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Mortgages


  • Christmas to halt house price recovery
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.11.09
    Recent house price gains are expected to unravel over the next three months as people focus on Christmas rather than the home-buying process.
  • House price recovery falters
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.10.09
    Latest figures from Nationwide suggest the recovery in the housing market has faltered, with just a slight increase in property prices in October.
  • How will the mortgage reform affect you?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.10.09
    All mortgage borrowers will have to undertake affordability tests, meaning the end of so-called self-certification mortgages, under new plans announced this week.
  • Mortgage market set for shake-up
    Rhian Nicholson
    19.10.09
    Lenders will have to carry out tougher checks on borrowers' income including existing loans and spending habits before giving them a mortgage.
  • Stamp duty holiday boosts house prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.10.09
    October saw the highest rise in asking prices for six years as homeowners looked to take advantage of the final months of the stamp duty exemption.
  • Refunds for mortgage insurance customers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.10.09
    Around one million homeowners who were mis-sold payment protection insurance on their mortgages could claim refunds over around £60 million under new measures unveiled by the watchdog.
  • Mortgage lending stabilising
    Tanya Powley
    23.09.09
    More signs are emerging that mortgage lending has stabilised for the main high street banks, the British Bankers' Association has said.
  • Rate squeeze on first-time buyers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.09.09
    First-time buyers and borrowers with small deposits are being squeezed by mortgage lenders despite a fall in the cost of lending.
  • House prices propped up by short supply
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.09.09
    House prices are being supported by a shortage of property for sale, with Rightmove reporting the lowest stock levels for 18 months.
  • Mortgage lending picks up
    Tanya Powley
    20.08.09
    Mortgage lending increased by a quarter in July as the housing market continues to show green shoots of recovery, figures show.
  • Lloyds named largest lender
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.08.09
    Lloyds Banking Group has been named the UK's biggest mortgage lender, closely followed by Santander and Nationwide.
  • Confidence improves, but house prices still fall
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.08.09
    Three quarters of homeowners think house prices will not fall further over the next year, as sentiment about the outlook for the property market improves during the summer.
  • Lack of supply boosts house prices
    Johanna Gornitzki
    11.08.09
    A shortage of properties in the UK helped house prices rise during July, according to a report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
  • RICS upbeat on house prices
    Hannah Ricci
    06.08.09
    There's more optimism in the housing market today, with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors predicting house prices will end the year higher than they started
  • House prices rise in July
    Hannah Ricci
    05.08.09
    Hope is on the horizon today for homeowners, after Halifax reported a 1.1% increase in house prices in July.
  • Don't be beaten by the mortgage mayhem
    Sam Barrett
    23.07.09
    With mortgage lenders on the retreat, what are your chances of finding the right deal for you? Sam Barrett shows there are still options available on the market.
  • Nationwide offers 125% mortgage
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.07.09
    Nationwide has launched a new scheme that allows customers to borrow up to 125% of a property's value.
  • Health warning on mortgages and pensions
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.07.09
    Mortgages, pensions and other financial products could be issued with traffic-light ratings in a similar way to food, as part of government plans to improve transparency for customers.
  • Housing market recovery stalls
    Chris Thomas
    29.06.09
    Hopes of a housing market recovery have suffered another set back after weaker-than-expected data revealed times are still extremely tough in the property sector.
  • Four buyers for every property
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.06.09
    Demand for housing is now outstripping supply - with four house hunters for every property - but a fall in mortgage lending in May means this demand may not translate into sales.
  • Nationwide hikes mortgage rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.06.09
    Mortgage borrowers have been dealt a blow after Nationwide announced interest rate hikes across its fixed-rate mortgage range.
  • Moneywise Mortgage Awards 2009
    Liam Tarry
    10.06.09
    Despite the slowing mortgage market, there are still some good deals around. Liam Tarry reveals where you can find them in this year's Moneywise Mortgage Awards.
  • Should you fix your mortgage?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.06.09
    Deciding whether to opt for a tracker or fixed-rate mortgage is a touch call at the moment. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the pros and cons.
  • What next for house prices?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.05.09
    Does the house price increase seen in May suggest the beginning of the end, or could changes to supply and demand actually result in bigger falls down the line?
