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Tag: Stonebridge

  • Cloud Mortgages Switches to Stonebridge Network: What it Means for Borrowers in 2026

    Cloud Mortgages Switches to Stonebridge Network: What it Means for Borrowers in 2026

    As of 5th May 2026, Cloud Mortgages has transitioned its network from Primis to Stonebridge. This move comes as the firm expands its team from two advisers in 2025 to six, with plans to reach ten by the end of the year. Here’s what this means for different types of borrowers.

    Impact on First-Time Buyers

    Scenario: £250,000 Repayment Mortgage at 90% LTV

    For first-time buyers, assuming a £250,000 repayment mortgage at 90% LTV, the switch to Stonebridge could potentially offer more competitive rates. With the current base rate at 3.75% as of April 2026, a 0.25% reduction could decrease monthly payments from £1,194 to £1,163, a saving of £31 per month or £372 per year. This is a significant saving for those entering the property market for the first time.

    Effect on Remortgagers

    Scenario: £200,000 Repayment Mortgage at 75% LTV

    Remortgagers could also stand to benefit. For instance, a homeowner with a £200,000 repayment mortgage at 75% LTV could see their monthly payments drop from £1,020 to £997 with a 0.25% rate cut. This translates to a monthly saving of £23, or £276 annually. This saving could be used to pay off the mortgage faster or for other financial goals.

    Scenario: £300,000 Interest-Only Mortgage at 60% LTV

    For landlords with a £300,000 interest-only mortgage at 60% LTV, a 0.25% rate cut could reduce monthly payments from £750 to £725, a saving of £25 per month or £300 per year. This could improve rental yields and overall profitability for landlords.

    Market Context

    Compared to a year ago, the base rate has increased by 0.5%, from 3.25% in May 2025. This is a significant increase, and it has led to higher mortgage rates for many borrowers. The move by Cloud Mortgages to Stonebridge, a network known for its high level of service without high monthly fees, could be seen as a strategic response to these market conditions. Stonebridge’s CEO, Rob Clifford, has welcomed Cloud Mortgages, noting that the firm’s growth and strong customer service reputation make it a valuable addition to the network.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the current UK base rate?

    The current UK base rate, as set by the Bank of England, is 3.75% as of April 2026.

    How does the base rate affect my mortgage?

    The base rate influences the interest rates offered by lenders. A higher base rate often leads to higher mortgage rates, increasing the cost of borrowing. Conversely, a lower base rate can lead to lower mortgage rates, reducing borrowing costs.

    How has Cloud Mortgages grown recently?

    Cloud Mortgages has expanded from two advisers at the start of 2025 to six as of May 2026, with plans to reach a team of ten by the end of the year.

    What areas does Cloud Mortgages operate in?

    Cloud Mortgages operates across the Midlands, North West and Scotland, with a central team based in Nottingham.

  • Cloud Mortgages Joins Stonebridge Network: Impact on UK Mortgage Market in 2026

    Cloud Mortgages Joins Stonebridge Network: Impact on UK Mortgage Market in 2026

    Cloud Mortgages, a growing firm in the UK mortgage market, has joined the Stonebridge network, aiming to expand its team of advisers from six to ten by year-end. This move, announced on May 5, 2026, is expected to impact mortgage seekers, with potential benefits for both first-time buyers and remortgagers.

    Impact on First-Time Buyers

    Cloud Mortgages’ integration into the Stonebridge network could potentially offer more competitive rates to first-time buyers. Let’s consider a scenario where a first-time buyer is looking to purchase a property valued at £300,000 with a 90% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Assuming a fixed rate of 3.75%, the monthly repayment would be £1,393. However, with the increased competition and potential rate cuts, this could reduce to £1,350, saving the buyer £43 per month or £516 annually.

    Scenario for Buyers at 80% LTV

    For a first-time buyer purchasing a property at £400,000 with an 80% LTV, the monthly repayment at the current base rate of 3.75% would be £1,859. A potential rate cut to 3.5% would reduce the monthly payment to £1,798, resulting in an annual saving of £732.

    Implications for Remortgagers

    Remortgagers could also benefit from this development. For instance, a homeowner with a £250,000 mortgage at a 75% LTV, currently repaying at the base rate of 3.75%, would have monthly payments of £1,159. If Cloud Mortgages, through its association with Stonebridge, can offer a more competitive rate of 3.5%, this would reduce the monthly payment to £1,123, leading to an annual saving of £432.

    Scenario for Landlords on Interest-Only Mortgages

    A landlord with a £200,000 interest-only buy-to-let mortgage at the current base rate of 3.75% would have a monthly cost of £625. A potential reduction in the rate to 3.5% would lower the monthly cost to £583, providing an annual saving of £504.

