Inform 12th April 2024

Paragon

New Report

Paragon are pleased to announce a new report, produced by PwC and published alongside the NRLA, highlighting the economic impact of landlords and the jobs they support.  The report underscores the importance of a robust private rented sector to accommodate the UK’s growing population and evolving social and demographic landscape.

They will be working with industry, policymakers, and politicians to emphasize the significance of a thriving private rented sector.

Key findings include:

• The private rented sector (PRS) houses around 4.8 million households across England and Wales, or around 1 in 5 households.
• Small and medium landlords (i.e. those who own fewer than 15 properties) are estimated to hold around 80% of PRS properties in England and Wales and contribute £45bn to the UK economy, supporting 390,000 jobs.
• 129,000 people are employed directly in the sector of renting of own properties

View it here.

Santander For Intermediaries

Product Updates and Policy Changes

On Tuesday 9th April we made changes to:

• LTV limits for larger loans
• Our interest only lending policy
• Our affordability calculator

Find out more here.

Cirencester Friendly

Updated BMI Rates

Good news, Cirencester Friendly have updated their BMI rates. They will be adopting a 3-tier method when accessing a clients BMI, with three new age groups: under 30, 30 – 49 & 50+. With effect from 6th April 2024, the new rates are:

Watts Commercial Finance

Welcoming Matthew Murphy as New Commercial Manager

Watts Commercial Finance is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matthew Murphy as our new Commercial Manager, responsible for overseeing operations in Chester, Wirral, North Wales and the surrounding region. With a wealth of experience in banking, Matthew brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of success to our team.

Matthew possesses over fourteen years of invaluable experience in the banking industry, culminating in his most recent seven-year tenure as a Corporate Relationships Director at HSBC. Throughout this role, he adeptly navigated relationships for SME and Corporate clients across various sectors. His extensive tenure in the banking sector has equipped him with a profound understanding of the financial landscape and a keen insight into the unique needs of businesses in the regions he served.

In his new role at Watts Commercial Finance, Matthew will be instrumental in driving growth and fostering strong partnerships with clients in Chester, Wirral and North Wales and beyond. His expertise and dedication to client satisfaction will further strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions and support to businesses of all sizes.

Phil Gray, Managing Director at Watts Commercial Finance, expressed his excitement about Matthew’s appointment, stating: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to the Watts Commercial Finance team. His extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in Chester, Wirral, North Wales and beyond. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to enhance our services and drive continued success in the region.”

Matthew Murphy also shared his enthusiasm for joining the Watts Commercial Finance team, stating: “I’m delighted to be joining Watts Commercial Finance and really looking forward to supporting businesses with their finance needs in my new role as Commercial Manager. It’s a privilege to be joining such an experienced and successful team and I aim to use my own experience and network to help Phil and the team continue to grow the Watts Commercial business in these regions.”

Watts Commercial Finance is confident that Matthew’s appointment will further strengthen our position as a leading provider of financial services in Chester, Wirral, North Wales and beyond. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our team and our clients.

Legal & General

Our 2023 claims record

In 2023 we helped 18,696 families, paying over £921m in claims. This equates to 51 families’ helped and £2.5m paid daily. And over the last 5 years, we’ve paid out over £4bn in claims. 

Find out more

Virgin Money

Business-boosting Changes

Find out more here.

Royal London

Adviser Own Life Business

Following a review of our business written in this space and the market as a whole, we will be adopting a stance that all adviser own life business will only be paid on non-indemnity commission terms. We do find that most own life cases are written with full commission sacrifice which we continue to welcome.

For clarity, an own-life application, as defined in our terms of business, is any application submitted on the life of the adviser or for the benefit of their family.

Visit our website here.

Suffolk Building Society

Holiday Lets

Good news, we have reduced the minimum age on holiday lets to 18 with immediate effect.

Visit our website www.suffolkforintermediaries.co.uk

e.surv

Energy Efficient Homes

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, energy efficiency in the home is as important as ever. Did you know, then, that the HomePlus Digital Home Survey now offers much more than a home buyer’s report? It also provides energy efficiency and guidance, allowing you to help your customers navigate these challenging times.

Rob Owens, Head of Research at e.surv has completed a deep dive into buyer sentiment around energy efficiency – and you can find out more in our latest edition of Green Watch.

The report revealed that, in the past 12 months, there has been a shift in buyers’ awareness of energy efficiency, with customers predominantly driven by the cost-of-living crisis and potential cost savings. That said, 74% of e.surv surveyors observed limited understanding of the benefits of energy efficient products.

A HomePlus Digital Survey delivers energy performance certificate information, findings, and advice on further energy efficiencies, as standard –and you can benefit from an extra £4500 annually, thanks to just 5 completed survey referrals per month.

Refer today!

The Mortgage Lender

Economic Update Live

On Wednesday 17th April, 10.30am, we will be running an online event, focusing on the recent economic landscape.

You can add the event to your calendar here.

We have teamed up with Keith Church, from 4most Economic Consultants who will discuss:

• Inflation and interest rates
• Labour market
• Housing market
• Rental market
• Mortgage market
• Secured arrears

The event will be recorded and available online shortly after for those who wish to watch on demand. The recording will also be distributed by email so you don’t miss it.

For more information, contact your Business Development Manager, or call our Business Development Hub on 0344 257 0418

Register for your place:  Economic update LIVE – April 2024 Survey (surveymonkey.com)