips to Get Mortgage-Ready as Self-Employed
- Talk to your accountant before year-end to balance tax savings vs affordability
- Avoid over-inflating business expenses if you're planning to buy soon
- Keep personal and business finances separate
- Pay yourself consistently (especially if a Ltd Co director)
- Keep your credit score clean
- Work with a broker who truly understands self-employed lending
Why Work with Astute Mortgages?
We're based in Waterlooville and work with self-employed clients across Portsmouth and Hampshire every day. We understand the local market and the complexity of your income.
With access to independent lenders, we can match you with banks and building societies who:
- Accept one year's accounts
- Consider retained profits
- Understand contractors and freelancers
- Are self-employed specialist lenders
Book Your Free Self-Employed Mortgage Review
Whether you're a plumber in Portsmouth, a photographer in Petersfield, or a business owner in Havant, we can help.
Contact us today to book a no-obligation chat.
Let's make your income work for you and not against you.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.