Mortgage

December Mortgage and Money Update 2025, What Buyers and Homeowners Should Actually Do

Nationwide has changed its criteria for interest-only mortgages, and it has opened the door for more first-time buyers and homeowners to use this type of borrowing. This guide explains what the changes mean, who it helps, what to watch out for, and how to decide if it fits your plans.

Will Sharman

Dec 2, 2025

Interest Only Mortgages, What Changed and Who It Helps

Lenders have quietly made interest only more flexible again. This won’t apply to everyone, but it does matter if:

  • You own a home with strong equity
  • You have a clear repayment plan, savings, investments or downsizing
  • You want to reduce monthly payments while rates are high

A lot of people hear “interest only” and think it means you’ll never repay the loan. That’s wrong. It just means your monthly payment is lower because you’re only paying the interest.

Who shouldn’t use it:
Anyone stretching their affordability or hoping it will “fix” a tight budget. It won’t.

Who should consider it:
People with savings, bonuses, investments or a future plan for paying the lump sum.

If this applies to you, speak to a broker. Not the estate agent’s mate, not your bank app, someone who actually checks criteria across lenders.

Christmas Gifts and Home Insurance, Don’t Forget to Update It

Every year people buy thousands of pounds worth of tech, jewellery, watches, designer pieces and never update their insurance.

If something happened, the insurer will only pay what was on your policy, not what you actually own.

Update it if you bought:

  • Phones
  • Laptops
  • Designer bags
  • Watches
  • TVs
  • Jewellery

This takes five minutes to fix and avoids a painful argument later.

"When the rules change, your plan has to change with them. That is what a good broker does.”

Private Medical Insurance, What’s Changing and Why It Matters

More families are getting private medical cover because NHS waiting lists are stretching far beyond what people can manage.

Private cover now helps with:

  • Faster GP appointments
  • Specialist referrals
  • Surgery access
  • Mental health support
  • Diagnostics and scans

The good news is that cover is more flexible than it used to be. You can tailor it to your budget rather than paying for every possible add-on.

If you want medical cover that actually fits your situation, speak to us. We check multiple insurers, not one.

Life Insurance, Why Broker-Advice Matters More Than Ever

Comparison sites will sell you the cheapest thing on the list.
Banks will sell you whatever is on their panel.
Estate agents will upsell you because they make commission.

But none of them check:

  • Trusts
  • Correct ownership
  • Correct level of cover
  • If the policy actually fits your situation

Most policies fail at claim stage because they weren’t set up properly. That’s the bit we do differently.

We set it up correctly from day one, so your family can rely on it when it matters. For more information read the below article:

Life Insurance: When Should You Get It

Equity Release for Christmas, The Reality

We don’t talk people into equity release.
We only use it when it makes sense.

People mainly look at it for:

  • Helping children buy
  • Paying off interest only mortgages
  • Topping up retirement income
  • Clearing debts
  • Helping with family costs
  • Funding gifts

The key is: do not start this without proper advice.
It’s not “free money”. It’s a loan that grows, and you need a broker who understands the long-term impact.

Autumn Budget Headlines, What Actually Matters

There was noise around property tax, stamp duty and affordability. The truth:

  • Nothing is confirmed
  • Nothing has changed yet
  • You should not delay buying or moving solely because of speculation

When things officially change, lenders change with it. And when the goalposts move, your broker adjusts the plan around it.

Until then, stick to your buying plan.

What Should You Actually Do Right Now?

Here’s the simple version:

  • Buying soon? Get an AIP backed by real checks, not a fake online one.
  • Homeowner? Check if switching deals early saves you money.
  • Got new valuables? Update insurance.
  • Worried about cover? Review your life insurance.
  • Confused by the news? Ignore the noise until something is confirmed.

If you want someone in your corner from start to finish, that’s us.
We don’t work for banks, estate agents or comparison sites.
We work for you.

“Most people lose money by guessing. You save money by knowing exactly where you stand.”

Speak to a Broker Who Is Actually on Your Side

If you want proper advice without the upsell, get in touch.
A five-minute chat will tell you exactly where you stand.

Other Articles

Different Types of Tenure Explained for UK Homebuyers

Understanding property tenure is key to making smart buying decisions. This guide breaks down the main types of tenure in the UK, how they affect ownership, and what to watch out for when buying.

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What Are the Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker in Scotland

What Are the Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker in Scotland?

Read Article

December Mortgage and Money Update 2025, What Buyers and Homeowners Should Actually Do

Nationwide has changed its criteria for interest-only mortgages, and it has opened the door for more first-time buyers and homeowners to use this type of borrowing. This guide explains what the changes mean, who it helps, what to watch out for, and how to decide if it fits your plans.

Read Article

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