Housing crisis
The housing crisis is one of the most significant societal issues affecting the UK. A lack of available housing – particularly affordable housing – has resulted in rent and house prices rising sharply over many decades. In turn, millions of people across the UK are living in unsuitable accommodation, while many millions more are unable to purchase their own property.
Cityscapes – 15 years of change
To celebrate our 15 year anniversary, we’ve taken a look at three of the biggest and up-and-coming cities in the UK to see how they’ve changed over time.
15 years of Market Financial Solutions
Fifteen might not be considered an old age for a business, but in the bridging sector it is. While today the industry is home to a vast number of short-term lenders across the UK, in 2006 there were very few companies specialising in bridging finance; Market Financial Solutions (MFS) was one of them.
Buy-to-let in focus
How the sector has responded during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
How has the UK bridging industry fared during the Covid-19 pandemic?
No industry has been immune to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The property market and, by extension the bridging loan sector, have certainly faced their challenges.
Diversity in financial services
The debate surrounding diversity within the financial services sector, or lack thereof, has been raging for some time.
Five years since the EU referendum
On 23 June 2016, the UK voted narrowly in favour of leaving the European Union (EU). The referendum remains a landmark moment in the UK’s modern history, with the aftereffects still being felt.
MFS top 5 uses of a commercial bridging loan
There are several ways a commercial bridging loan can help you take advantage of the current climate. Purchasing at the right time could help you increase your property yield and support the UK property market. Here is our MFS top 5 uses of commercial bridging finance.
The homebuyer wishlist 2021
Our timely research delves into the factors that matter most to UK homebuyers and how their priorities have changed as a result of the pandemic. Further, the results are compared with a survey MFS commissioned in the summer of 2019, offering a clear overview of how the property buying market has evolved over the past two years.
Guide to property auctions
Over the past 12 months, Britain seems to have caught the auction bug. Auctions have always been a favourite of property investors and developers as a means to find assets under market value.
Buy-to-let guide 2021
There are many reasons why people rent, and equally there are many reasons why people let. When it comes to investing in buy-to-let property, there are several elements’ landlords need to decide upon before purchasing a property – but where do you start?
Buy-to-let: an infographic
How do I find the right buy-to-let property for me? Buy to let properties take up a huge section of the UK property market, as the demand from tenants grows. According to the Office of National Statistics the private rental sector has seen an increase in demand, which has caused rental prices to rise by 1.3% across England; in the 12 months leading up to January 2021.
Understanding clients’ need in 2021
After the tumultuous year that was 2020, investors, businesses, and consumers are hoping the coming 12 months will be a year of positive transition and change.
The future of housing market
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, leading the UK to enter its first lockdown, many were concerned about the lasting impacts this would have on the property industry. Yet despite the constant fear that house prices would plummet, the housing market retained a 5-year high and property value rose at a steady rate.
Trends for 2021: An Infographic
2020, as one of the most disruptive years in history, will drive how the property market develops in 2021. This infographic details the year we face based on trends from 2020.
2020: A year of challenges and achievements
There is no denying that 2020 has been one of the most eventful, unpredictable years in recent history. It will be remembered as a time when a virus first discovered in China would eventually bring the globe to a standstill.
A Guide to Conversions
Whilst 2020 might not have been the best year, it has brought about some of the highest spikes in property value that the UK has seen within the past 4 years.
The housing crisis in 2020: opening the market to new opportunities
The pandemic has presented unique challenges for the country that go beyond the initial health concerns. It has drastically affected the performance of different sectors, like hospitality and retail. In the same instance, the government has been actively attempting to encourage consumer spending and investment activity to ensure the economic impact of the pandemic is limited as much as possible.
A guide to HMOs
Since the 2020 pandemic, we’re living in a time where house prices are rising, mainstream lender’s criteria are tightening and finding a mortgage offer with a 10% deposit is near to impossible. Yet renting has never been so popular and Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) are becoming well sought after. With demand for rental property on the rise, HMOs are becoming an attractive opportunity. Landlords can benefit from a regular income, but also potentially enjoy growth in the value of the property.
HMO’s & new opportunities – Student Accommodation
HMOs are becoming an attractive opportunity for those looking for upcoming residential investments. Why is this the case? We believe there are three reasons for this.
Unlocking property investment opportunities
Since the introduction of social distancing measures in response to the pandemic, the behaviours of businesses, investors and consumers have changed dramatically. Even as the country slowly transitions out of lockdown, the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has made many people naturally hesitant when it comes to making significant financial decisions.
