By James Evans, Director, TouchPoint Mortgages.
The festive season might be one of the busiest times of the year — but for many, it’s also a rare chance to slow down, take stock, and plan ahead.
If you’re thinking about buying a home or remortgaging in 2026, the Christmas break is actually the perfect time to start getting mortgage ready.
Whether it’s reviewing your finances, checking your credit score, or avoiding small spending traps that could impact your borrowing, a little preparation now can make a big difference when you apply for a mortgage in the new year.
Once the presents are wrapped and the work emails stop, most of us finally get a few quiet days to think about our goals for the year ahead.
If buying a property or improving your mortgage deal is one of those goals, this quieter period is the perfect time to:
Review your current financial situation.
Set savings goals for a deposit or moving costs.
Check your credit report and fix any issues.
Speak to a mortgage broker about your options for 2026.
By starting early, you’ll be in a stronger position to move quickly when the right property or deal comes up in spring.
Getting mortgage ready for 2026 starts with understanding where your money is going.
Take time over the holidays to review your bank statements and regular payments. Identify any unnecessary subscriptions or expenses that could be reduced. Even small changes now can boost your deposit savings by the time you apply.
If you already own a home, consider reviewing your current mortgage. You can visit our Remortgages page for practical advice on how to prepare before your deal ends.
Your credit score plays a huge role in how much you can borrow and which mortgage rates you’ll qualify for.
Use free tools like Experian, Equifax, or ClearScore to review your report. Look out for any missed payments, outdated addresses, or errors that could affect your score — and take action early to fix them.
Avoid making lots of credit applications in a short period, as this can temporarily lower your score.
It’s tempting to use “PayPal in 3”, Klarna, or other buy now, pay later services over Christmas — especially when there are so many deals and gifts to buy.
While these can be convenient, they do appear on your credit file and can impact how lenders assess your affordability.
A few small BNPL purchases aren’t a problem, but heavy or regular use might make it look like you rely on short-term credit. If possible, try to limit these services as you work on getting mortgage ready for 2026.
Lenders look closely at your existing financial commitments when assessing a mortgage application.
If you can, aim to clear smaller credit card balances or personal loans before you apply. Even reducing minimum payments or consolidating certain debts can improve your affordability score — something we often discuss with clients here at TouchPoint Mortgages.
Getting professional advice early is one of the smartest ways to prepare.
A local mortgage broker can help you:
Understand your borrowing potential.
See what lenders are likely to offer you.
Plan how to improve your profile between now and your application date.
At TouchPoint Mortgages, we provide free initial advice for buyers and homeowners across Littlehampton, Rustington, and Angmering to help you prepare for your 2026 goals.
Even a few quiet hours over the Christmas break can make a huge difference.
By getting mortgage ready for 2026 now, you’ll start the new year ahead of the curve — with your finances, credit, and goals already lined up for success.
If you’d like to start planning early, get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat.
You can reach us here: touchpointmortgages.co.uk/contact
Send your message and we will be in touch, alternatively you can book an appointment to chat to one of our team.
