FCA acts to help 'mortgage prisoners' find cheaper deals

Mortgages Market Study

Julian Marr
clock • 3 min read

So-called 'mortgage prisoners' could soon be able to find a cheaper deal as a result of proposed changes from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on how lenders assess whether or not a customer can afford the loan.

In the final report of its Mortgages Market Study, MS16/2, published this morning (26 March), the FCA confirmed its earlier findings that the mortgage market is "working well in many respects but falls short of the FCA's vision in some specific ways". The regulator's consultation on new lending rules, CP19/14, forms part of a package of remedies that seek to help the market work better, particularly with regard to so-called ‘mortgage prisoners' - mortgage customers who have previously been unable to switch mortgages despite being up-to-date with their payments. In addition, the FCA's ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

FCA plans handbook update to remove 'unnecessary' rules

FCA plans handbook update to remove 'unnecessary' rules

‘Market practice has moved on from when we made the rules’

Jenna Brown
clock 09 December 2025 • 3 min read
FCA eyes bringing in standardised disclosure for model portfolios

FCA eyes bringing in standardised disclosure for model portfolios

Move would help consumers compare ‘more easily’

Cristian Angeloni
clock 08 December 2025 • 3 min read
FCA addresses 'misconceptions' on Consumer Duty co-manufacturing rules

FCA addresses 'misconceptions' on Consumer Duty co-manufacturing rules

‘It shouldn’t be possible for responsibility to slip between the cracks’

Jenna Brown
clock 08 December 2025 • 5 min read