We’ve been a team of Guildford mortgage brokers since 2005, and every year, as we get to this point in the calendar, it never fails to surprise us just how quickly the years rattle by.
However, with Christmas just around the corner, there’s no way to avoid the fact that 2025 is nearly over. So, we asked our Guildford mortgage advisers what they thought the most pertinent points of the year were – and here’s what they said.
1. The mortgage mojo came back
Whereas 2024 was a year full of uncertainty, 2025 saw a higher degree of fluidity – a year in which the mortgage markets started properly moving again (since Liz Truss divebombed the economy in 2022!). There were less shock moments, a bit more certainty and a little more breathing room for homeowners looking to make an actual plan, which was a ‘luxury’ that the UK population had not had for a few years.
2. Falling rates
We all thought it would happen much sooner than it did (even our mortgage brokers in Guildford thought 2024 would be the year), but 2025 was the year when the Bank of England really started to reduce the base rate of interest – albeit slowly and steadily. For those on tracker mortgages, this was a blessing. Those seeking the best fixed rate mortgage deals in the UK were also delighted to be mortgage hunting in a more competitive mortgage lending landscape. Will the interest rate continue to fall? We’re not sure, but there’s much speculation about it falling before Christmas (the decision will be announced on 18 December).
3. Stamp Duty surge
This one was a blow – particularly for first-time buyers who, before 1 April 2025, only started to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on properties over £250,000. On 1 April, the threshold came down to £125,000, with a 2% charge on properties valued between £125,001 and £250,000. Thankfully, SDLT was left well alone during November’s Budget. Instead, we saw the announcement of the Mansion Tax – a new set of charges for those who own properties valued at £2m and above.
What’s in the mix for 2026?
The budget is over, homeowners are tired of indecision and ready to finally make their move, and interest rates could well be on the slide once more. The result? Our Surrey mortgage advisers fully expect 2026 to be a hectic year for mortgage applications.
In fact, we predict that Q1 will be the busiest for at least 2 years. We’re already encouraging people planning a New Year move to book a mortgage consultation now, in anticipation of the post-Christmas rush.
We’re here throughout the Christmas period so get in touch with our team of mortgage brokers in Guildford today to make an appointment.
Merry Christmas (and a Happy New Year)
For those of you who we helped get a mortgage in 2025, we’d like to say ‘thank you’ for choosing us. For those of you planning on applying for a mortgage in 2026 and using us to handle the mortgage application on your behalf, then we look forward to working with you.
So, all that remains for us to say is enjoy the festive period. Have a very Merry Christmas and we wish you all a very Happy New Year.
Applying for a mortgage in 2026? Beat the New Year rush by contacting our team of Surrey mortgage advisers on 01483 238280 or e-mailing info@complete-mortgages.co.uk to arrange an initial consultation.
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