Author: Best Mortgage Brokers

Best Mortgage Services have Independent Mortgage Advisers throughout Northern Ireland. From Belfast, Newry, Armagh to Banbridge. Talk to a local Mortgage Advisor for the best mortgage and insurance solutions.

The Ultimate First-Time Buyer Guide Northern Ireland

Master the Northern Ireland property market with our ultimate 2026 guide. From securing Co-Ownership to navigating Stamp Duty relief on homes up to £300,000, we simplify every step. Discover how affordable local house prices and expert mortgage advice can turn your dream of homeownership into a reality today.

Navigating the Northern Ireland housing market in 2026 remains one of the most affordable ways to step onto the property ladder in the UK. With average house prices currently sitting around £221,233 and hitting up to £238,708 in high-demand areas, local buyers have a distinct advantage.

Know your 2026 Buying power

Before browsing PropertyPal or PropertyNews, you must secure a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP). Most lenders require a 5% deposit. However in 2026, the Freedom to Buy scheme has become a permanent fixture, helping more buyers access 95% mortgages.

Local support schemes

If a full mortgage is out of reach, Northern Ireland offers unique initiatives:

  • Co-Ownership NI: Buy a share (50%–90%) of a home valued up to £210,000 and pay rent on the rest.
  • Rent to Own: Rent a new-build for up to three years and receive a 20% rent refund to use as your deposit.
  • Lifetime ISA (LISA): Save up to £4,000 annually and receive a 25% government bonus (up to £1,000/year) toward your first home.

Budget for updated 2026 costs

Following changes on 1 April 2025, Stamp Duty thresholds have shifted. 

  • 0% Tax: For first-time buyers on homes up to £300,000.
  • 5% Tax: Only on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000.
  • Other Fees: Set aside £1,500–£2,000 for conveyancing solicitors, RICS surveys, and local rates.

From getting “Sale Agreed” to completion, the process typically takes 3–4 months. Start by checking your credit score and ends with your solicitor registering your title with the Land Registry.

Secure an agreement in principle with a local Mortgage Advisor

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Best Mortgage Broker Northern Ireland | January 2026 Rate War Update

UK Mortgage Price War 2026: What Northern Ireland Homebuyers Need to Know This Week

The UK mortgage market has kicked off January 2026 with a massive “price war,” following the Bank of England’s recent decision to lower the base rate to 3.75%. For homeowners and buyers in Northern Ireland—from Belfast to Enniskillen—this week brings some of the most competitive rates we have seen in over two years.

As your local Northern Ireland mortgage experts, we’ve broken down the top news and how it impacts your wallet.

1. Rates Drop Below 3.5%: The New Benchmark

This week, the UK’s “Big Six” lenders triggered a series of rate cuts, making it an ideal time to compare mortgage deals.

  • The Big Winners: Lenders like Nationwide and Lloyds have introduced 2-year fixed rates as low as 3.47% (60% LTV).
  • HSBC & Santander: Significant reductions have been applied to 5-year fixed terms, perfect for NI families looking for long-term stability.
  • NI Impact: With local house prices often more accessible than the UK average, these lower rates mean monthly repayments for a typical semi-detached home in Co. Antrim or Co. Down are becoming significantly more affordable.

2. A “Booming” Market: Product Choice at an 18-Year High

According to recent data, there are more mortgage products available right now than at any point since 2008.

  • 74% Surge in Activity: Buyers are flooding the market to lock in rates before the spring rush.
  • Lender Confidence: With the UK economy showing 0.3% growth and inflation cooling, banks are eager to lend. If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, the current “January Sale” on interest rates provides a strong entry point.

3. Major Boost for Northern Ireland First-Time Buyers

Getting on the property ladder in Northern Ireland just got easier this week thanks to new lending criteria:

  • Higher Income Multiples: Nationwide and Metro Bank are now offering up to 6x income for qualifying professionals, helping you bridge the gap in competitive areas like South Belfast or Derry/Londonderry.
  • 100% Mortgages: On January 13, 2026, new “track record” mortgages were launched specifically for renters, allowing some buyers to secure a home with a 0% deposit.
  • Low-Deposit Rates: 90% LTV rates (requiring only a 10% deposit) have dropped to roughly 4.06%, the lowest level in years.

