Economic uncertainty drives second charge market

Increases in the second charge loan market suggests economic uncertainty is causing more people to improve their current property rather than move.

Data shows there has been an 8.9% increase in people applying for second charge finance in the second half of 2018, when compared to the same time in 2017.

Figures also show that 51% of these second charges were applied for to make home improvements.

In addition, reports show a 9.2% increase in re-mortgage applications in January 2019 compared to the same period last year. This is reinforced by the ONS reporting in their December House Price Index that the rate of increase in UK house prices is 2.1%, the lowest UK annual rate since August 2013.

With an increase in re-mortgage applications, slump in the UK housing market and uncertainty around our economy, this could suggest more people are choosing to improve their current properties – rather than take a potential financial risk of moving.

It could be that Brexit worries are flattening the property market, meaning fewer people are moving and more homeowners are making improvements to their current properties rather than move during a time when it is still unclear how Brexit will affect property prices.

If you are looking to raise funds it’s important to consider a second charge as a solution for a refinancing or home improvement.

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