    Market Context

    The UK base rate, as of April 2026, stands at 3.75%, a significant increase from 3.25% six months ago and 2.75% a year ago. This move by Cloud Mortgages comes at a time when the mortgage market is experiencing increased competition, which could potentially drive down rates, despite the rising base rate. The addition of Cloud Mortgages to the Stonebridge network, following the addition of Right Choice Mortgages in March, signifies Stonebridge’s expansion strategy and its potential impact on the current mortgage rates.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the significance of Cloud Mortgages joining the Stonebridge network?

    The move signifies an expansion strategy from Stonebridge, potentially leading to more competitive mortgage rates for borrowers. It also indicates growth for Cloud Mortgages, which plans to increase its team of advisers from six to ten by the end of 2026.

    How could this affect first-time buyers?

    First-time buyers could potentially benefit from more competitive rates. For instance, on a £300,000 mortgage at a 90% LTV, a rate reduction could save a buyer up to £516 annually.

    What does this mean for remortgagers?

    Remortgagers could also see benefits. On a £250,000 mortgage at a 75% LTV, a rate reduction from 3.75% to 3.5% could lead to an annual saving of £432.

    What is the current UK base rate?

    As of April 2026, the UK base rate is 3.75%, up from 3.25% six months ago, according to the Bank of England base rate.

  • Cloud Mortgages Joins Stonebridge Network: Impact on UK Mortgage Market in 2026

    Cloud Mortgages Joins Stonebridge Network: Impact on UK Mortgage Market in 2026

    Cloud Mortgages, a rapidly growing mortgage firm, has switched its network to Stonebridge from Primis. The firm, which has grown from two advisers in 2025 to six and plans to expand to 10 by the end of the year, is known for its strong customer service reputation. This move could potentially influence the mortgage rates and services available to borrowers in the Midlands, North West, and Scotland.

    Impact on Mortgage Rates and Services

    First-Time Buyer Scenario

    Consider a first-time buyer in Nottingham looking to purchase a property valued at £250,000 with a 90% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. With the current mortgage rates at 3.75%, their monthly repayment would be approximately £1,169. However, if Cloud Mortgages, under the Stonebridge network, were able to offer a competitive rate of 3.5%, the monthly repayment would decrease to £1,122, resulting in a yearly saving of £564. This could make homeownership more affordable for first-time buyers, especially in a market where property prices have been steadily rising.

    Remortgager Scenario

    A remortgager in the North West with a £200,000 mortgage at a 75% LTV could also benefit. At the current base rate of 3.75%, their monthly repayment would be around £926. If Cloud Mortgages were able to offer a lower rate of 3.5% under the Stonebridge network, the monthly repayment would drop to £898, resulting in a yearly saving of £336. This could provide significant relief for homeowners looking to remortgage, especially in a market where rates have been on an upward trend.

    Landlord Scenario

    For a landlord with a £200,000 interest-only buy-to-let mortgage, the monthly cost at the current base rate of 3.75% would be around £625. If Cloud Mortgages, under the new network, were able to offer a lower rate of 3.5%, the monthly cost would drop to £583, resulting in a yearly saving of £504. This could potentially increase rental yields for landlords in a market where rental demand is high but profits have been squeezed by rising costs.

    Market Context

    As of May 2026, the UK base rate stands at 3.75%, a significant increase from the 0.1% rate seen in May 2021 according to the Bank of England. This rise has led to increased mortgage rates across the board. Over the past year, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate has risen from 1.19% in May 2025 to 1.95% in May 2026, according to mortgage rate comparison data. Cloud Mortgages’ move to the Stonebridge network could potentially offer more competitive rates to borrowers, providing some relief in a market characterized by rising costs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does Cloud Mortgages’ switch to Stonebridge mean for borrowers?

    This move could potentially lead to more competitive mortgage rates and improved services for borrowers in the Midlands, North West, and Scotland.

    How could this move affect first-time buyers?

    First-time buyers could potentially benefit from lower mortgage rates. For example, a 0.25% reduction in rate on a £250,000 mortgage could lead to a yearly saving of £564.

    What could this mean for those looking to remortgage?

    Remortgagers could also benefit from lower rates. A 0.25% reduction on a £200,000 mortgage could result in a yearly saving of £336.

    How does this fit into the wider market context?

    In a market characterized by rising mortgage rates due to a higher base rate, Cloud Mortgages’ move to Stonebridge could potentially offer some relief to borrowers by providing more competitive rates.