This week we're discussing the current mortgage market and how first-time buyers are faring within it. Paul & Megan are joined by Martyn Johnson and Paul Demarco - two of ESPC's independent mortgage advisors. In this episode they cover the following topics:0:00-1:36 Intro1:36-2:55 Are first-time buyers in a better position now vs last year?2:55-3:48 What do lower interest rates mean for first-time buyers?3:48-4:52 Are there more first-time buyers looking for mortgages right now?4:52-6:16 Are first-time buyers facing a competitive market?6:16-7:30 Good news first-time buyer stories7:30-8:14 Mortgage lender competition8:14-8:48 Where will mortgage rates be at the end of 2026?8:48-10:08 What kind of rates are first-time buyers looking at right now?10:08-11:23 Remortgaging in 202611:23-14:36 The first steps first-time buyers should take14:36-15:26 How much savings do you need to speak to a mortgage advisor?15:26-16:09 Gifted deposit and "Bank of Mum & Dad"16:09-18:20 Guarantor & Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor Mortgages18:20-20:12 How to deal with adverse credit20:12-22:52 What are the most common mistakes first-time buyers make?22:52-25:24 Save more or get on the ladder faster?The information contained in this podcast is provided in good faith.Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of the information, no responsibility is accepted for any errors which, despite our precautions, it may contain.The initial consultation with an adviser is free and without obligation. Thereafter, ESPC Mortgages charges for mortgage advice are usually £395 (£345 for first-time buyers).YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON AMORTGAGE OR OTHER LOANS SECURED AGAINST IT.ESPC (UK) Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Lyncombe Consultants Ltd which is authorisedand regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Welcome to our 100th episode of the ESPC Property Show! Can you believe it?! To celebrate, Paul & Megan reminisce on the last three years of podcasting as well as 55 years of ESPC. They finish up by sharing their top 10 pieces of advice from across all of the ESPC Property Show.CHAPTERS:0:00-1:16 We're podcast centenarians!

1:16-3:10 How many guests have we had?!

3:10-5:10 How have property prices changed since 1971?

5:10-8:25 How has ESPC changed in the last 55 years?

8:25-9:52 Listener feedback

10:24-13:10 BEST BIT 1: The cost of garden design

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5I8ztfJsDSL2yjijyn9ii7?si=T9OQPYlcQLOFrWiUqyMEBw

13:10-14:41 BEST BIT 2: Does duration of co-habitation make you "common law" married

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QVwcTW7ZfNJwAOFePqVVF?si=vivFOB4yQ_G9WTqjfOHkaA

14:41-16:46 BEST BIT 3: How does a first-time buyer know they're ready to buy

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KCaTzFocFTPPl29IlWNry?si=MatrB9lmRBOVnnMUZH7BoA

16:46-18:44 BEST BIT 4: How to stage your home for selling

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VDsCL4lJZ52tLBmvkApdT?si=ejBZis9ZQnKtp_0wGMq2Sw

18:44-21:16 BEST BIT 5: Creating a homeowners association

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39FaW6tLzQ7VwtyLcqZIUF?si=VX0S7KI1QVKyiSgpV2HF1A

21:16-24:01 BEST BIT 6: What is a Home Report?

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/04bnFzpXcYYLf8GTrQxgSo?si=xnB01JbhSe69Nr0snLLuPg

24:01-26:22 BEST BIT 7: Inheritance tax on gifted deposits

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Yf7gpYcHpYoZ12uX3FlBs?si=axKnhp3WQM2PCS9i68oLWQ

26:22-27:57 BEST BIT 8: How much money do first-time buyers need?

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vMqc7uAf8Jnqrmb7nuxTp?si=8ljSQI3oQgeigqjd7Ot5fg

27:57-30:50 BEST BIT 9: Where are overseas buyers coming from?

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bbAFBcqK9rLS0xg1dFxqp?si=51eMJKuJRD6IOzYbrnCiGg

30:50-33:15 BEST BIT 10: The role of architects in home buying

Watch the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/18NRF0W2G6Y5MHQc9p4LJL?si=tFiuwkIBRuyxsAqr4E_n6w

On today's episode, Paul & Megan sit down to dissect the latest Scottish Budget announcement and how it could affect the local property market. They touch on a lack of action on LBTT and first-time buyer relief, the proposed "mansion tax" and the increase to the Cladding Remediation fund. Plus, find out what is on the ESPC manigesto ahead of the upcoming Scottish election.

Chapters:

0:00-0:54 Intro

0:54-5:58 "mansion tax" practicalities

5:58-7:56 Cladding remediation

7:56-8:57 More affordable housing budget

8:57-11:10 No property tax changes

11:10-12:50 The ESPC manifesto