Commenting on the Bank of England holding interest rates at 4.5% with increasing urgency for a lower number from homeowners, Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, said: “The Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates steady reflects the ongoing balancing act amid Trump-driven market uncertainty, tariff policies, and the UK's upcoming tax changes. The broader effect will hinge on how quickly lenders adjust mortgage rates and whether this holding pattern persists. For homeowners and prospective buyers, the appetite for lower rates, which should, in theory, make mortgages more affordable, is increasingly evident. Yet, with fixed mortgage rates staying stubbornly high despite earlier signs of easing, any immediate relief may be limited. Still, a more stable rate environment could gradually restore buyer confidence, particularly among those who've been holding back, waiting for clearer signals.

"For investors and developers, the path to rate cuts will be pivotal. Demand remains resilient, particularly in high-growth sectors like co-living and build-to-rent, where supply constraints continue to attract capital. As we approach a potential shift in government policy and economic direction, real estate stakeholders must stay nimble. Should rates fall, as some predict, this could spark a more sustained recovery in transaction volumes and investment flows. However, with uncertainty still looming, strategic financial planning remains essential to navigating the evolving landscape.”

ENDS

About ASK Partners

ASK is a specialist, independent property lender, established by an experienced team of three partners in 2016 to provide bespoke and flexible real estate finance solutions. Building a team to complement their own unique blend of skills, they have now lent in excess of £1.45bn across over 110 transactions. Every transaction is underwritten by ASK and the company has earned a reputation as a trustworthy partner.