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.
Dec 2, 2025
Lenders have quietly made interest only more flexible again. This won’t apply to everyone, but it does matter if:
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.
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:
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.”
More families are getting private medical cover because NHS waiting lists are stretching far beyond what people can manage.
Private cover now helps with:
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.
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:
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:
We don’t talk people into equity release.
We only use it when it makes sense.
People mainly look at it for:
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.
There was noise around property tax, stamp duty and affordability. The truth:
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.
Here’s the simple version:
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.”
If you want proper advice without the upsell, get in touch.
A five-minute chat will tell you exactly where you stand.
Ground rents are being capped at £250 a year, but the change is not immediate and it does not automatically fix mortgage issues for leaseholders. This guide explains what ground rent is, what the new cap actually means, when it comes into force, and how lenders assess leasehold properties today. Written to help buyers and existing leaseholders avoid costly mistakes when selling, buying, or remortgaging a leasehold home.
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Buying your first home is a big step. It’s exciting, but it can also feel confusing deposits, stamp duty, mortgage types and timelines can all seem overwhelming at first. The good news is that once you understand the process and get the right guidance, it becomes far less daunting. This guide walks you through exactly how to get a mortgage as a first-time buyer in the UK, answers the most common questions people search for, and explains where professional advice can make the biggest difference.
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Freehold usually means fewer moving parts, you own the building and the land, you handle maintenance, and there’s no ground rent or service charges. Leasehold means you own the property for a set number of years, and the building (and land) is owned by a freeholder, so you may pay service charges and ground rent, and you can be restricted by the lease. For mortgages, the big “gotcha” is lease length. Once a lease starts getting short (especially heading towards 80 years), it can affect value and lender options, and extending later can get expensive. Reforms are in motion in England and Wales, but you still need to buy based on today’s rules, not headlines.
Read ArticleIf you’re buying, moving, or remortgaging, speak with a MBNM adviser and get clear guidance on what’s realistically available to you, before you commit to anything.
Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.
Mortgage Brokers Near Me LTD is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage LTD which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will Writing and some forms of Trusts and Buy to Lets. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.
Mortgage Brokers Near Me LTD are registered in England and Wales with company number 15189091.
C/O The Financial Management Centre, Meads Business Centre, 19 Kingsmead, Farnborough, England, GU14 7SR
