Mortgage & affordability: UK mortgage rates dipped after six straight weeks of increases, but first-time buyers still face tight access as lenders run affordability stress tests; Martin Lewis also flags three common deal-breakers—overall affordability, the property type, and credit history. Buyer risk & regret: A new survey finds 37% of homeowners regret their purchase, with “can’t afford the mortgage bill” and hidden costs topping the list—so buyers are urged to plan for rate changes and budget beyond the offer price. Home value boosts (UK): One summer upgrade—air conditioning—could add roughly 1–3% to a home’s value, with higher uplifts in pricier areas as buyers increasingly screen for cooling. Local market watch: St. Charles Parish, Louisiana remains steady, but homeowners insurance costs are pushing payments higher and shaping negotiations. Home search speed (UK): A UK dataset says the average home takes 30 days to sell; Glasgow is fastest at about 11 days. Homebuyer “watch-outs”: Netherlands homeowners seeking heat pumps and batteries report pressure tactics, vague quotes, and misleading claims. Lifestyle & listings: Long Island’s luxury buyers are chasing “self-sufficient” homes (eggs, honey, even homegrown wine), while a rare New Jersey auction targets inclusionary affordable housing for 140+ units.