The Rettie Blog

There’s a renewed sense of opportunity in the housing market and this time, it’s backed up by data. If you’re thinking about buying your first home or making a move this year, now is a smart time to pause and take stock. With the release of Skipton Building Society’s latest Affordability Index and the insights from the Rettie Spring Briefing 2025, we’re seeing a welcome shift: buying is becoming more affordable again - and in many areas, it's once again cheaper than renting.

When it comes to the Southside of Edinburgh, the Rettie team know it well. From charming cafés to hidden boutiques, this vibrant part of the city is home to some of our favourite local gems. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting, the Southside offers a unique blend of culture, and character, wrapped up in its welcoming neighbourhoods.

At Rettie, our commitment to creating new possibilities in property drives everything we do, and we’re proud to introduce Later Life Lending, a service designed to help homeowners over 50 access the value tied up in their property.

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s a great time to reflect on what's been a turbulent yet transformative year in the UK mortgage market. The past 12 months have been shaped by many of the same forces that have dominated recent years - economic uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical tensions.

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, many of us take a moment to reflect on the past year and plan for the year ahead. While you’re celebrating with family and friends, it’s the perfect time to think about your financial well-being—starting with your mortgage. A little prep now can help set you up for long-term stability and savings.

In the lead-up to the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and assess your financial situation with a financial health check. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but regularly reviewing your finances ensures you are on track for your goals and prepared for whatever the future may bring.

As we approach the holiday season, it's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of presents, food, and family gatherings. But amidst the festivities, it’s important to take a step back and think about your family’s future security.

As we approach Scottish Housing Day on Thursday 18th September, the focus this year is on "Homes for Life." It's a perfect opportunity to reflect on how the housing sector in Scotland can better support people in later life, especially as needs and priorities evolve.

No Matter Your EPC Rating, Claim Up to £2,000 for Green Home Improvements with Halifax.

So, you’re looking to buy your own home but finances are a bit tight. Luckily, you can always count on a little help from your friends, so you agree to invest in a property with a mate, spreading the costs between the two of you. Although this seems simple enough in principle, there are still legal considerations to bear in mind and documents you should have in place.

Interest rates have risen 14 times in short order from 0.10% in March 2020 to 5.25% in August 2023 where they have remained. Higher interest rates mean different things for different people. An increase in mortgage cost for borrowers versus investment return opportunities for those with savings. In this piece, we partner Rettie Financial Services and Hamilton Financial to look at the interest rate outlook, the impact of interest rates on personal finances and consider several scenarios and what it could mean for both savers and borrowers.

Are you a first time buyer who's been struggling to save up for a deposit on your dream home? Skipton Building Society may have the solution for you. They've launched a new mortgage product designed specifically for first time buyers who are currently renting. With this product, eligible applicants can borrow up to 100% LTV without needing a deposit, as long as they can demonstrate a track record of paying rent and household bills consistently for at least 12 months within the last 18 months.