The government and FCA are considering relaxing mortgage affordability rules to boost first-time buyer lending.

Grant Hendry, director of sales at Foundation Home Loans, explores how a shift towards limited company ownership is also shaping refinancing patterns.

As part of the changes, second homes for immediate family or personal holiday use are now accepted.

Anna Lewis, commercial director at Castle Trust Bank, explores how bridging finance can provide first-time landlords with an alternative way to secure their first property.

Nottingham Building Society will benefit from Smoove’s lender panel management.

High-LTV products have seen the largest rate reductions.

The bank tripled maximum loan size to £15m last month.

Rates now start from 4.09%.

The bank says this is due to a recent increase in five-year market swap rates. 

Mortgage rates are reducing across residential and buy-to-let products for existing customers.