Just an update
Monday 21st July. This week's headlines:
Sprint 2: Smartr/Concert Hub Integration improvement now live
We are very pleased to confirm that the next Sprint work of improvements has gone live on Thursday 17 July th
In this release you will see the bulk of the improvement work, which is to contain:
NEW Document Upload facility within Concert Hub
–
ALL validation requirements around documents have been relaxed and instead an upload button will present to upload all relevant docs to it in a single Zip file upload. Please be aware that If you have already uploaded the documents for an inflight case, updating a single document to this new section on any in flight cases will allow the case to progress.
Validation improvements around Credit Commitments
– Unless the liability is to be consolidated you no longer need to record the interest rate Protection validations on a Mortgage case have been removed i.e. reason not addressed fields will no longer be presented to you
A further mini release will then follow on Thursday 24 July:th
A number of Field Default values will be added –defaulting several items to the most commonly used values, saving you time.
Click below to view/download a document that explains the above in more detail and contains screen shots for clarity
We are certain these improvements will further reduce the time spent in Concert Hub and remove current areas of friction.
Remaining Sprints
rd th
Our 3 Sprint expected week commencing 4 August (ahead of plan), is due to contain a number of validation improvements within Smartr’s end of the integration, which will in turn reduce further the number of validations (blue links) you are required to complete in Concert Hub:
Occupation Code mapping
Country of domicile mapping
NI Number format mapping
Product Code Update
th th
Our 4 and final Sprint expected by 18 August* (ahead of plan) will include:
Mandating of certain fields in Smartr365, that will then map to Concert Hub (currently optional fields, but mandatory in Concert Hub) reducing further the number of validations (blue links) you are required to complete in Concert Hub.
*some platforms will go live prior to this date
We will keep you posted on sprint 3&4, as we approach them.
Our incentive lasts over the summer and will end on the 31 August 2025. For each referral we receive using the link (see below) will be entered into a prize draw and the first drawn ticket shortly after the competition ends will win this fabulous LG 55” 4k Smart TV! st
Thank you to those of you who have referred already, your name is now in the hat for our prize draw – there remains plenty of time for everyone else to join!
We are looking for great candidates to join Just Mortgages! Whether they are currently employed or selfemployed. So, if you have friends, family or simply someone you know who may be interested in a no obligation discussion, please refer them to us.
Along with the chance of winning this fabulous TV, you will still be paid £1000 (£500 paid upon authorisation, further £500 after 6 months). There is no limit to how many candidates you can refer to us.
As a reminder, payment will still be made even if the advisor is to work under the referrer (principal)
Simply click on the following link HERE to refer
We’re excited to share a powerful line-up of online training sessions tailored specifically for mortgage and protection advisers like you. These interactive Webex workshops are designed to help you sharpen your skills, uncover new opportunities, and add even more value to your clients.
Whether you want to boost your lead generation, enhance your product knowledge, or grow your confidence with broker fees, there’s something here for everyone.
Upcoming Sessions:
�� Mastering Re-Mortgage Opportunities
�� 24 July | 10:00–12:00
Discover essential strategies to maximise your remortgage conversations and identify hidden opportunities. Book Here
�� USPs of Providers
�� 29 July | 10:00–12:00
Unlock the unique selling points of our providers to help match the right solution to the right client.
�� Creating Opportunities (Two Dates Available)
Packed with lead generation strategies and creative ideas to help you grow your client base and build stronger networks.
�� 31 July | 13:00–15:00 �� 07 August | 10:00–12:00
Book Here Book Here Book Here
�� Mastering Family Income Benefit
�� 13 August | 10:00–12:00
Explore how FIB can become a key part of your client conversations, offering tailored protection and peace of mind.
�� Mastering Broker Fees for Success
�� 29 August | 10:00–12:00
Understand the value of charging broker fees and how to introduce them confidently to secure a sustainable, successful future.
Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis—secure your place today and invest in your success.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Wellbeing Unplugged podcast – listen now
In this short episode featuring Sian Musial our wellbeing ambassador, we cover the highlights of our Wellbeing Assistance Programme – including why we introduced it and how it supports our self-employed advisers both proactively and in those moments when they might need a bit of extra help.
From 24/7 mental health support to financial guidance and family wellbeing tools, it’s all about making sure our advisers aren’t doing this alone.
At under 17 minutes long, put the kettle on and click below to listen: Listen Now
Our Wellbeing Programme is provided by Health
Assured, support for you and your immediate family members*, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling 0800 917 6470 . *Health Assured define immediate family members as spouse/partners and children aged 16 to 24 in full-time education, living in the same household.
Nationwide | Helping Hand minimum
income reductions
From Wednesday 16 July Nationwide have reduced the minimum incomes for both sole and joint applicants for their Helping Hand scheme.
