Lee Scroggie - Smart Mortgage Advice

11/07/2025

Great to have the opportunity to chat with Simon Meadows at MPA UK and work on something a little different for me…

I shared a bit about what drives me and how I bring a competitive edge to my work 🚀💼

Have a read if you fancy 👇

Sports enthusiast channels his winning approach into his broker role

22/05/2025

🔔 April Inflation Update - What it means for rates and mortgages❗

🔍Inflation rose to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6%, mainly driven by rising energy and water bills. While this slightly exceeded the 3.3% - 3.4% forecast, it's no reason to panic.

📊 We’ve long expected inflation to peak around 3.7% by Q3 2025, then start falling, and we’re still broadly on track. Encouragingly, energy prices are set to drop in July, likely helping inflation ease toward the 2% target.

So, what about interest rates?📈📉
The Bank of England is still expected to deliver 2-3 base rate cuts by mid 2026, though yesterday's data might delay the second cut slightly. But the direction of travel hasn’t changed growth is a priority, and rate cuts support that.

🏠 For those watching mortgage rates: The BoE Base Rate isn't the key factor, SWAP Rates are. And they’ve fallen since Trumps tariff announcements, pushing fixed mortgage rates below 4% at lower loan-to-values.

✅ If you’re looking to buy or remortgage in 2025, don’t wait. A market wobble could see SWAP Rates and mortgage rates bounce back up quickly.

Feel free to reach out below! 💼
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

29/04/2025

Two-Year vs Five-Year Fixed Rate – Which is Right for You? 🏡

With mortgage rates constantly shifting, many clients are asking whether to lock in for two or five years. The truth is – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a quick summary of some factors to help you make the right decision:

Two-Year Fixed Rate
✔️ Greater flexibility – ideal if you're planning to move or anticipate changes in your finances
✔️ Potential to benefit if rates fall
⚠️ Frequent remortgaging can lead to added fees
⚠️ Less protection if rates rise

Five-Year Fixed Rate
✔️ Long-term peace of mind with stable monthly payments
✔️ Easier to budget and plan ahead
⚠️ Less flexibility – higher penalties if you move or repay early

Not sure what’s best for you? A three-year fix might also be worth considering as a middle ground.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving house or reviewing your current deal, I'm here to offer clear, honest advice to help you make a confident decision.

Feel free to reach out below! 💼
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

23/04/2025

🎯 Mortgage Market Update – April 2025
📉 Rates Are Falling – Act Now to Lock In a Great Deal!

There’s positive movement in the mortgage market recently, and it could mean big savings for you—whether you're a first-time buyer, Home mover or planning to remortgage within the next 6 months.

🏦 What’s New?
Some of the UK’s biggest lenders have just reduced their mortgage rates – including:

✔️ Nationwide – New 2-year fixed deals starting below 4%
✔️ Halifax – Competitive 5-year fixes at sub-4% rates
✔️ Barclays, HSBC & NatWest – All launching attractive new offers

These rate cuts reflect growing confidence in the market and are giving homebuyers and remortgagers a fantastic opportunity to act.

📌 Why This Matters
✅ Lower rates = potentially lower monthly payments
✅ You can secure a rate up to 6 months in advance
✅ More lending flexibility thanks to improved affordability checks
✅ Peace of mind in a changing market

🕒 Now is the time to act. Locking in attractive rates can protect you against potential hikes, while still allowing for the possibility of switching to a lower rate if they do continue to fall.
Waiting for rates to drop further could be a costly mistake.

Feel free to reach out below! 💼

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

16/04/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW ALERT‼️

ANOTHER amazing review from one of my valued clients! 🙌💬

It was a pleasure helping them remortgage their beautiful home — from searching for the best deals, to arranging the valuation and presenting their options clearly and simply.

I’ve continued to monitor the market while they wait for their new mortgage to start, ensuring they’re still on the best deal available by the time we complete.

For some, this would be considered going the extra mile — for me, it’s about giving every client the 5-star service they deserve. 🤩

If you are looking for mortgage advice and want a broker who handles everything with clear and consistent communication, I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out below! 💼

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

07/04/2025

🌍💸 US Trade Tariffs and Their Impact on Mortgage Rates 🇬🇧🏡

The global economy is constantly shifting, and US trade tariffs—set by Trump—are making waves that could affect mortgage rates here in the UK. 📉

While these tariffs may push up costs for UK households, there’s good news for those looking to secure or refinance their mortgage! 🏠✨

Why should this matter to you?

🔹 Lower Rates Ahead: Thanks to the drop in swap rates following the "Liberation Day" tariffs, lenders are starting to reduce their fixed-rate mortgages.

🔹 MPowered Mortgages' Insight:
Stuart Cheetham, CEO of MPowered Mortgages, shared that these tariffs, while potentially tough on UK households, are creating a rare opportunity for mortgage borrowers. He explained, "We’ve seen a sharp fall in swap rates, enabling us to reduce fixed-rate mortgages. Over the next week, mortgage rates could continue to drop, which is great news for borrowers." 📉💬

What does this mean for YOU?