4. Expert Advice: Should You Fix Now?

With the Bank of England base rate at 3.75% and rumors of a further cut to 3.5% in February, the big question is whether to “fix” now or wait.

While rates are falling, the best deals often disappear quickly as lenders hit their targets. To see how much you could save or to get a mortgage Agreement in Principle, contact a local broker today.

Contact Us today

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Increase in remortgage activity.

There was a 12% rise in remortgage instructions in February according to the LMS.

The most popular main aim when remortgaging was to lower monthly payments, cited by 28% of borrowers. The survey by the conveyancing firm says 42% of borrowers increased their loan sizes in February. Popular reasons for increasing mortgage loans was home improvements and to consolidate more expensive debts to a cheaper mortgage rate.

46% of those who remortgaged took out a five-year fixed-rate product, which was the most popular product last month. 45% opted for 2 year fixed rate products. Borrowers are unconvinced about pending rate reductions despite mortgage lenders factoring this in with lower interest rates.

Get in touch with a local Mortgage Advisor for the best remortgage solutions

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Natwest offers 5.5 x income for new mortgages.

NatWest has boosted its loan-to-income calculations for residential capital and interest repayment mortgages to allow first time buyers to borrow up to 5.5 times their income.

Single or joint borrowers earning over £40k and borrowing between 75% and 90% loan-to-value, could get a mortgage multiple of up to 5 times income

Those earning over £75K sole income/£100k joint income and borrowing between 75% and 90% LTV could get a mortgage multiple 5.5 times income

These loans to income are subject to affordability and credit scoring.

The enhanced multiples are not just available to first time buyers. Applicants moving home can also avail of the higher income multiples for a mortgage on their new property.

NatWest is the latest lender to enhance its LTI criteria after Marsden Building Society, Loughborough Building Society and TSB recently announced changes.

To discuss your mortgage options contact a local Mortgage Broker.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Barclays Cuts Mortgage Rates: New Offers Below 4%

Barclays has announced it will be reducing rates across its residential purchase and remortgage range, with some product mortgage rates below 4%.

The residential purchase only green home five-year fixed, with a product fee of £899 will be lowered from 4.13% to 3.99%.

The residential purchase remortgage only premier two-year fixed rate with a fee of £999 at 60% LTV has been reduced from 4.46% to 4.20%.

Barclays will also introduce a residential purchase only five-year fixed with a rate of 3.99%. This comes with a product fee of £899 at 60% LTV, minimum loan is £5k and maximum loan £2m.

The mortgage rate changes at Barclays will come into effect from 13 February.

Get in touch with a local Mortgage Broker

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Understanding the Halifax First-Time Buyer Boost

When selecting a first mortgage, factors beyond interest rates must be considered, including associated costs and process simplicity. The Halifax First Time Buyer Boost enables borrowing up to 5.5 times income for first-time buyers with a minimum income of £50,000, subject to credit profiles and specific criteria.

When choosing a first mortgage for your client, there are more things to consider than just the interest rate. You also need to consider all the associated costs involved, and how easy the process will be – from application to completion.

When it comes to helping first time buyers, we know that the main obstacles are size of the deposit and being able to borrow the amount needed to buy the home.

The Halifax First Time Buyer Boost offers an increased 5.5x loan to income. The following criteria applies

At lease one applicant is a first time buyer
Total income on application is £50,000 or more
Maximum borrowing is 90% of the property value
The First Time Buyer Boost is not available where the mortgage is on shared equity or shared ownership schemes.
For applications with any element of self-employed income the loan to value boost will not apply
Subject to applicants credit profile.

Get in touch with a local mortgage broker.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Skipton make life easier for first time buyers

With all the challenges facing first-time buyers, Skipton Building Society felt it was time to act, to bring the ladder closer to first time buyers and remove some of the upfront costs and barriers that stand in their way.

