The Affordability Challenge

With consumers experiencing additional financial pressures from the rising cost of living and its knock on effects upon affordability, host Clare Beardmore, Head of Broker & Propositions, kicks off our 2022 Sparks programme with a look at how the current economic landscape is affecting the homebuying process for many customers and their ability to save deposits, afford rents or make mortgage payments. Clare and her panellists will look broadly at how soaring rents, rising inflation, interest rate changes, the ongoing energy crisis and the extended impact of the pandemic are affecting consumer finances, and what this means for mortgage affordability in the short and long term. They will discuss what support is currently available to help consumers who are experiencing financial challenges, and what more lenders can do going forward. This timely session aims to kick-start a conversation around supporting customers and their affordability challenges, which will be explored in more detail by the Club as the year progresses. Panellists are: Graham Sellar - Head of Business Development, Santander David Hollingworth - Associate Director, Communications, L&C Mortgages