Sole applicants - £30,000 (reduced from £35,000)
Joint applicants - £50,000 (reduced from £55,000)
This change follows the Prudential Regulation Authority’s (PRA) announcement that enables lenders to increase high loan to income (LTI) lending. Prior to the PRA announcement last week, lenders could only offer a limited amount of loans at or above 4.5 times a borrower’s income. This was capped at 15% of eligible new loans.
Nationwide have now applied to the PRA to increase their high LTI lending capacity, of which the vast majority is done through Helping Hand, which has helped around 60,000 first time buyers since launching in 2021.
As a reminder, with Helping Hand your first time buyers could borrow up to 6x their income. It's available:
Up to 95% LTV (including new build houses)
Across 5 and 10 year fixed rate mortgages
They'll also enjoy £500 cashback on completion - with up to £500 more for energy efficient homes.
Visit the Helping Hand Page
Good news for New Build!
Nationwide have announced that with immediate effect they will now offer increased LTVs and offer period in the new build space, helping more home movers and first time buyers into new build homes.
What has changed?
Our New Build loan to values (LTVs) have changed:
New Build flats 85% max LTV
New Build houses 95% max LTV
Where your New Build application is above 90% LTV, Nationwide do not accept builder gifted deposit or financial incentives.
Offer validity & extensions
Applications offered from 26 June 2025 are valid for 9 months (270 days), with no offer extension available.
Applications offered before 26 June 2025 are valid for 6 months (180 days).Nationwide will consider extending this by 45 days, subject to eligibility.
Visit the New Build Page
Get More with Aldermore series | Fraud Training Session now on demand!
Aldermore recently ran a knock out Fraud Training session. This contained real case studies, examples and information that many on the call had never seen before including some very open statistics & content.
If you missed this session, we are pleased to confirm that it is available now on demand!
Help keep you and your business safe by clicking below.
90% LTV now available
Pepper Money is thrilled to announce that its new 90% LTV products are now available across Pepper 48 and Pepper 36 on both 2- and 5-year fixed rates for purchase and remortgage.
These products are designed to support your clients with lower deposits or equity, from first-time buyers to existing homeowners looking to purchase, upsize, or remortgage. Pepper’s 90% products are another way Pepper is helping more customers fulfil their mortgage ambitions.
These products are available with Free Legals or £350 Cash
Back incentive for remortgages, and Free Valuation incentive on products with a £795 or £0 Completion Fee.
Here’s how Pepper can help:
Capital raising available up to the products maximum LTV limit
No debt-to-income ratio
No value limit on the amount of debt consolidation
Debts being cleared will be ignored for affordability
Mortgage arrears: No missed payments in 12 months
No value or volume limits on CCJs & defaults
Free legals available where we do not charge for repaying the debts
Important Paymentshield Mortgage Protection (ASU) Update
Following the announcement that Paymentshield reintroduced nemployment Cover within their Accident and Sickness product on 2nd June, Paymentshield have notified us that they are currently reviewing their position to include Product Transfers within one of the eligible Mortgage transactions.
Whilst this review takes place Paymentshield are unable to offer Mortgage Protection (ASU) to any new clients for Product Transfers.
We will provide an update on this position once this has been clarified by Paymentshield.
The latest issue of
L&G’s The
Link
In this edition L&G focus on the ways they adapt, innovate and maintain quality of business. The efforts L&G make, day in day out, to ensure customers always know that they’re here for life.
In this issue
Catching up on the BQAs – James Shattock covers L&G’s annual Business Quality Awards. Value over cost – Key tips for helping your customers understand the true value of protection. Introducing Joanne Coan – Catch up with L&G’s new Strategic Partnerships Director.
Plus, don’t miss
The latest Retail Protection claims stats that will transform your client conversations.
Interview with our very own Sarah-Jane Ashdown, Mortgage and Protection Adviser!
Permanent 95% mortgage guarantee launched – The UK government officially rolled out a permanent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, enabling first-time buyers to access 91–95% LTV mortgages. Backed by a £3.2bn cap and insurer protection, the scheme aims to boost loan availability for small-deposit buyers
LTI flow limit threshold increased – The PRA and FCA raised the high LTI lending cap threshold from £100m to £150m in annual residential mortgage flow. This change exempts smaller lenders and took effect on 11 July, with interim waivers continuing until June 2026
Regulators loosen LTI lending rules – The Bank of England adjusted guidance to allow lenders to issue more high-LTI loans (exceeding 4.5× income), expected to lift high-LTI lending from ~9.7% to ~11% by year-end, expanding access for around 36,000 additional households
Mortgage rates drop amid lender competition – Major banks like Halifax, Nationwide, Barclays, and HSBC slashed fixed mortgage rates. Two and five-year fixed deals are now averaging just above 5%, with some low-deposit deals dipping under 4%, as lenders anticipate a base-rate cut in August
Housing market remains flat – Latest Halifax and Nationwide data indicate UK house prices are broadly unchanged month-on-month. Market sentiment has shifted in favour of buyers, with regional variations and wage growth moderating affordability