FCA announces simplified mortgage rules

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a package of reforms to the mortgage market rules to support borrowers to find it easier to remortgage, saving time and money.

The FCA says that under the new changes, borrowers will find it easier to reduce their mortgage term, helping to lower the total cost of borrowing and reduce the risk of repayment extending into retirement.  More easily remortgage with a new lender, helping them access cheaper products and also be able to discuss options with their mortgage provider and get advice when they need it. 

The FCA expects many borrowers to continue to benefit from regulated mortgage advice. Lenders are expected to consider what is appropriate to identify consumers who need advice or other support.

Emad Aladhal, Director of Retail Banking at the Financial Conduct Authority, said “We are helping more people navigate their financial lives by supporting those who can afford to buy a home and supporting competition in the mortgage market.

“Consumer needs have changed over recent years, and our rules are changing too. Today’s changes support growth by simplifying some of our rules, saving consumers time and money, while ensuring they still benefit from advice, where needed.

“We want lenders to use these changes to innovate and better serve aspiring homeowners and existing borrowers. These reforms are another significant step in our mortgage rule review, which we’re delivering quickly. They are supported by the strong protections we’ve already put in place for consumers in the mortgage market”.

As part of the changes, the FCA is also removing guidance that has served its purpose to reduce the regulatory burden.

Reform of the mortgage market is possible because of the high standards set by the FCA. These include effective affordability checks, support for those who get into financial difficulty and the Consumer Duty, which requires lenders to achieve good outcomes for borrowers.

Changes to the mortgage rules were included in the FCA’s letter to the Prime Minister earlier this year, linking with the goals in its strategy to help consumers and support growth.

While these changes are voluntary for firms, supporting sustainable home ownership and a competitive mortgage market is a collective responsibility. The FCA is playing its part and is encouraging firms to use these flexibilities to help broaden access, strengthen competition and support greater innovation and choice for consumers. 

Paul Matthews, Senior Director of Risk at Broadstone said “The FCA is taking significant steps to make it easier for consumers to make changes to their mortgages and get better support on their available options. The easing of regulation will allow lenders greater flexibility to innovate in the market and provider homeowners with more choice.

“Mortgage lenders operate in a highly regulated environment and so these latest reforms should support more flexible home ownership with minimal additional risk. Lenders will need to ensure their risk management and modelling framework is robust so they can continue to spot those consumers who need advice or other support.”