UK homebuyers face worst mortgage affordability since 2008, data shows

UK homebuyers faced the worst mortgage affordability since 2008 last year, while a missile strike on a Qatari gas complex has severely disrupted global energy supplies, new data shows^[1][2].

Initial mortgage repayments consumed 21.3% of a buyer's gross income nationwide in 2025, the highest share since the financial crisis^[1]. The burden was uneven, with the 'least affordable' areas being north Norfolk and the west London borough of Hillingdon, where repayments exceeded 25% of income^[1]. In contrast, seven of the ten most affordable local authority areas were in Scotland, led by East Ayrshire and Inverclyde at 17%^[1]. The City of London ranked as the third most affordable area due to purchases by high-income earners, a quirk of the analysis^[1]. Separately, an Iranian ballistic missile strike on Qatar's main Ras Laffan gas complex knocked out 17% of global liquefied natural gas supply^[2]. The attack cost QatarEnergy an estimated $20bn (£15bn) in lost annual revenue and disrupted supplies to key Asian markets^[2]. The broader conflict has caused up to $58bn in damage across the Gulf, with over 80 facilities hit^[2]. The World Bank has cut its 2025 growth forecast for the Middle East to 1.8%, warning of potential long-term economic 'scarring' from the fallout^[2].