COVID19: The MFS stats
With the transition period underway, we are now hopefully seeing the back of the Coronavirus lockdown. View our infographic to see the MFS lockdown stats.
Transitioning out of lockdown: preparing for the ‘new normal’
The “new normal” is a term frequently used to acknowledge the permanent changes to society brought about by the pandemic. It is wrong to assume that things will simply return to the way they were at the beginning of
the year, even as the virus abates.
At MFS we see this as an opportunity for the bridging sector to take a step back, critically review current practices and update existing processes so that borrowers, brokers and indeed lenders can benefit in the long-term.
A transition out of lockdown: an update from Market Financial Solutions
After more than three months in lockdown, Boris Johnson declared on Tuesday 23rd June that the national hibernation is beginning to come to an end. In an attempt to reignite national productivity, social distancing measures are slowly being lifted so that more…..
Covid-19 and the UK property market – an update
It has been over two months since the UK Government announced the implementation of social distancing measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Since then, businesses have been forced to reorganise the way they operate and ensure they are in a position to continue serving the needs of their clients. This has proved challenging for some, particularly those operating in the property sector.
MFS’ guide to Covid-19 and the UK property market
Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is posing one of the most significant social and economic challenges faced by the UK since World War Two.
Stamp Duty Land Tax: What property investors need to know
In this guide, Market Financial Solutions outlines some of the most significant changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) over the years and the current state of the market. We also explore important factors for investors to consider before making a property purchase in the UK, as well as potential stamp duty reforms on the horizon.
Bricks and mortar investment: Mapping out investor demand for UK property
How much demand is there for property investment in the UK at present? And which are the most popular places across the country to purchase real estate? Find out by downloading a copy of MFS’ new infographic.
What can we expect from the UK property market in 2020?
The New Year is upon us, which mean property investors will likely be wondering what 2020 has in store. For some, there may be a sense of frustration that Brexit uncertainty lingers on as it did in 2019. However, there is a marked difference from 12 months ago; now, after a strong performance in the December 2019
General Election, the Conservative Party has a majority in the House of Commons.
Celebrating a year of record-breaking achievements for MFS
Here at Market Financial Solutions (MFS), the past 12 months delivered many standout moments. In fact, 2019 was our strongest year on record with new milestones reached and a record number of bridging loans written and deployed, all supported by a growing team of the UK’s leading bridging finance professionals.
Gazumped Britain II: uncovering the challenges facing UK homebuyers
Three years after first exploring this issue, bridging lender MFS has surveyed more than 750 UK homebuyers to uncover just how prevalent gazumping is and what can be done to stop it. The report also explores the significant financial and emotional cost of being gazumped on a property purchase.
The UK homebuyer wishlist 2019
Between August and September 2019, MFS commissioned an independent survey of more than 1,000 UK-based homebuyers and property investors to discover the factors that matter most to people when hunting for a house or flat to buy. To read the results, be sure to download MFS’ new report ‘The UK Homebuyer Wish List’
On the rise – A review of the UK bridging market
When the global financial crisis struck in 2008, property investors were confronted by a challenging set of circumstances.
How new prime minister Boris Johnson may affect investors and the UK property market
As an experienced bridging lender, we have been keeping an eager eye on the impact our new Prime minister will have on the property market. To ensure our clients and investors are fully aware of the implications stemming from the current political and economic climate MFS’s factsheet will reveal what Boris Johnson’s proposed plans are for the property and finance markets, supported by expert industry analysis from our experienced team.
Guide to property auctions and bridging loans
Having consulted some of the leading names in the property auction market, our helpful guide provides valuable insights for buyers and brokers alike.
Rental market reforms: How are UK landlords responding?
The UK’s property market has long been a sought-after destination for domestic investors. The combination of long-term capital growth of bricks and mortar assets, along with the regular rental income the properties generate, makes them attractive for investors seeking a range of different financial outcomes.
MFS setting new records in 2019
MFS is celebrating its most successful ever start to a year – and that’s saying something, given we’ve been at the forefront of the UK bridging sector for more than a decade now.
MFS’ final report of the year summary
Reviewing how 2018 has unfolded, MFS’ final report of the year summarises the key trends that have shaped the property sector. By calling on some of the standout findings of our unique investor research, this resource offers valuable insight into how 2018’s major events have affected brokers and property buyers.
Collapsed Property Sales is on the rise
To understand why the number of collapsed property sales is on the rise, Market Financial Solutions has surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults to uncover the common reasons leading to a house purchase falling through. With access to finance being identified as a key barrier, the findings also reveal how the UK perceives alternative finance opportunities as a way of avoiding collapsed property chains.