They have introduced the first-time buyer range, a selection of products and offers designed to give purchasers more opportunity to realise their dream of buying their first property.

Up to £1,500 cashback on selected products. Minimum loan size is £125,00.
Up to 5.5x loan to income on up to 90% LTV for incomes >£100,000
Extra £250 cashback for Skipton Lifetime ISA customers. (Terms and conditions [PDF] apply.)
Up to 40 year terms available.
Income Booster (Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor).
Free standard valuation for mortgage purposes.
No completion fee on our first-time buyer exclusive products.
Up to 95% LTV (including new build houses and flats).
Fixed rate options.

Our Track Record mortgage offers first-time homebuyers with a recent 12-month track record of paying rent up to 100% LTV, to help them buy their own home (eligibility criteria apply).

Income Booster mortgages (Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor) – we allow up to 4 applicants and supporting borrowers don’t have to be related to the main applicant to qualify.

Products available for major government schemes including Shared Ownership.

£5,000 deposit mortgage for First Time Buyers

Accord launched the £5k deposit mortgage last year enabling first time buyers to purchase a property up to a maximum of £500,000 with just a £5,000 deposit. The property is available to houses and flats with the exception of new build flats.

The product is available on a repayment basis only and the maximum age at the end of the mortgage term is 70 years. The five year fixed rate has been reduced from 5.74% to 5.69%.

To discuss the Accord mortgage with a local mortgage broker please contact us.

First Time Buyer

Northern Ireland remains the UK’s most affordable path to homeownership. First-time buyers can benefit from the Co-Ownership scheme and Stamp Duty relief on homes up to £300,000. With local house prices averaging below the UK average your dream home is more attainable here. Take the first step toward your own front door today.

First Time Buyer mortgageWith so many mortgage products on the market and numerous incentives for the first time buyer, it is vital to obtain the services of a Mortgage Broker.

We have specialist Mortgage Brokers throughout Northern Ireland with expert knowledge of all the mortgage options.

Contact us using the form below to request a call back.

Get in touch with a local Mortgage Advisor

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

By submitting this form you agree to being contacted by a regulated mortgage broker to assist with your query.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt that is secured on it.

First Time Buyer Mortgage

If you are planning on buying your first home talk with a local mortgage broker before you start viewing properties. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow based on your income, the amount of deposit saved and your credit rating.

Your local advisor will also guide you on the other costs involved in buying a property such as solicitor’s fees, surveys and insurance and stamp duty.

The information provided on this website is for information and guidance purposes only and does not represent financial advice. Financial advice is provided by our partner advisers who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

First Time Buyers

Best Mortgage Brokers

5 Essential Tips for First-Time Mortgage Buyers

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will consider all aspects of your circumstances before approving or rejecting your application.

Some factors you cannot change but others could improve your position. Here are five tips for first time buyers.

Control your outgoings

Before you apply try to cut down on as many debts as possible and minimise outgoings like magazine subscriptions, mobile phone contracts and tv services. Outstanding credit cards and loans should be paid off in full, if possible.

Increase your deposit

The larger your deposit the lower amount you need to borrow and the less risk you will pose to the mortgage lender. By reducing your loan to value ratio you may also secure a lower mortgage interest rate.

Know your credit score

Your credit score improves if you consistently pay back on time and will reduce if you miss or default on payments. Lenders will check with the credit reference agencies when assessing your application. A poor credit score may lead to your application being declined. In this event you will have to spend time improving your credit file before applying for a mortgage in the future.

Find a broker with Best Mortgage Services

Mortgage brokers know their stuff and will ask the relevant questions and study your documents before submitting the application. The usual documents required are 3 months payslips, 3 months bank statements, proof of identity and proof of address.

Register on the Electoral Roll

Register on the electoral roll and make sure any bills you have are registered to your current address. Registering on the electoral roll may also improve your credit score. It is important that the information on the mortgage application matches when the lender searches the electoral roll and your credit file.

Get in touch with a local Broker

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