Joanna Slater, Mortgage & Protection Consultant

03/03/2026

Iran, markets, and why perspective matters..

How events in Iran are affecting markets, energy prices and inflation – and why taking a longer‑term perspective still matters for investors.

31/01/2026

Are you a landlord?
Important changes are coming. This page gives a pretty simple and concise overview of what they are and what you need to do beyond 1 May 2026: -

https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/?utm_source=Meta&utm_medium=Static&utm_campaign=PRS&utm_content=Feed&utm_messaging=1_1_RA&utm_audience=25_Ret&dclid=CK7P5fSzsZIDFWVdpAQdyf8K3g&gad_source=7&gad_campaignid=23236846448

Here is th eguidance in full: -
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renting-out-your-property-guidance-for-landlords-and-letting-agents

The Renters’ Rights Act will change laws about renting. The new rules will apply on or after 1 May 2026. This guidance will help private rented sector landlords and letting agents prepare. These rules will apply to Private Registered Providers of social housing (PRPs) from 2027

18/01/2026

Anyone who watched this programme (if you haven't and are ever planning on buying/selling property, please do)...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002fygs/panorama-undercover-estate-agent
.. may have been shocked.

I was not.

Having been in the industry for over 25 years, I have encountered many clients telling me how they were openly told they *had* to deal with the Estate Agent's mortgage adviser, or even just *had* to have a (long) meeting with them - at which point someone (other than my very loyal clients) might have felt it was easier just to continue, which was the goal!

I always offer to speak to Estate Agents on behalf of my clients from the moment they have an offer accepted, to let the Agent know my client has chosen me and not to try any such tactics.

Great news last week is that the Property Ombudsman reminded buyers of their RIGHTS..
✔️ to choose your own mortgage broker, solicitor, and insurance provider.

The Ombusman speaks directly to Estate Agents who pressure buyers into using their recommended services, which is known as "conditional selling", which is illegal.

✔️ Estate agents must pass all offers to the seller — regardless of whether you use their services
✔️ Estate Agents cannot insist you meet their mortgage broker
✔️ Estate Agents cannot restrict viewings unless you use their in house teams
✔️ Estate Agents must treat every buyer fairly and transparently

Imagine having to be forced to act this way!

There is no downside to using my services as I will consider all options available to get you the best mortgage deal, whatever your circumstances.
Contact me on 07711 347731 or email me at [email protected]
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE.

Reporter Lucy Vallance goes undercover at one of the UK’s biggest estate agencies to investigate claims it’s not acting in the best interests of customers.

02/06/2025

Check up our shiny new website, and here is the link to my own biography: -
https://digby-associates.co.uk/who-we-are/our-people/jo-slater/

Moving to Digby Associates has been such a positive move to me, though it is fair to say I had no idea just how positive at the time.

Contact me on 07711 347731 or at [email protected]

03/04/2025

Following on from my post a couple of days ago... .. more opportunities to make positive changes to your financial position (protecting your home, you & your family, your income and effectively your savings).

2/3

What if…?

Now might be the right time to look at how well you'd cope if something unexpected happened. Many of us feel vulnerable in these times of such high living costs, and I know it can cause sleepless nights, wondering about that "what if?"

While no-one knows what the future holds, it's wise to build a savings pot for emergencies. It's also worth having an insurance policy which could pay out if you were to die, or be diagnosed with a serious illness, covered by that policy. This is especially important if you have a mortgage or have children, a partner or other relatives who depend on you financially.

I recognise that the biggest potential impact for many will come from being unable to work due to sickness or disability and having no meaningful long-term sick-pay in place or being self-employed. Income Protection is seeing massive growth as people recognise this area of vulnerability.

Having protection in place for these events can mean you don't have to dip into savings set aside for things that bring the joy to our lives, such as spending time on holiday with people we love. I really do believe these words, “It’s the tool that ensures that their goals, their dreams and their ambitions remain achievable, no matter what life throws at them. It’s an essential part of everyone’s financial toolkit.”

I can find a product that is tailored to your needs – and that includes your budget – and I do so from the whole of the market. There are some very out of date views about the cost of such cover and it is also better to have something in place, than nothing at all, when it comes to protecting your mortgage, family or income.

Contact me on 07711 347731 on email me at [email protected] for a free review of your protection.

01/04/2025

Despite the gloom of the government’s Spring Statement, and no change in the Bank of England interest rate, there are still opportunities to make positive changes to your financial position (getting the best deal on your "big" borrowing).

1/3
For borrowers with low fixed mortgage rates ending soon, and those moving or improving their home, don’t delay getting your next mortgage deal lined up.

I am currently dealing with replacement products for mortgage deals ending as far away as August. Some lenders are increasing their rates this month, even if only by a small amount, and I want to secure as low a rate as possible now, with the intention of switching (before the current scheme ends) to a lower rate if one appears.

I actively do this with my clients, and it demonstrates my promise to do the best for them. A client recently saved £1400+ over the product term by moving them to a new deal just before they were due to complete.

Some commentators predict two more rate drops in 2025, most likely from September onwards, but in the absence of a crystal ball, let me help you get the best deal secured.

