Mortgages now at their most affordable level in a decade according to Halifax

Mortgages in the UK have reached their most affordable level in a decade, according to new research from Halifax.

The latest Halifax Affordability Review reveals that homeowners spend less than a third of disposable income on mortgage payments, the lowest affordability in 10 years since market peak of 48% in 2007.

The significant improvement in affordability since 2007 has been driven predominantly by historically low mortgage rates, despite the first base rate rise in a decade last November according to Halifax.

Andy Bickers, Mortgage Director at Halifax, said: “This is a real boost for both those who already have a mortgage and those preparing to take their first step on to the property ladder. Improved mortgage affordability has been a key factor supporting housing demand and helping to stimulate the modest recovery that we are currently seeing.

“In recent months we have seen the number of first-time buyers and homemovers purchasing a home with a mortgage bounce back towards 2007 levels, and mortgage payments becoming a much smaller proportion of disposable income across most of the country will also support a heathy market with more choice and opportunity for buyers/borrowers.”

Read the latest Halifax press release 17th March 2018 ‘Most affordable mortgages in a decade’ in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Breaking Property News 20/10/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Rightmove’s £1.45bn forty minute lawsuit Thought leadership by Olivier Jauniaux Founder of NestLink ‘It takes about forty minutes to find a house on Rightmove according to the portal’s own disclosure. You set the filters, you scroll, you save three, you send one to your partner with the…
Read More →
Breaking News

The six shocking ways first-time buyers are being caught out

Unexpected costs hit 70% of first-time buyers, causing rising anxiety for almost a third of people Over 60% of buyers also face mortgage rejection when finding their dream home Solicitor delays and “waiting around” among the highest drivers of anxiety and stress The First Time Buyer Anxiety Index 2026 delves into the main pain points…
Read More →
Breaking News

FTBs reveal real cost of homeownership

Six in 10 first-time buyers say getting onto the property ladder came at the expense of their quality of life From holidays and hobbies to careers and starting a family, first-time buyers reveal the true cost of homeownership New research by Yopa has revealed that 61% of first-time buyers say saving for their first home had…
Read More →
Breaking News

Supply of family-suitable homes falls across the nation

England is facing a growing shortage of large family homes, according to new analysis from UK Property Development (UKPD), creating increasing challenges for buyers leaving London in search of more space, better quality of life, and access to one of the capital’s most desirable commuter regions. UKPD analysed live property listings data* and found that,…
Read More →
Breaking News

84% of agents fear Autumn Budget anti-climax

Agents welcome first-time buyer support but 84% fear Autumn Budget housing anti-climax The latest industry insight from GetAgent.co.uk has revealed that estate agents believe first-time buyers are most in need of government support and, while the recent announcement of a new first-time buyer scheme will likely be welcomed by the industry, 84% are sceptical as…
Read More →
how to present your property for sale
Estate Agent Talk

The Budget – Residential Property

Thoughts from Lisa Wilson, Partner at law firm Spencer West LLP: “Chancellor John Healey, as many Chancellors before him, has the unenviable task of achieving balance in UK taxation and spending. Whilst there have been a few property rumours in the press, they are notably quieter than in years gone by. Over the Summer months…
Read More →