Inflation and high living costs remain the biggest barriers to homeownership, according to prospective first-time buyers surveyed by Aldermore.

Rates have been reduced across both products by 10 bps

The specialist lender has also announced that it has made a number of changes to stress rates

During last month's Autumn Statement, the new Labour government confirmed that stamp duty thresholds in England would lower from 1st April 2025.

Buying a home has become slightly more affordable relative to income, as wage growth outpaces house price inflation over the past year, according to newly released data from Halifax.

Following the changes, five-year fixed rates now start from 4.81%

Energy-inefficient homes are costing households an average of £299 per year in extra energy bills, with older generations found to be the hardest hit

The lender has also announced the launch of new product switch rates for landlords with large HMOs and multi-unit freeholds.

The lender’s newly launched BTL products cater to regulated, unregulated, and consumer BTL borrowers.

The specialist lender has launched two limited edition ranges to further support brokers and their landlord customers.