Category: Starting In Property
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Could Monthly Tax Payments Be the Future for UK Landlords and the Self-Employed?
The UK tax system could be on the verge of one of its biggest changes in decades. Recent reports suggest that the Government and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are exploring proposals that would require self-employed individuals and landlords to pay tax monthly, rather than through the current Self Assessment system. While the plans are…
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The PRA’s Power in Property: How the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) Shapes UK Mortgage Lending
In the complex world of UK property finance, numerous acronyms and regulations govern how money moves. Two terms frequently surface that are critical to securing a mortgage but can cause confusion for buyers, investors, and trainee advisors alike: the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). While they may seem interchangeable, they represent fundamentally…
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The Renters’ Rights Act: What It Means for Landlords, Tenants, and Property Investors
The UK government has recently published a comprehensive guide to the Renters’ Rights Act, a reform designed to reshape the rental landscape and strengthen protections for tenants. While the act focuses primarily on improving living conditions and security for renters, it also carries significant implications for landlords and property investors — making it essential to…
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💡 Understanding Loan-to-Value (LTV): A Key to Smarter Borrowing
At Empreso, we believe that strong financial decisions start with understanding the numbers behind them.One of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in borrowing is your Loan-to-Value ratio, or LTV. Let’s break down what it means and how it can help you borrow with confidence. What Is Loan-to-Value (LTV)? The Loan-to-Value ratio (LTV) compares how much…
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Understanding Debt Management Plans: A Smarter Way to Take Control of Your Finances
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by credit card bills, personal loans, or other unsecured debts, you’re not alone. Managing multiple payments, due dates, and high interest rates can feel impossible at times — but there’s a practical solution that can help you get back on track: a Debt Management Plan (DMP). In this article, we’ll…
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Avoid Surprise Fees: Understanding Early Repayment Charges on Mortgages
When you take out a mortgage deal (especially a fixed-rate or discounted), you may see lower payments during the deal period. But exiting that deal early—through remortgaging, overpaying, selling your home, or switching lenders—can come with hidden costs. These are called Early Repayment Charges (ERCs). Understanding how they work helps avoid surprises and costly penalties.…
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UK Mortgage Rates Explained: Bank of England Rate → Standard Viable Rate → Deal Options
Navigating the UK mortgage landscape can be complex, especially with fluctuating interest rates and varying lender offerings. At the heart of this system lies the Bank of England Base Rate, a key figure influencing borrowing costs. But how does this rate impact your mortgage? And what do terms like Standard Variable Rate (SVR) and fixed-rate…
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What Will Change Housing Affordability in the Future?
For decades, housing affordability has been one of the UK’s biggest challenges. Rising prices, tighter lending rules, and stagnant wages have left many wondering: will it ever get easier to buy a home? The truth is, affordability is shaped by more than just house prices. Let’s look at what could change the game in the…
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Concessionary Purchase Explained
Concessionary Purchase Explained: How a Discount Can Become Your Deposit Mortgage & Property Finance Guide Concessionary Purchase Explained: How a Discount Can Become Your Deposit Buying a home below its market value—often from a family member, landlord, or employer—can allow the “discount” to count as your deposit. Here’s how it works, who it suits, and…
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From Renting to Owning
Turn Your Current Home into Your First Step on the Property Ladder For Empreso readers ready to move from paying rent to building equity—starting right where you live. Imagine opening your front door—as the owner. For many renters, that first step onto the property ladder no longer requires years of saving a large cash deposit.…