Running out of time to research new lenders and doing a “panic” product switch with your current lender, has no guarantee of being the best option for you.

There is no downside to using my services as I will consider all options available to get you the best deal.

Contact me on 07711 347731 or email me at [email protected]

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE.

22/01/2025

I have finally come to terms that it's 2025 and the 1980s really are as far away from today as they are from WW2...

I bought my first home in the 1989 (yes, I am THAT old, sorry, ... I mean, "wise") and I was paying a preferential staff mortgage rate of 11%! Yikes!

Don't worry, though. I'm not going to be telling first time buyers of today how good they have it, because that 2-bedroom semi cost only £27,000. I am not sure that would buy a garage today.

Our Quilter Property Review (click on the link below) this month shows an average house price of £290,000 - anyone trying to get on the housing "ladder" knows they will need more than a few thousand in savings for a deposit. There are still ways in with first time buyer incentives.

Those who already own property, face different challenges this year. Many are about to leave the delights of a less than 2% fixed rate, knowing they will be facing a rise in monthly cost if they remortgage, but not as big as the one they face if they don't. This is where a creative and holistic approach to your finances is key.

As a member of the award-winning Quilter Firm, Digby Associates Ltd, I can not only advise you on mortgage and protection, but can also access pension and investment advice, when I sit side-by-side with you through that aspect of the process. With over 20 years in the industry, I know where I am now is as good as it gets.

There have been small fluctuations in mortgage interest rates - often upwards - but some suggest the Bank of England rate will be cut on 6 February, which could have a positive knock-on effect in mortgage rates. My view is that if your product rate is going to end before August, It's not too early to get in touch with me to start exploring your options (a Mortgage Offer can last 6 months, so you can "secure" a new rate of interest, but have the flexibility to change to a better one, before your existing rate ends).

I would love to help. Give me a call on 07711 347731 on email me at [email protected]

Property Review (January 2025)
https://digbyassociates-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/joanna_slater_digby-associates_co_uk/EXzL0fPmH9lNjBCa4E0qD1oBjyvjlnJx-h2nc73rxriDfw?e=nnq02U

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE.

29/11/2024

The November 2024 Property (Residential and Commercial) Newsletters are in...
Autumn Budget changes (and the perceived unlikelihood of an imminent further drop in the Bank of England rate) saw interest rates rising, although by fairly small amounts at this stage.

Remember that a Mortgage Offer can last 6 months, so it is never too soon to look at remortgage needs within this period and "secure" your new rate of interest. As my clients know, even though my work is officially "done" at that point, I continue to monitor rates and get a new Offer on better rates when possible.

If that sounds like someone you'd like to work with, give me a call on 07711 347731 on email me at [email protected]

Residential Property:
https://digbyassociates-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/joanna_slater_digby-associates_co_uk/ERes-0udOpdMg5Zw-f66-HQBtpK156up9Ua3cFuIibgrRQ?e=nZ9dsB
Commercial Property:
https://digbyassociates-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/joanna_slater_digby-associates_co_uk/EXiERJEz0sVAnmjfu_i0xVsBfdkFsCR5i2LzxavkB_A5Dw?e=uq492c

30/10/2024

Are you looking to renew your mortgage?

With many low interest products reaching their end, and interest rates higher than they were, there’s a lot to consider - let me do the hard work for you.

I have two decades of experience, the right tools and have access to exclusive mortgage products through Quilter Financial Planning.
Get in touch!

Get in touch with me on 07711 347731, Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected] to find the most suitable mortgage deal for you.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE.
Approver Quilter Wealth Limited, Quilter Financial Limited, Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited. Quilter Financial Planning Solutions Limited. September 2024

22/10/2024

A recent Benham and Reeves (one of London's oldest independent property lettings, management and sales specialists) survey of 1203 UK homebuyers says,
"Buyer enthusiasm returns with 61% planning to move in 2025."

If this is an option you are exploring, please contact me here on Facebook Messenger, on 07711 347731 or at [email protected] for a free initial consultation.

Jo

Send a message to learn more

07/08/2024

I am a bit late sharing the July 2024 Property (Residential and Commercial) Newsletters... The holding back on decisions while we waited for news of a Bank of England interest rate drop, is slightly old news. I am seeing several Lender updates a day, telling of interest rate changes and, even locally, have seen many property boards changing to "Sold".

Once I have secured my clients' Mortgage Offer, even though my work is officially "done" at that point, I continue to monitor rates and get a new Offer on better rates when possible.

If that sounds like someone you'd like to work with, give me a call on 07711 347731 on email me at [email protected]

Residential Property:
https://digbyassociates-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/joanna_slater_digby-associates_co_uk/Eck0vBYq1BBKkhHIh9Lb0t8B5JKOMtdm0x2HVq9aHWK2ug?e=u9EF30
Commercial Property:
https://digbyassociates-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/joanna_slater_digby-associates_co_uk/EWWMskE8_qtCtevmQuuj0K4BjYcYgrdV3dVKuXeznTATWw?e=2fhxzs