Mortgage trends and insights

Here you can find useful key mortgage trends from the last quarter (April to June 2026).

Insights given are based on current market data and lender activity. They are designed to help you make informed decisions about your mortgage and are useful tools when used alongside professional advice.

Let’s talk rates

Buy to Let mortgage (BTL) pricing during Q2 2026 continued to be shaped by swap rate expectations, lender appetite and rental stress testing, with lenders responding more to wholesale funding costs than changes in the Bank of England Base Rate. UK Finance notes expects remortgaging activity to remain strong throughout 2026 as many borrowers continue to come to the end of fixed-rate mortgage deals agreed several years ago. Lenders continue to compete strongly for new business, helping to improve product availability across a range of borrower circumstances.

For more information, see our BTL rate guide page.

First rate insights

Affordability for UK first-time buyers (FTB) has continued to improve during 2026, supported by wage growth, more stable mortgage pricing and modest house price growth. Lloyds notes this positive change reflects a combination of these factors. The reintroduction of 100% mortgages in recent years has made homeownership more attainable, especially as saving for deposits remains difficult amid the cost of living crisis and due to reduced rental options.

If you are preparing to buy your first home, see our FTB rate guide page for more information.

Mortgage market Nottingham

ONS figures show Nottingham’s average house price was around £197,000 in April 2026 (provisional), a rise of around 2% year on year, though this remained lower than the East Midlands’ 5.5%. Conversely, private rents climbed 5.9% to £1,018 in May 2026, continuing to outpace regional house price growth. Nationally, house price growth is slowing but rents are still rising, supported by higher incomes and greater stability in mortgage rates. First-time buyers in Nottingham paid around £181,000 on average.

For a more detailed look at what’s going on with mortgages in Nottingham and the region, see our Nottingham mortgage and property insights page.

Current remortgaging rates news

Mortgage pricing remained competitive throughout Q2 2026, with many major lenders continuing to adjust rates in response to changing funding costs and increased competition. This competitive environment continues to support remortgage activity as borrowers look to secure certainty over their future monthly repayments. Fixed-rate pricing remains forward-looking and analysts predict a “booming” mortgage market, especially as greater predictability in rates boosts property market confidence.

For more in-depth information and insights, see our remortgaging rate guide page.

Homemovers and rate shaker information

Most major lenders and housing market commentators continue to expect modest house price growth over the remainder of 2026. Mortgage lending is set to rise, though transactions remain steady. Lenders have continued to review and reprice mortgage products throughout 2026 as market conditions have evolved. Despite a slight fall in prices at the end of 2025, the market remains resilient. Nottingham’s average house price now stands at around £197,000 (April 2026 provisional) reflecting continued resilience in the local market.

See our homemover rate guide page for more details.

Mortgage market Derby

According to ONS figures, Derby’s average house price in April 2026 (provisional) was around £205,000, up 1.7% year on year. Across the East Midlands, house prices increased by 5.5% in the year to April 2026. Across the UK, the average property sold for £270,000, up from £260,000 a year earlier. 

First-time buyers in Derby paid around £183,000. Detached homes realised an average of £315,000, semi-detached £208,000, terraced £164,000 and flats or maisonettes £107,000.

Rents averaged £852, reflecting persistent rental pressure.

For a more in-depth look at what is going on in Derby and the neighbouring region, take a look at our Derby mortgage and property insights page.

Best buy tables: In the know

Our best buy tables can help you get an idea of the mortgage rates available currently, whether you’re looking for a new deal, remortgaging, buying your first home or need a Buy to Let mortgage.

Use them to compare mortgage deals before meeting with one of our experienced mortgage advisers, for a personalised quote.

Intuitive mortgage trends and insights

To summarise, during Q2 2026, Buy to Let mortgage pricing was driven by swap rates and lender appetite, not just base rates.

Remortgaging activity continues to remain strong as many borrowers come to the end of fixed-rate mortgage deals.

First-time buyer affordability has continued to improve thanks to wage growth, more stable mortgage pricing and the continued availability of higher Loan to Value mortgage products.

House price growth slowed, while rents continued climbing, reflecting ongoing rental market pressure and confidence in the market.

Talk to a James Leighton mortgage adviser about getting the most from the current mortgage market.

References

https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/data-and-research/data/mortgage-market-forecasts 
https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2025/lloyds-bank-2025/lloyds-affordability-review.html 
https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/housingpriceslocal/E06000018/
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/privaterentandhousepricesuk/june2026
https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/housingpriceslocal/E06000015/
https://www.fca.org.uk/data/mortgage-lending-statistics 

Updated: 2nd July 2026