Mortgages news in 2026
14 stories, newest first.
- September 2026
Government announces Your First Home equity loan scheme for first-time buyers in England
The government has announced Your First Home, an equity loan scheme for first-time buyers in England, with 2.5% deposits and 20% government-backed loans, to be confirmed at the Budget.
UK mortgage sales rose to 717,519 in 2025, the highest annual total since 2021
Office for National Statistics figures show 717,519 UK mortgage sales in 2025, the highest annual total since 2021 but still around 34.5% below 2006 levels.
- August 2026
Mortgage and landlord possession statistics for April to June 2026 published
Mortgage possession claims, orders, warrants and repossessions all fell in England and Wales in April to June 2026, while landlord claims rose and mortgage repossession times reached their longest since late 2023.
Nationwide cuts fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.15 percentage points
Nationwide is cutting rates across its fixed mortgage range by up to 0.15 percentage points from 18 August 2026, taking its lowest fixed rate to 4.48% for home movers.
- July 2026
BSA research shows mortgage access concerns falling but affordability still the main barrier
BSA research finds 37% of people now see mortgage access as a barrier to buying a home, down from 48% two years ago, with affordability still the biggest obstacle.
- June 2026
MCOB 11 updated with Consumer Duty references and revised exceptions to affordability assessment
The FCA Handbook's responsible lending chapter was updated on 26 June 2026, adding Consumer Duty wording to its purpose and revising the exceptions to the mortgage affordability assessment rule.
Net mortgage borrowing rose to £7.7 billion in June 2026
Net mortgage borrowing by individuals rose to £7.7 billion in June 2026 from £3.3 billion in May, the Bank of England has reported, while mortgage approvals for house purchases increased but stayed below their recent average.
- May 2026
Mortgage borrowing and approvals fell in May 2026
Bank of England data show net mortgage borrowing fell to £2.9 billion in May 2026 and house purchase approvals dropped to 56,200, the lowest since December 2023.
- April 2026
Net mortgage borrowing fell in April while approvals for house purchases rose
Bank of England data show net mortgage borrowing fell to £4.4 billion in April from £6.8 billion in March, while approvals for house purchases rose to 65,900.
- March 2026
Chancellor meets lenders representing 75% of mortgage market and lenders reaffirm Mortgage Charter commitments
The Chancellor met lenders covering 75% of the mortgage market on 26 March 2026 to discuss rates and borrower support, after which lenders reaffirmed their Mortgage Charter commitments.
- January 2026
Net mortgage approvals for house purchases fell to 60,000 in January 2026
Bank of England data show net mortgage approvals for house purchases fell to 60,000 in January 2026, below the recent six-month average, while mortgage borrowing and consumer credit also shifted.
Net mortgage borrowing fell to £4.1 billion in January 2026
Bank of England figures show net mortgage borrowing by individuals fell to £4.1 billion in January 2026, down from £4.5 billion in December and below the previous six-month average.
Government announces ground rent cap and ban on new leasehold flats
The government has published a draft bill to cap ground rent at £250 a year, ban new leasehold flats and make commonhold easier, with the cap not expected before late 2028.
Government publishes draft leasehold reform legislation
Draft legislation published in January 2026 would cap ground rents at £250 a year, ban leaseholds for most new flats and create a commonhold conversion route, with law possible from 2027.