LiveMore MPC comment

17 September 2026

Simon Webb, managing director of capital markets and finance at LiveMore:

“While the Bank of England has held rates again, the outlook for borrowers is far from certain. With inflation now at 3.1%, and energy prices creating further uncertainty, there is a real risk that rates remain higher for longer than many households had hoped.

“For older borrowers, the implications could be particularly significant. Those approaching or already in retirement may be refinancing on different incomes and over different timeframes to younger borrowers, while also facing rising household costs. A relatively small change in mortgage rates can therefore have a meaningful impact on affordability.

“At the same time, more homeowners are reaching later life with significant wealth tied up in their property. As the later-life lending market continues to grow, housing wealth will increasingly form part of the conversation around how people manage their finances in retirement.

“This makes it increasingly important that affordability is considered in the context of an individual borrower’s full financial circumstances. At LiveMore, we consider a wider range of possible income streams than traditional high street lenders, helping older borrowers access lending solutions that reflect their circumstances and requirements in later life.”