Now could be the time to remortgage or secure a new mortgage at a potentially lower rate. However, it's essential to speak with someone who truly understands the market and your needs.

reach out to me directly, and I'll help you navigate these changes and find the best deal tailored to your situation. 💬👨‍💼

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

02/04/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW ALERT‼️

A huge thank you to my fantastic client for this incredible feedback! 🙌💬

Being called the “go-to guy” for bespoke mortgage advice is an absolute honour! 😃

With the support of my amazing admin team, we work hard to ensure every client gets the best finance solution, with clear guidance at every step of the way. 🙏✨

If you are looking for a dedicated, knowledgeable mortgage broker who puts your needs first, I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out! 💼💬

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

28/03/2025

I'm here to help with all your mortgage needs! 🏠💼

Whether you're a first-time buyer exploring your options, looking to remortgage, or interested in specialist lending, I’ve got you covered. As an independent mortgage expert, I provide personalised advice to help you navigate the right mortgage for your unique situation.

I can assist with:

First-Time Buyer (FTB) Mortgages 🏡

Residential Purchases 🏠

Remortgages 🔄

Buy-to-Let Mortgages 💼🏘️

Specialist Lending (e.g., Bridging Loans) 🏗️

High Net-Worth (HNW) Lending 💎

No matter your financial goals, I’m here to guide you through the process with clear, expert advice tailored to your needs. Let's make your mortgage journey as smooth as possible! 🌟

Feel free to reach out below:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

20/03/2025

📢💥 Mortgage Market Update:

The Bank of England has kept the base rate at 4.5%, but there’s good news for potential homeowners and those looking to remortgage!

Lenders are becoming increasingly competitive, offering small rate reductions and adjusting their underwriting criteria. This means borrowing is becoming more accessible, and it’s the perfect time to review your options. 🔍📉

With new lending targets in place and increased competition among banks, we could see further rate cuts in the coming months— especially as the property market picks up. If financial markets anticipate future base rate reductions, it could open up even more opportunities for borrowers! 🏠💡

Feel free to reach out below:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

18/03/2025

🔑 Bank of England Set to Keep Base Rate at 4.5%

🏠 On Thursday (20/03/25), the Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at 4.5%. As the economy faces "Fog of uncertainty" and global trade tensions continue to unfold.

📉 Over the past several months, the Bank has been gradually lowering borrowing costs, which has helped ease the financial burden for homeowners. While the MPC voted 7-2 for a rate cut in February, Governor Andrew Bailey stressed the importance of a careful, gradual strategy for any future reductions.

📊 With markets predicting a 95% chance of rates staying the same this month, there's a strong possibility of a rate cut in May (77%) and August (55.6%).

To discuss how this could affect your mortgage requirements or financial situation, feel free to reach out:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

I'm here to help with any questions or concerns you may have!

17/03/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW ALERT‼️

More amazing feedback from a recent client! 🙌💬

It's reviews like this that make all the hard work worthwhile! 😃 Helping clients feel supported and informed every step of the way is always my priority. 🏡🔑 I'm so grateful for the trust my clients place in me and thrilled that I could make their journey smooth and stress-free. 🙏✨

If you are looking for professional, personalized mortgage advice, don't hesitate to reach out! I’d love to help. 💼💬

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679

12/03/2025

🏡 The House-Buying Process for First-Time Buyers: A Step-by-Step Guide 💡

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps can help make the process easier. Here’s a breakdown to guide you along the way:

1. Save for a Deposit 💰
Most lenders in the UK require a deposit of at least 5-10% of the property’s value.
The larger your deposit, the better your chances of securing a mortgage with a lower interest rate. A 20% deposit or more can help you access the best deals.

2. Check Your Credit Score 📊
Your credit score can play a major role in whether you’ll be approved for a mortgage and the rate you’ll receive.
Make sure to check your credit report with agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, and take steps to improve it if needed before applying.
PS. Options are available for people with impaired credit so please discuss with your broker.

3. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval 📝
Before you start house hunting, it’s wise to get a mortgage in principle (MIP) or agreement in principle (AIP). This gives you a better idea of how much you can borrow and shows vendors you’re a serious buyer.

4. Start House Hunting 🏠
Once you know your budget, start looking for properties within your price range. Consider location, transport links, and amenities.
Use property websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket to browse listings, or work with an estate agent.

5. Make an Offer 💬
Once you’ve found a property you like, make an offer to the seller. Your estate agent / Broker can help you negotiate.
The seller may accept, reject, or counter your offer. Be prepared to adjust if needed.

6. Hire a Solicitor/Conveyancer 🧑‍⚖️
You’ll need a qualified solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal side of the process, such as contracts and searches.
They’ll carry out checks on the property (like local searches and title checks) and help with the transfer of ownership.

7. Get a Survey Done 🔍
It’s advisable to get a property survey to identify any potential issues with the home (like structural problems or hidden repairs).
You can choose between a basic condition report, a homebuyer’s report, or a more thorough building survey depending on the age and condition of the property.

8. Apply for a Mortgage 🏦
With an accepted offer on the table, now’s the time to formally apply for a mortgage.
Your lender will assess your case alongside provided documentation. They will also instruct a mortgage survey.

9. Exchange Contracts ✍️
Once your mortgage is approved, and all checks are complete, you’ll exchange contracts with the seller. This is when you legally commit to buying the property.
At this point, you’ll pay your deposit, and a completion date will be set.

10. Completion Day 🎉
On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred to the seller, and you’ll receive the keys to your new home! 🏡
Your solicitor will register the property in your name, and you’re officially a homeowner!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your potential property purchase, Feel free to reach out below:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Mobile: 07557 085679