  • Should mortgages be restricted by income?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.05.09
    A recent report suggested that mortgages could be restricted by a borrower's income, rather than their overall ability to afford a loan. But is this fair on low earners?
  • Mortgages at five-year low
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.05.09
    Mortgages are now at their cheapest level since 2004 - for borrowers able to put down deposits of 25% of more.
  • House price falls not over yet
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.05.09
    One of the UK's biggest mortgage lenders has warned that house price falls are far from over.
  • Banks increase mortgage activity
    Chris Thomas
    01.05.09
    Mortgage approvals continue to increase as banks' appetite for lending grows - but experts warn that such green shoots do not signal the beginning of the end.  
  • Confidence is key to housing recovery
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.04.09
    The housing market cannot recover until consumer confidence does, with house prices likely to continue falling for the rest of 2009 and beyond, experts have warned.
  • Halifax offers to pay stamp duty
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.04.09
    First-time buyers have been warned against being seduced by a new mortgage from Halifax that promises to pay their stamp duty.
  • Housing market dealt double blow
    Chris Thomas
    27.04.09
    Hopes of a recovery in the housing market were dealt a double blow today, with news that house prices fell again in April and mortgage lending among Britain's biggest banks fell for the first time in four months in March.
  • House sales up 40% in March
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.04.09
    House sales jumped by 40% during March, but remain well compared to the same month last year and at the height of the housing market boom in 2007.
  • Could you defer your mortgage payments?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.04.09
    Homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage debt could be offered lower monthly repayments as part of a new Government and banking initiative.
  • Middle-classes rush to downsize
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.04.09
    Record numbers of middle-class homeowners with £500,000 plus properties are desperate to offload their homes as the economic slump hits 'white collar' workers hard.
  • Could you slash your mortgage costs?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.03.09
    Some borrowers could be better off redeeming their mortgage early and paying a fee to take advantage of lower rates currently on offer.
  • Recovery signs for the housing market
    Jim Moore
    24.03.09
    There were fresh signs of recovery in the housing market today. as the BBA released figures showing the third monthly rise in mortgage approvals.
  • Escape the negative equity trap
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.03.09
    House prices could plummet by a further 55% - pushing up to six million homeowners into negative equity. But there are ways to escape the negative equity trap.
  • Can Northern Rock rescue the mortgage market?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.02.09
    The Government has confirmed that Northern Rock is to ramp up its mortgage lending to £14 billion by 2011, but experts are divided on whether this will help kick-start the mortgage market.
  • Northern Rock to expand mortgage lending
    Liam Tarry
    23.02.09
    State-owned bank Northern Rock is to increase the number of mortgages it lends, as part of the government's plans to kick-start the housing market.
  • Fight for your money
    Liam Tarry
    10.02.09
    Everyone's heard stories of banks and insurance companies taking our money and then failing to deliver. Liam Tarry shows how you can boost your finances by fighting back.
  • House prices must fall further
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.02.09
    House prices need to fall further before the housing market can begin to recover, experts have warned.
  • Take cover with mortgage protection
    Sam Barrett
    04.02.09
    As recession looms, it makes even more sense to take out insurance to cover your mortgage and provide for your family in case disaster strikes. Sam Barrett looks at the options.
  • Is a housing market recovery in sight?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.01.09
    Falling house prices are starting to tempt buyers back into the market and, this week, Woolwich launched the cheapest mortgage deal in its 160-year history. So, is a housing market recovery in sight?
  • House prices fall further in January
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.01.09
    House prices dropped further in January, with a further 1.3% fall in values during the month, with little sign of improvement on the horizon.
  • Lending at eight-year low
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.01.09
    December saw the lowest level of mortgage lending for nearly eight years with approvals on home loans plummeting 47% since the same month in 2007.
  • Will the bail-out help your finances?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.01.09
    The Government has introduced a package of measures designed to get banks lending to you again. But what impact will the second bail-out have on borrowers and savers?
  • Mortgage rescue plan extended
    Liam Tarry
    16.01.09
    Struggling homeowners are now able to defer their mortgage payments for two years, or sell their homes to the local authority without having to move out. But experts are unimpressed.
  • Are green deals a gift or a gimmick?
    Hannah Ricci
    13.01.09
    From loans to credit cards, there are now many products that claim they can help us do our bit to combat climate change. Hannah Ricci casts a critical eye over their green credentials.
