Article preview: Some mortgage customers find it hard to shop around to get a cheaper deal. These so-called mortgage prisoners could find life more comfortable in the future after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced the removal of the barriers they face. New rules introduced by the FCA mean mortgage lenders can use a different and more proportionate affordability assessment for customers who meet specific criteria. It means that mortgage customers who are up-to-date with their payments on the existing mortgage and not looking to move house, or borrow more, should have a greater choice of new mortgage deals.