This week’s top headlines: HSBC launches auto loans and NatWest raises maximum LTI to 6.5x for high earners.
Check out these and other industry updates below:
HSBC introduces automatic remortgages
HSBC has become the first lender to launch LMS’s automated refund technology, which aims to speed up direct refund cases and reduce delays for sellers and borrowers.
The new system is designed to automate low-risk applications, giving clients upfront clarity on costs and legal requirements while allowing exporters to focus on more complex cases.
NatWest is increasing the maximum LTI to 6.5x for the highest earners
NatWest has increased its maximum loan-to-income ratio to 6.5 times for participating applicants earning more than £150,000, a move aimed at helping high earners protect themselves from large debts.
The change reflects growing competition among lenders to offer more flexible affordability rules, although experts warn borrowers should carefully consider the risks of taking on too much debt.
Halifax and BM Solutions cut prices as NatWest made increases
Halifax and BM Solutions are reducing mortgage rates across a range of home and buy-to-let products, while NatWest will increase rates for new and existing borrowers from 21 May.
Meanwhile, Accord Mortgages is strengthening its approach to affordability by raising the minimum income requirement for high-income mortgages for most residential applications.
A quarter of customers have been identified as vulnerable by the FOS
The Financial Ombudsman says a quarter of customers who lodged complaints last year were identified as vulnerable, a sharp rise from last year as risk detection efforts improve.
The findings come as FCA research shows many vulnerable customers still do not disclose their circumstances, despite those who often receive better support and understanding from financial firms.
Houses up 1.2% in May: Rightmove
Rightmove says the average asking price for homes coming on the market rose by 1.2% in May, although the housing market continues to show a clear north-south divide.
While prices are still rising in the more affordable northern regions, areas such as London and the South East are seeing a decline, as sellers face increased competition as the number of homes on the market reaches its highest level for this time of year since 2015.
The need for variable rates is doubled: Moneyfacts
Demand for tracker loans has doubled since last September, according to Moneyfacts, as borrowers respond to rising rates and uncertainty following recent global conflicts.
While two-year fixed deals are very popular, five-year fixes have lost their appeal as many borrowers opt for shorter commitment or riskier tracker products in anticipation of possible rate cuts in the future.
Average mortgage rates fall despite Labor leader turmoil: Moneyfacts
Average mortgage rates fell this week despite continued political uncertainty, with Moneyfacts reporting a slight decline in both two-year and five-year fixed rates.
However, lenders remain mixed in their pricing strategies, with rates being cut to remain competitive while others are raising or withdrawing products, reflecting continued volatility across the mortgage market.
Debt write-offs hit a record high of £8.7bn in Q1
The number of canceled loans reached a record £8.7 billion in Q1, according to Bank of England data analyzed by Novus Strategy, as rising cancellations continue to cost lenders more in processing and settlement costs.
The increase is linked to the volatile nature of mortgage lending, with industry experts warning that reducing cancellations will be key for lenders as the home buying process becomes more difficult.
Factories face inflation down to 2.8%.
Inflation in the UK fell to 2.8% in the year to April, down from 3.3% in March, providing relief to borrowers and raising hopes that loan rates may ease further.
However, analysts say the Bank of England will still take a cautious approach due to ongoing global uncertainty, including energy pressures and a weak labor market, meaning the outlook for interest rates remains unclear.
Marked movements in the Q1 network table
UK real estate networks are seeing significant movement in early 2026, with several large firms recording net losses in the number of appointed solicitors as advisers continue to prioritize compliance support, technology and fair exit criteria when selecting networks.
While other groups such as Stonebridge and HLP are acquiring firms, major networks including St James’s Place Wealth and Quilter have experienced significant exits amid intensifying competition and pressures to consolidate the industry.
