SMARTR Support Webinars, More sessions now available!!
Following on from last weeks update, I am delighted to say that the next dates have been released to extend the run of fabulous support sessions offered by our amazing L&D Team!
The sole purpose of these sessions is to help you successfully navigate through the system in a time efficient way so that you can help more clients and write more business!
Trouble Shooting
19 Aug 09.30
Aug 11.00
Aug 13.00
19 Aug 11.00
21 Aug 09.30 21 Aug 14.30
If you are struggling to make any of these sessions, fear not! Our Smartr online videos are still available for any support you need around the integrated features on Smartr which, when utilised will save you time!
https://vimeo com/user/193855310/folder/25086521
and there are still some spaces left! This one is an amazing session focussing on how you can drive more income through broker fees. With insights on how to position the broker fee, using charging structures and much more, this is a great session to get involved with if you want to earn more money!
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.
https://mylearningspace.thinqi.co.uk/events/3c722b21003e-413d-8702-2aa3476af647/overview
We look forward to seeing you there!
laptop to cybercriminals.
This may have resulted in cloning all client data, lender logins, and sensitive PII. The fallout included costly Experian protection, downtime, and significant stress.
DO:
Upload client documents to Smartr/Concert immediately, then delete them from your laptop and empty the recycle bin.
Remove any existing client PII from your device. Keep system and lender passwords off your laptop. Change router password, isolate your laptop, and shut it down if attacked.
Change all passwords immediately. Contact your IT provider and report the incident to management right away.
DON’T:
Store client PII or lender/system passwords on your laptop.
Call any phone number displayed by suspicious popups.
Key takeaway: A little data housekeeping now can prevent major losses later. Treat cyber-security as essential, not optional.
Santander
to improve LTI multiples so clients could borrow more
On Tuesday 12 August, Santander improved their loan to income multiples (LTIs). This, together with the March affordability rate improvements, means Santander could help many more of your clients secure the mortgage amount they need.
They are simplifying their repayment and interest only LTI multiples and increasing their LTI multiples for loans up to and including 90% LTV for repayment mortgages.
How will this benefit your clients?
75-85% LTV – combined income of £100,000 or more could borrow an extra 10%.85-90% LTV – combined income of £45,000 to less than £100,000 could borrow an extra 12%.85-90% LTV – combined income of £100,000 or more could borrow an extra 24%.
Halifax Intermediaries –
Level 2 survey and valuation changes
From Monday 11 August when a customer chooses a Level 2 survey and valuation, e-surv will provide an improved survey report known as HomePlus.
A new Level 2 valuation fee scale will also apply.
Key changes
A HomePlus survey report offers a number of improved features:
• A digitally interactive portal. This means customers can download a pdf copy of the report on their mobile, tablet or computer
• Neighbourhood information including schools, demographics, crime statistics and amenities
• Defects ranked in order of their severity. There are also photos which customers can share with trades people or conveyancers
• Links to cost guides for repairs, and tools to find vetted trades people
• An EPC rating and energy savings improvement plan
Barclays new application system now live
Barclays have, as of last week, released a more intuitive, joined-up application journey that early adopters are already using to complete cases in just 15 minutes on average.
So, explore your new mortgage journey today – quicker, clearer, and built with you in mind. Welcome to a simpler and better Barclays.
Video: https://www.media.barclays.co.uk/serve/1905777072635.mp4
Precise: See the difference 6x income
can make
When other lenders say no, Precise could say yes. Since launch, brokers have been telling Precise how powerful their income multiples proposition is, helping more customers secure the homes they want.
With up to 6x income, up to 95% LTV, and no profession restrictions, they are often opening up options where others won’t.
Affordability with added sprinkles.
Up to 6x income for borrowers with recent adverse (subject to credit scoring)
Up to 6x income for all occupations, no minimum income
Up to 6x income for first-time buyers, home movers and those remortgaging
Affordability is assessed, but no debt-to-income ratio is used
Income Protection (IP) with Aviva
Aviva remain determined to enhance their income protection proposition and it remains one of the strongest on the market. Here are some of the headlines.
Up to 65% of earnings protected (capped at £20,000/month), plus a benefit guarantee against salary reduction.
Own-occupation coverage ensures payouts continue if you cannot perform your specific role
Generous additional features include automatic waiver of premium, flexible indexing (3–5% or inflation-linked), and specialized deferral options for medical professionals.
Policyholders also benefit from Aviva DigiCare+, an award-winning wellness app that provides health and wellbeing support at no extra cost.
Aviva’s decisive reputation in fulfilling claims—98% of individual protection claims, including life and terminal illness benefits, were paid in 2024—is a standout reassurance.
Vitality continues to pioneer the additional benefits associated with their insurance policies. Their proposition is totally unique, offering a wide range of benefits to customers in addition to the peace of mind that they are fully protection. Here are a few as reminder:
Integrated Personal Protection Plan – Combine life cover, serious illness (critical illness), and income protection under one flexible plan, with optional children’s cover and lifestyle benefits.
Severity-based Serious Illness Cover – Covers up to 182 conditions, pays out based on severity (not just all-or-nothing), and allows multiple claims over the life of the policy, including dementia/frail-care benefits.
Health & Wellbeing Rewards – Unique Vitality Programme rewards healthy behaviours with premium discounts (up to 40%) and perks such as gym memberships, cinema tickets, and tech rewards (e.g., Apple Watch).
Ongoing Engagement – Encourages regular health checks, activity tracking, and preventative care, making protection an active, year-round benefit rather than a passive policy.
Income Protection with Added Support – Flexible cover with rehabilitation support, return-to-work bonuses, and fewer exclusions, designed to help clients recover and resume normal life faster.
Partner
Ecosystem – Extensive network of retail, travel, and leisure partners enhances value beyond the core insurance product.
Bank of England rate cut
On 7 August, the Bank slashed its base rate from 4.25% to 4.00%, the fifth reduction in a year. The vote was narrowly passed 5–4 amid rising inflation concerns, expected to peak at 4% in September.
Impact on mortgage rates & deals
Tracker and SVR borrowers (e.g. ~590,000 households) will benefit, with an average monthly saving of around £29. Fixed-rate products have also dipped—some two- and five-year deals now fall below 5%, with select offers under 3.8% for well-qualified borrowers.
Lender rate reductions & product shifts
Major lenders including Halifax, Nationwide, TSB, Santander, and Coventry have all trimmed fixed-rate offerings by up to 0.3 percentage points. Halifax now offers two-year fixes as low as 3.81%, while average twoyear fixed rates hover around 3.90%
House price movement
July saw a 0.4% monthly rise in average UK house prices— now £298,237—with annual growth of 2.4%, driven by stronger northern regions. However, asking prices fell by 1.2%, suggesting seller pressure.