UK mortgage lenders have recently started increasing their mortgage rates, as concerns grow that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could have a wider impact on the global economy. Financial markets are becoming more cautious that rising energy prices, particularly oil and gas, could push inflation higher again.

The UK’s buy-to-let sector has been under sustained pressure in recent years, but fresh data suggests that while landlords continue to leave the market, the pace of this so-called “exodus” may finally be beginning to ease. This shift is worth paying close attention to as it signals changing sentiment among investors and rise of new opportunities.

For tenants, April is a useful point to pause and plan. With rents still rising across the UK and the first phase of rental reform approaching in England, this is a good time to review your budget, renewal options and next move.

As the Bank of England prepares for its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, uncertainty continues to ripple through the UK housing market. New research reveals a divided outlook among homeowners regarding where mortgage rates are headed over the next 12 months , showing how unpredictable the current financial climate has become.