Whole of Market Mortgage Advice

New research has revealed that just 43% of people have enough life insurance, with the so-called ‘squeezed middle’, typically in their 30s and 40s, most at risk of having a lack of protection in place. The shortfall is especially stark among mortgage holders, where only 36% have sufficient cover. Families fare even worse - just 30% of couples with children and only 10% of single parents have adequate protection arranged. This age group often faces the greatest financial pressure, juggling childcare costs, large mortgages and household bills, yet many lack the robust safety nets they need. While most people understand the need to cover their mortgage, fewer consider the cost of raising children if the worst happens. Not all the findings were negative. The study also showed that emergency savings improve with age. By their mid-30s, two-thirds have a financial buffer in place, rising to 70% by their late 40s. Overlooking life insurance altogether could leave you and your family in serious financial trouble. If the worst happens, families suffer not just emotional loss, but also face potential financial hardship too. Having the right protection, to suit your budget, can make all the difference. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Source: https://www.ftadviser.com/protection-gap/2025/5/7/squeezed-middle-falling-into-protection-gap/

A survey of 2,000 Brits has found that most people are living without essential life insurance. Only 45% of respondents have life cover, which means over half of UK adults risk leaving their loved ones in a precarious financial position in the event of their death. Concerningly, 15% don’t know if they are insured. Adults over 55 are the least likely to have cover, with 36% going uninsured. Meanwhile, 25 to 34-year-olds seem to be the most aware of the benefits of life insurance, as only 5% are not covered. Moreover, 18 to 24-year-olds are the only age group to have seen an increase in policies since 2022, which is promising for Gen Z’s financial future. The East Midlands is the area where the highest percentage of people have no life insurance (32%). On the other hand, Greater London is the most covered area, as only 12% don’t have a policy. The survey highlighted that many Brits do not understand the requirements of life insurance. Nearly three in ten respondents believe you need to have life insurance in place to be accepted for a mortgage. It is not law, but life cover is highly recommended if you are a homeowner. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.uk-lifeinsurance.com/blog/life-insurance-in-the-uk-index-2025/

The housing market seems to be regaining momentum, as sales are being agreed at the fastest rate in four years. The number of sales agreed was up 6% annually in June, which coincided with the stock of new property listings going up by 14%. This indicates that buyers are regaining confidence, with demand rising by 7%. Executive Director at Zoopla, Richard Donnell, commented, “The number of buyers and sellers agreeing home sales continues to increase year-on-year, demonstrating a continued desire of more households to move home in 2025.” Hoping to move by the end of year? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or getting on the property ladder for the first time, we’re here to help with all your mortgage needs. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.yourmoney.com/mortgages/agreed-sales-rise-amid-more-housing-supply-and-slower-price-growth/

A new study has found nearly a third of young UK mortgage holders have no protection cover, leaving them financially vulnerable if their income suddenly stops. The research surveyed more than 1,200 homeowners aged 18 to 34, including 500 with mortgages. Among those surveyed, only 15% of young homeowners said they knew a lot about income protection and just one in three had life insurance or critical illness cover. Short-term fixes, long-term risks When asked how they would cope with a sudden loss of income, 14% said they would immediately struggle to meet their mortgage payments if they lost their income. A further 57% said they would face financial difficulty within six months. To make up for the income shortfall, 29% of respondents said they would try to take on extra work. Others would cut savings or pension contributions (23%), apply for government support like Universal Credit (21%), or consider a bank loan (12%). The report warns these are short-term solutions that could lead to greater financial strain later on. The younger generation is particularly exposed to more job uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures, making long-term planning all the more essential. High stakes for first-time buyers Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, expressed her concerns, highlighting the specific risks faced by younger buyers, “We need to do more to support young people in staying financially secure, especially as they take on the long-term responsibility of a mortgage. Ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support to weather life’s ups and downs is essential to helping them hold onto their homes and build a stable future.” A growing awareness – but not across all products While the findings point to an urgent need for education and better access to protection, there are signs that awareness is starting to improve. Separate research from Swiss Re reveals income protection sales have increased by 18% year-on-year. However, sales of other types of cover, including life insurance and critical illness, have declined. The message is clear - there’s an urgent need to close this awareness gap. That means clearer advice, better signposting and conversations about protection starting earlier – so that young homeowners aren’t left exposed. Don’t wait for a crisis to realise what’s missing. Speak to us today about protection insurance - because securing your income means safeguarding your home, your future and your peace of mind. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Source: https://www.yourmoney.com/mortgages/nearly-a-third-of-young-mortgage-holders-have-no-protection/ https://www.ftadviser.com/critical-illness/2025/6/2/nearly-a-third-of-young-mortgage-holders-do-not-have-protection/

Rural house prices are still rising faster than those in towns and cities, according to Nationwide. While the pandemic-driven rush for countryside homes has eased, demand for space continues to support stronger growth in rural areas. Most home movers over the past five years stayed in similar locations, with 63% moving within the same type of area. Just 9% moved from towns or cities to rural spots, partly balanced by 7% heading the other way. Younger buyers tended to favour urban moves, while older movers, especially those over 55, were more likely to head for the countryside, often in search of more space or a bigger garden. Source: https://www.yourmoney.com/mortgages/rural-house-price-rises-outpace-towns-and-cities/