Newsletter April 2025

An introduction from our Director, Paul Hague 

Hello and welcome to our latest newsletter, designed to keep you up-todate and confident as you navigate the property market. At Pims, we know that securing a mortgage can often feel like tackling a tricky puzzle. That's why we’re dedicated to making the process straightforward, ensuring you feel supported at every turn.

In today's ever-changing market, finding the right mortgage deal can be daunting. With countless options and intricate terms, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where we come in. At Pims, we take all the hassle away by finding you the most suitable deal for your situation and guiding you every step of the way. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to remortgage, or a seasoned property investor, our expertise and personalised approach are here to serve you.

We believe in building strong relationships, based on trust and clarity. Our aim is to demystify the mortgage process, providing clear, concise advice tailored to your individual needs. In this newsletter, we'll be sharing valuable insights, market updates, and practical tips to help you make informed decisions. We're here to ensure your mortgage experience is smooth, stress-free, and ultimately successful. Let Pims be your guide to opening the door to your dream home. 

Catch up on the Mortgage News:

1. Low deposit mortgage deals highest for 17 years...
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2. Rightmove commentary on mortgage market and reaction to inflation news...
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3. When will interest rates go down again and how do they affect mortgages?...
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4. Average property price rises despite stamp duty increase...
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Shared Ownership: Making Homeownership More Accessible

In the financial year 2023-2024, 20,634 new shared ownership properties were delivered to the marketplace. With the Government’s house building targets set at 300,000 new homes per year. Shared ownership could make a significant contribution to reaching this target.

Here is a brief synopsis of what Shared Ownership is:

• Shared ownership is part of the affordable homes scheme.
• It allows a customer to purchase a share of a property, usually between 10%-75% and pay rent on the remaining share.
• The property is typically owned by a housing association.
• After purchasing an initial share in the property, a customer can increase their ownership over time by buying more shares. This process is known as staircasing.
• You will need a mortgage to buy your share, plus a deposit, although some lenders can offer 100% funding of the share without the need for a deposit.

If this is of interest to you, a family member or even friends, then please get in touch with us and we can advise on the best way forward.

Are You at Risk? The Growing Threat of Online Scams

The last couple of years have seen huge advancements in technology, and this shows little sign of slowing down. Although we all know the benefits of having everything at our fingertips, there are downsides to this too. Criminals are increasingly thinking about how they can use these advancements in technology to cause harm and make money.

According to research from Barclays, almost one in five consumers were scammed in 2024, and over a third know someone who fell victim. According to the research, the people surveyed said it was their parents or grandparents who were targeted. The research also showed that most scams started on social media platforms. What are the top tips to stay safe:-

• Never disclose your personal details – your bank will never ask you for your debit card pin number, password or log in details.
• Take your time when making purchases online, don’t make hasty decisions and remember if it is a legitimate company they will never rush you.
• Never click on a link that you are not expecting, and always stop and think before clicking any links. Check the link matches what you have been using or doing previously.
• Double-check company details before returning any correspondence online or by phone, or by clicking on links.
• Be sceptical – if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

Remember - If you are in any doubt or worried about anything, please get in touch with us and we can help.