It’s hard to believe, but 2025 is almost over. And, as one year comes to a close, it’s only natural to think about the next one.
Now, at the beginning of this year, we asked our team of Maidenhead mortgage advisers to make a note of key themes, topics and questions that kept presenting themselves when in conversation with clients – and there were five in particular that stood out.
Not only will we summarise them here, but given how they could be regarded as mortgage mistakes or mortgage pitfalls (we certainly think they are, at least), we’re going to use them as a guide as to what to avoid when it comes to getting a mortgage in 2026.
1. ‘I think I’ll wait until mortgage rates have fallen even more’
This was a common train of thought throughout 2025 – and it’s no wonder, really. Mortgage rates have been erratic to say the least. However, by continually waiting for the cheapest mortgage rates in the UK, you could be waiting in vain.
There are so many variables that impact mortgage rates – all of which are out of your control, and some of which may come from out the blue (think about what Trump’s tariff announcement did to the markets, for example). Just as it’s impossible to time the stock markets, it’s equally impossible to know when to lock-in the holy grail when it comes to getting a mortgage: the lowest mortgage rate available. If you are waiting for this, then you could be waiting forever.
2. ‘Remortgaging takes too much time and effort’
This one really ruffles our feathers for two reasons. Firstly, it doesn’t take too much time at all. Secondly, the monetary difference between getting a new mortgage deal and the standard variable rate, which mortgage holders revert to once their initial deal comes to a close, can be HUGE. So why wouldn’t you remortgage?
Our team of mortgage brokers in Maidenhead pride themselves on making remortgaging seamless. Not only that, but they’ll do the cost comparisons across multiple lenders’ rates and products for you. A one per cent saving here, or even a 0.5 per cent saving there can make a big difference to your monthly repayments. So don’t be indifferent to remortgaging – it really can pay dividends.
3. ‘I thought it would just be better to get a mortgage with my own bank’
We understand that there might be a degree of trust and goodwill that’s been built up over the years with your actual bank. However, the reality is that regardless of how long you’ve been with them, you’re likely to find better rates elsewhere.
A good mortgage broker, like us, for example, will quickly and efficiently pinpoint the best mortgage deals in the UK, across the entire mortgage market. And by the best mortgage deals, we’re not just referring to the best mortgage rates in the UK, but also the deal that best suits you and your lifestyle. Don’t feel compelled to put all your eggs in one basket. Be open to what’s out there, open to mortgages by other lenders and, of course, be open to using a mortgage broker, too.
4. ‘Getting a self-employed mortgage is impossible’
This is a tough one. And sometimes it does feel like those who take the biggest risks by going self-employed get hit the hardest when it comes to applying for a self-employed mortgage. But whilst there are key differences in the way lenders treat self-employed mortgages vs PAYE mortgages, the reality is that lenders are now more open to reviewing the nuances associated with self-employment – such as dividends and retained profits – than they perhaps used to be.
There are many lenders out there that are willing to offer mortgages for self-employed people, so don’t be despondent. Simply call our team of Berkshire mortgage brokers, who’ll be able to help.
5. ‘I don’t need a mortgage broker – I can do it myself, thank you’
As we’ve said before, you don’t do your own dental work. And you probably don’t service your own car, unless you’re particularly mechanically minded. We appreciate that there are less barriers to applying for your own mortgage (you certainly don’t need seven years of training like a dentist, for example), but a good mortgage broker can not only save you time spent researching, analysing, chasing and applying, but also money, too.
Think of mortgage brokers as being the key to an entire network of lenders and products, which you can access in just one meeting. Whereas if you go it alone, one meeting gets you access to just one lender’s portfolio of products. If you have bags of time and are happy to meet with multiple lenders, then maybe you don’t need a mortgage broker. If you’d rather avoid that, then a mortgage broker is the way to go.
Thinking of getting a mortgage in 2026? Contact our team of Berkshire mortgage brokers to get the ball rolling on 01628 560820 or by emailing enquiries@altonmortgages.co.uk.