Crunching numbers with a cuppa – because mortgages don’t have to be boring! Autumn Leaves & Market Moves As the clocks go back and the evenings draw in, the mortgage market is settling into its own seasonal rhythm. October gave us plenty to think about – a mix of cautious optimism, flickers of rate reductions, and lenders testing the waters. So what’s next for November? Let’s unwrap it. Fixed Rates: A Mixed Bag (But Some Good News Brewing) The Bank of England base rate remains steady at 4.00% , and while that number grabs headlines, it’s swap rates (what lenders use to price fixed deals) that really set the tone. Lately, those swap rates have wobbled – but the overall trend looks to be softening. That means we might soon see some lenders trimming their fixed-rate products again after the autumn blip. If your current deal ends within the next six months, it’s a great time to get options lined up — we can help lock something in now and keep an eye open in case rates improve before completion. Housing Market: Finding Its Feet The property market isn’t roaring, but it’s far from flat. UK Finance predicts a 10% rise in purchase lending this year , suggesting cautious confidence is returning. Buyers are still price-sensitive, but improved affordability (and some sellers adjusting expectations) are helping keep things ticking over. If you’re thinking of moving in the new year, now’s the perfect time to start planning. Policy & Tax Watch There’s plenty of chatter around potential stamp duty tweaks and landlord tax relief reviews — but as of early November, nothing concrete has been confirmed. It’s tempting to wait for big announcements, however in our experience, timing your mortgage or move purely on “maybe” policy changes can backfire. Focus on what you can control — your budget, goals, and timeline — and we’ll navigate any updates as they come. What to Watch This Month Keep an eye on these key events shaping the market: Bank of England MPC Meeting – 6th November The tone of this meeting will influence expectations for any spring 2026 rate moves. Even a hint of softer inflation language could encourage lenders to act. Swap Rates & Gilt Yields The unsung drivers behind fixed mortgage pricing. A small dip here could mean cheaper rates by December. Lender Competition Expect a few “rate war” headlines as banks jockey for year-end business. If one major player cuts, others often follow. Our Quick Tips for November Remortgagers: Check your deal expiry. Six months’ notice gives us maximum flexibility. First-time buyers: Don’t be disheartened by headlines – many 90–95% deals are still available. Landlords: Review yields carefully; some lenders are loosening criteria for limited-company buy-to-let. A Friendly Final Word November feels like a month of “nearly there” for the mortgage world. The ingredients for a brighter market are simmering away – falling inflation, stable rates, and lenders re-entering the fray. Our advice? Plan ahead, stay informed, and don’t wait for perfect timing – it rarely exists. Whether you’re exploring options, preparing to remortgage, or dreaming of your first set of keys, let’s chat and make a plan that works for you.