Adjusting for Affordability

The cost of living crisis has impacted 9 in 10 adults in the UK. Record-high inflation and soaring interest rates have pushed up the prices of everything, from food to heating.

Homeowners are feeling the pinch too, with a surge in monthly bills and complexities for renters, remortgagers and first-time buyers.

Our latest research project explores the real-life impact of the cost of living crisis. We spoke to real people, with real stories on their lived experiences and gathered invaluable feedback.

For brokers like you, it’s a chance to gain practical insight on how to help clients navigate this challenging time.

SURGES IN ENERGY & UTILITY COSTS,
NEW DEBT &
EXTREME MEASURES

In our first gathering of research, we realised the extent people are going to when trying to keep pace with mounting costs. Consumers are missing energy bills, young people are taking on debt through pay-day loans and high-risk adjustments are being made, regardless of health and safety concerns.

MORTGAGE RENEWAL PRICE
HIKES & ALTERNATIVE INCOME
STREAMS

Our second survey highlights the increased costs of mortgages renewals, plus the rising costs of monthly mortgage payments. How will the Bank of England’s base rate decisions impact future borrowing costs? And why are homeowners taking on second jobs, bringing in lodgers and downsizing their properties?

ECONOMIC
INSTABILITY, ENERGY
EFFICIENT HOMES & DEMAND FOR
TRANSPARENCY

In our third survey, we found out that buyers and sellers are halting their plans and worrying about whether they’ll ever be able to afford to move. Moving onto or up the property ladder feels out of reach and renters are calling on the government for more transparency, energy efficient homes and lower interest rates.

COMPLEX INCOMES,
MORTGAGE
CHALLENGES &
DELAYED
APLLICATIONS

In our fourth survey, we identified a real obstacle for those with complex incomes – securing a mortgage. Why are freelancers and people on zero-hour contracts viewed as high-risk? How can we help them get onto the property ladder? And why is it taking so long for first-time buyers to apply for a mortgage? Is there more we can do to help them prepare?

Conclusion

The cost of living crisis has caused significant challenges for all kinds of people at all stages of life. An unstable economy has led to homeowners missing bill payments, taking on debt and creating extreme ways to afford life’s essentials.

Living standards are being compromised and people are emotionally and practically squeezed. So, they need our support more than ever.

We see homeowners as people, not statistics. We lend for real-life – meaning we look at cases on an individual basis, making fair, impartial decisions with a simple, flexible affordability criteria.

Together, we can give people options, which is more empowering than accepting consequences out of their control.

ADJUSTING FOR
AFFORDABILITY