By Enzo Mora CEO and founder of The Mortgage Brain 

There's no doubt that the current roller coaster we're on with inflation figures, interest rates and house prices is making us grip tightly and close our eyes. 

If you're in the middle of trying to move, and that usually means buying and selling, the stress levels could be high. 

We're still finding mortgages for our customers, but we can't get away from the fact that borrowing is more expensive than this time last year. 

Some customers have reduced budgets and looked at buying a cheaper or smaller property to make the sums add up or, especially first-time buyers, have asked the bank of mum and dad or grandparents for help. 

Our advisers are very inventive and will put the latest offers on the table from lenders for you to consider so for example you'll find that 90% mortgages are still available.

Who's keeping the property market ticking?

According to current research from estate agent Savills, cash purchasers, those under 40 who need to move and others looking to relocate for work or a larger home for an expanding family are the driving forces. 

Sometimes you can't just put off a move so it's a case of biting the bullet and working out how you can afford to make it. Savills' data showed that there is market confident with +24% of people saying they would move in the next year compared to just +7% in August last year and +21% in November 2022. Higher interest rates and the cost-of-living increases also led to 22% of people decreasing their budget.

How long will it take to go green?

A new report from Rightmove suggests that more significant incentives need to become available to help homeowners and landlords with the cost of making green improvements to help them bring down running costs. Higher energy bills have contributed to one in five first-time buyers (19%) saying a property's energy efficiency will be a major factor when looking for their next home. 

Rightmove's data shows that if green improvements carry on at the same rate, it will take 43 years for 100% of the houses that are currently for sale across Great Britain to reach an EPC rating of A-C, and 31 years for houses that are currently available to rent. Sellers who have improved their home from an EPC rating of an F up to a C could command an average price premium of almost £56,000 (+15%) on top of the local house price growth. Let's hope Housing and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove comes up with a few incentives to go green.

Buying a property is still one of the best long-term investments you can make, and the cost of a mortgage isn't likely to go down considerably in the near future so it's a case of us getting used to the new norm. The house buying process isn't something you can second guess or go it alone. We're delighted that so many of our customers recommend us to their friends and families after we've helped them achieve what they thought was impossible. We're always here to help you on the ride however many hoops we have to go through.

To find out more about The Mortgage Brain, visit www.themortgagebrain.net or call 0333 340 8888.