Welcome to our 

 

As we move into February, the mortgage market continues to show a mix of opportunities and challenges. Interest rates have been fluctuating, and while some lenders are adjusting their products, there are still options for homeowners and those looking to move. Whether you’re thinking about remortgaging, moving home, or simply reviewing your finances, we have the latest information to support you.

 

In this edition, we're discussing the expected rise in house prices according to Savills, using your protection policy today, not just if the worst were to happen and how you can get a free retirement planning consultation.

Kind regards,

Pat, Rory & Patrick

The start of a new year often prompts people to review their plans and for many, that might include a resolution to move home. As market conditions continue to evolve, prospective buyers and sellers might be wondering what will happen with property prices in 2026 and beyond.

The latest five-year outlook from Savills provides a useful insight into what’s to come, including some forecasts for house prices between now and 2030. The report predicts that house price growth will be slow in the near future, with projected growth of 2.0% in 2026. This subdued performance is due to ongoing economic uncertainty and weak buyer demand.

Looking further ahead, the landscape becomes more positive. Interest rates and mortgage costs are expected to ease, which should boost activity in the housing market. Savills anticipates annual house price growth of 4% in 2027 and 5% in 2028, before peaking at 5.5% in 2029. Over the five-year period, property values are expected to increase by 22.2%.

The report indicates that regional differences in house price growth are forecast to persist in the coming years. It is expected that the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber will record the strongest performance between now and 2030, with prices expected to increase by 28.8% in both areas. On the other hand, London (13.6%) and the South East (17.0%) are likely to see much weaker growth as affordability challenges continue to limit house price growth.

Savills noted that, over the last year, first-time buyers (FTBs) have been a driving force in the housing market. In recent years, it has been notoriously difficult to get onto the property ladder, so it is promising to see that FTBs might be growing in confidence. In fact, new homeowners are the only buyer group to record activity above pre-pandemic levels. Interestingly, FTBs are the most active group in the capital, despite it being the most expensive place to buy in the UK.

Conditions are a little more challenging for ‘second steppers’ looking to move on from their first home. Weak growth in flat values means that this group of sellers is less likely to make a good profit on the sale of their home. To fund the purchase of a bigger property, many second-steppers are therefore relying on their initial deposit as their primary source of equity. As a result, the number of home movers is well below the levels seen in 2017-19. However, activity is expected to pick up as interest rates fall and house price growth strengthens.

We can help you navigate the changing property market. With the right advice, you can turn your property dreams into a reality. Get in touch with us at Mc Daid Mortgages today!

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Sources:

When you think about life, critical illness, or income protection, you probably imagine a financial safety net for the worst-case scenario. And yes — that’s important. But did you know your policy can also give you real benefits you can use right now?

 

 

Modern protection plans don’t just pay out in a crisis — they can help you and your family stay well and supported every day. Depending on your plan, you may get:

 

24/7 GP appointments – speak to a doctor anytime, anywhere, without waiting weeks for an appointment. Perfect for minor concerns, health questions, or even repeat prescriptions.

Mental health support – access counselling, wellbeing resources, and stress-management tools to help you and your family cope with life’s challenges.

 

Support for your wider family – many policies include cover or support for children or dependents, offering peace of mind that the whole family can get help if needed.

 

Second medical opinions – if you or a loved one receive a serious diagnosis, you can access expert advice from top specialists to explore treatment options and make confident decisions.

Digital health tools and advice – nutrition, fitness, sleep, and lifestyle resources to help you proactively maintain your health.

 

Optional global treatment access – some plans give you access to specialist treatment worldwide, ensuring you get the best possible care if required.

Fracture or extra care cover – extra payments for specific injuries or conditions, giving you added financial support during recovery.

 

Even if you never need to make a major claim, these benefits give peace of mind and practical support now — helping you stay healthy, get expert advice, and support your family.

 

 

Protection isn’t just about preparing for the unexpected — it’s also about helping you live better today. From proactive health support to expert advice, the right policy can make a real difference in your life and your family’s life.

 

If you want to check what benefits you can access now, or explore ways to get more from your protection cover, we’re here to help.

   

Your financial journey doesn’t end with your mortgage. Increasingly, people are thinking about the bigger picture—preparing for retirement, protecting their wealth, and making the most of their savings.

 

While we can't directly provide you with qualified retirement advice, we can connect you with a fully qualified financial adviser who can help you navigate:

 

✅ Retirement planning and pension reviews
✅ ISAs, trusts, and investment strategies
✅ Inheritance Tax planning and other tax-efficient solutions
✅ Comprehensive financial planning for you and your family

 

A short, no-obligation conversation could give you clarity and confidence in your long-term financial goals. Simply reply to this email or get in touch, and we’ll happily make the introduction.

 

Your future matters—let us help you plan for it with confidence. Get in touch with your Mc Daid Mortgages adviser to arrange your free retirement consultation with a regulated financial adviser.

  

Would you like to leave us a review?

Thank you for all the recent reviews!

We're actively asking people to leave a review of our service on Google. We would love to hear your feedback on our support. You can click the link below to leave us a review on Google.