More mortgages for all

First-time buyers and self-employed could find it easier to get on property ladder

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First-time buyers, self-employed people and older borrowers could find it easier to access mortgage finance under plans from the City regulator to modernise rules to reflect changes in how people live now and in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it wants to enable “the mortgage market of the future”, with a market that adapts to fast-changing technology, employment and demographic shifts, and people's need and expectations, throughout their lives and into their later years.

The FCA will start to consult on proposed rule changes from early 2026 and aims to have the first rule changes in place later that year.

It is focusing on four areas: first-time buyers and underserved customers; later life lending; innovation and disclosure; and protecting vulnerable customers.