Press
The team at Altura comment regularly on mortgages and property for a range of news outlets, from well-respected industry publications to national press such as the BBC.
Leaseholders should not have to pay for cladding fix, brokers say
Leaseholders living in properties with potential or confirmed unsafe cladding should not have to pay any costs towards remediation, brokers have said…
All the winners of the British Mortgage Awards 2020
The winners of the British Mortgage Awards 2020 were revealed this afternoon marking a truly extraordinary year. As part of a unique online setting, winners were announced in 29 categories...
Vaccine could help to immunise housing market against downturn
News that the UK is the first country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine has been welcomed by property experts who hope that a successful roll-out could help to stave off a housing market...
Rising mortgage costs or negative interest rates – brokers navigate the maze
Talk of negative interest rates and the gradual rise in mortgage pricing is presenting borrowers with a tricky decision. Negative interest rates, in theory, should translate into cheaper mortgages...
Property market will stay open in second lockdown
The property market will not be shut as England heads into a second lockdown on Thursday, with renters, homeowners and buyers still able to view and move house…
Lack of comparables and lender caution leading to down valuations – analysis
Brokers have reported more down valuations on properties as lender caution remains and a lack of home moves in recent years has resulted in a dearth of comparable property data…
‘It is a disservice to deny clients a mortgage based on lender distrust’ – Marketwatch
Service levels and communication methods during the pandemic have changed the relationship brokers have with lenders, as satisfaction often varies depending on the outcome when...
Industry sceptical of Johnson’s Generation Buy plans
Industry pundits have expressed scepticism over Boris Johnson’s party conference pledge to introduce long-term 95 per cent loan-to-value mortgages…
Brokers baffled by Barclays’ LTI move
Barclays has taken brokers by surprise after backdating a change to its lending criteria…
Lenders must improve communications as service issues make borrowers nervous, brokers say
A lack of updates, redeployed staff and the need to discuss cases before they are submitted has left brokers speculating whether they are being discouraged from working with overwhelmed...
‘I don’t rely on DIPs, I think like an underwriter’ – Marketwatch
A decision in principle (DIP) gives some way in indicating how eligible a client might be for a mortgage but with lenders assessing risk and adjusting criteria, they might not be as...
Brokers see instant demand as stamp duty cut rescues high LTV borrowers
Brokers have reported an immediate surge in demand after the chancellor today announced a stamp duty holiday. Rishi Sunak confirmed that no tax is due on property purchases up to...
‘Broker support is varied but networks and clubs have been excellent’ – poll results
Brokers feel networks and clubs have done well to support them during the pandemic, but more can be done to ease difficulties relating to lender processes and personal wellbeing…
Chancellor plans payment holiday extension
The chancellor is reportedly devising a scheme to extend mortgage holidays for those still in financial difficulty as a result of coronavirus…
Frozen in time: where next for house prices as the market thaws?
With Covid-19 putting the property market on ice, industry experts join Leah Milner to gauge the potential impact on house prices. Before the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK in March, the housing...
The British Mortgage Awards 2020 finalists revealed
The British Mortgage Awards 2020 shortlists for brokers, lenders and wider industry finalists have been revealed…
ONS figures point to future mortgage woes
Office for National Statistics figures on household finances paint a worrying picture of borrowers’ ability to cover mortgage costs once payment holidays end, brokers have warned…
Dazed and confused
Buy-to-let advisers prove their worth in a battered lending market by helping stakeholders get to grips with the new financial reality, writes Leah Milner. In the past few weeks, some lenders have...
Halifax for Intermediaries withdraws all mortgages over 60% LTV
Halifax for Intermediaries and the bank’s other broker brands have withdrawn all products over 60 per cent loan-to-value apart from product transfers and further advances…
Calls for clarity on payment holidays and credit scores
Mortgage lenders have also been urged to clarify whether borrowers who take a payment break will see a damaging impact on their credit scores. Rishi Sunak announced yesterday that...