Justanupdate
Be SMARTR!
I am really pleased to say that Concert is getting easier as the number of missing information fields reduce, but those advisers that are seeing the biggest benefit are those that complete Smartr in its entirety and utilize Smartr's features integrated features.
Please use the link below to see how you can improve your Smartr process. This will not only make your life in Concert easier; but it will also save you significant processing time. Some of you have become so good at it that Concert is being completed in just fifteen minutes!
The short and snappy videos take you through maximising the client portal, how to use Smartr connect and the integrations for Experian and Paymentshield. These are all tools that when used fully, will save you time!
https://vimeo.com/user/193855310/folder/25086521
Refer a candidate….and WIN!
Do you know someone who could be our next SelfEmployed Adviser to join Just Mortgages?
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!
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 self-employed.
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
Remaining Smartr Sprints
Our third sprint started this week (ahead of plan) and 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
Our fourth and final Sprint expected by 18 August* (ahead of plan) will include:
Mandating of certain fields in Smartr365, that will thenmap 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.
they have been absolutely fantastic. If you missed out on the first two, fear not! There are plenty more available. The sessions are 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.
Creating opportunities
07 August | 10:00–12:00
Book Here
Packed with lead generation strategies and creative ideas to help you grow your client base and build stronger networks.
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, first served basis, secure your place today and invest in your success.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Aldermore – Criteria changes
Changes to Residential Concessionary purchase:
The key changes are:
Removing the current 75% max LTV criteria, and allowing loans to be considered up to 100% of purchase price, if standard LTVs are met (Level 3 cascade customers must provide at least 5%)
Broadening the scope of family members that can offer discounted purchase to include Aunts and Uncles
Accept Landlords providing an equity discount when selling to a sitting Tenant. The Equity gift can replace any customer deposit.
Allow a 50% maximum discount for inter-family sale and 25% maximum for landlord to tenant sale (this includes any additional gifted deposit amount).
Aldermore are also making changes to their LTV where a customer is fortunate to receive a builder or cash incentive with their house purchase. The maximum LTV is increasing from 85% to 90% for these applications. See the publication on their website which also explains the new changes: Concessionary purchase mortgages explained: a guide for brokers
Delayed Start mortgage and LTI limit updates.
It is what it says. A delayed start, with no repayments due for the first three months.
No more juggling the last month’s rent with the first month of the mortgage. No more struggling to free up cash for moving costs. Just breathing room to help your client really get settled. And don’t forget, Skipton have now increased their LTI limits for those with a sole/joint income of £40,000 or above.
Up to 5.5 x LTI for up to 90% LTV. 5 x LTI for more than 90% LTV. Skipton have also reduced the minimum income threshold from £50,000 to £40,000 for borrowers seeking an LTI above 4.49.
More about Delayed Start…
At least one applicant must be a first-time buyer. Interest will accrue from day one and will be added to the overall mortgage balance. This means your client will pay more in interest over the term of their mortgage and their monthly payments will be slightly higher. Full eligibility criteria can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like any further support, get in touch with your dedicated BDM.
Nationwide New Build Offer period extended to 9 months Nationwide are always striving to help more home movers and first-time buyers into New Build homes. And, to give more certainty to clients, they recently extended their offer period to 9 months on New Build properties.
As a reminder, Nationwide have also increased our LTVs. They will lend up to: 95% LTV for New Build houses.
85% LTV for New Build flats.
Paymentshield Unemployment cover
We are seeing a significant uplift in the number of enquiries for Unemployed cover. In case you missed it, Paymentshield have re-introduced Unemployment cover for new business.
Key highlights:
Mortgage Protection Overview: Mortgage Protection is designed to cover a customer's mortgage commitments in case of accident, sickness, or involuntary unemployment. The product also includes carer cover for immediate family members.
Cover Options: Customers can choose between accident and sickness only, or accident, sickness, and unemployment cover. The unemployment cover includes a 12-month benefit period and carer cover.
Eligibility: Customers must be 18-64 years old, work at least 16 hours a week, live in the UK, and be named on the mortgage agreement. Self-employed customers can also take out mortgage protection.
Cover Details: The maximum monthly benefit is 75% of the customer's monthly earned income before tax or £3,000, whichever is lower. Joint borrowers can purchase individual policies or a joint policy with a split benefit.
Waiting Periods: Various waiting periods are available, including 30 days back to day 1, 30 days with a 30-day excess, 60 days back to day 1, 60 days with a 30-day excess, and 180 days with a 30-day excess.
For more detailed information you can go to Paymentshield | Mortgage Protection Insurance; the Policy Booklet includes information such as what’s required to make a claim under the Unemployment Cover.
Exeter: Protecting
more of your clients
As you may know, Exeter have a fantastic Income Protection product that covers your every day IP clients. They do however have a few quirks that makes them a fantastic choice if you have clients that don’t fit the usual criteria. One of their standouts is their flexibility on BMI, they will typically look at clients with much higher BMI’s and can still offer cover. They cover Type 2 diabetes, clients that have had cancer (dependent on circumstances), and they will look to cover HIV positive customers.
Their life product, Real Life, is very different to every other provider as they can load up to 600% and they are looking for the cases that other providers don’t want! They key thing to note is that you won’t find Real Life on
• Mortgage applications surge as rates ease
In July, mortgage applications rose by 9.2% year‐on‐year, with remortgaging accounting for nearly 60% of activity. The average mortgage rate dropped to about 4.44%, saving a typical borrower around £890 annually.
• House prices steady; affordability improving
Nationwide reported a 0.6% rise in July, bringing the average house price to £272,664, with annual growth at 2.4%. Affordability has improved, as house prices are now 5.75× average income—the lowest ratio in over a decade.
• Regulatory reform: Higher-income multiples allowed
The Bank of England has relaxed loan‐to‐income caps, permitting lenders to exceed previous limits—intended to enable an additional ~36,000 first-time buyer mortgages per year.
• Permanent mortgage guarantee scheme launched
From mid-July, a permanent government-backed scheme offers 91–95% LTV mortgages for buyers with 5% deposits. It replaces the previous program and is expected to boost access for lower‐deposit buyers, though long-term affordability remains a concern.
• BoE cut interest rates
With inflation still above target (≈3.6%) and economic conditions cooling, last week the Bank of England cut it's base rate from 4.25% to 4%, with further reductions likely later in 2025. Their aim is to further stimulate activity in the market as the year progresses.