  • Beat falling house prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.01.09
    With house prices continuing to fall and showing no signs of slowing, people looking to remortgage this year could find they no longer qualify for the better deals as the equity in their homes gets eaten into.
  • Fresh hope for homeowners in 2009?
    Johanna Gornitzki
    17.12.08
    Worried by the turmoil in the housing market? Johanna Gornitzki asks the experts what they think the coming year holds in store for homeowners.
  • More pressure on housing market
    Rhian Nicholson
    04.12.08
    The housing market came under further strain in November, with prices suffering their sharpest drop since the crash of the early 1990s.
  • How to make those crucial money decisions
    Sam Barrett
    26.11.08
    There can be big differences between the best and worst financial products. Sam Barrett helps you work out when you can make those crucial financial decisions yourself and when to get professional advice.
  • More help needed for homebuyers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.11.08
    Alistair Darling has been urged to do more to help mortgage banks lend to home buyers, as figures reveal a 44% fall in the number of approved home loans since 2007.
  • Lenders pull tracker mortgages
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.11.08
    Several lenders, including Nationwide and Alliance and Leicester, have withdrawn their tracker mortgages as interest rates continue to fall.
  • The great interest rate swindle
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.11.08
    Interest rates may have been slashed, but thousands of mortgage borrowers may not benefit from cuts, as lenders are unlikely to pass the full savings on.
  • Banks may refuse to cut mortgage rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.11.08
    Borrowers have been warned not to expect mortgage rates to come down despite signs that interbank lending is getting cheaper.
  • Is buy-to-let dead?
    Liam Tarry
    03.10.08
    Following the nationalisation of Bradford and Bingley, the UK's largest buy-to-let lender, and the withdrawal of some 500 landlord loans, Liam Tarry asks: is buy-to-let dead?
  • How will bail-out rejection affect you?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.09.08
    News that US Congress has rejected the $700 billion plans to bail-out Wall Street could have long-lasting global repercussions.
  • Housing slowdown not over yet
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.09.08
    Mortgage lending hit record lows in August official figures show today, suggesting the market slowdown still has some way to go.
  • B&B shares hit record low
    Rhian Nicholson
    25.09.08
    Shares in beleaugered mortgage lender Bradford & Bingley hit a record low following the unveiling of cost-cutting plans.
  • Mortgage lender fined £1.12 million
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.09.08
    Subprime mortgage lender GE Money Home Lending has been fined a whopping £1.12 million by the financial regulator for leaving nearly 700 borrowers at a financial loss.
  • Mortgage approvals hit record low
    Chris Thomas
    23.09.08
    Mortgage approvals for house purchases fell 64% year-on-year in August to just 21,086 - highlighting the continued housing slowdown.
  • Stamp duty exemption finally unveiled
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.09.08
    Properties under £175,000 are to be exempt from stamp duty for one year from 3 September, the Government has confirmed today.
  • House prices fall 5.3% in August
    01.09.08
    House prices fell for an 11th straight month in August - standing at 5.3% lower than a year earlier, a survey by property consultants Hometrack has shown.
  • House prices tumble 10.5%
    Liam Tarry
    28.08.08
    House prices have fallen by 10.5% since last year as negative sentiment effectively freezes the market.
  • Buyers must find £40k for best mortgages
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.08.08
    Homebuyers now need at least £40,000 spare cash to put down as a deposit if they want to secure one of the more competitive mortgage deals.
  • More lenders slash rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.08.08
    More lenders are cutting mortgage rates but banks continue to squeeze borrowers unable to put down large deposits.
  • Buy-to-let market to shrink by two-thirds
    18.08.08
    The amount of privately rented accommodation is likely to shrink by about two-thirds in the next few years as more investors pile out of the buy-to-let market, a report has said.
  • House prices fall 4.8% in August
    18.08.08
    House prices fell 4.8% year-on-year in August, a survey by property website Rightmove has showed - the fastest fall since the series began six years ago.
  • London house prices hit hardest in July
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.08.08
    Londoners are suffering the worst impact of the housing market downturn with asking prices falling by £21,000 over the past month.
  • House prices fall as sales hit record low
    12.08.08
    House prices fell a little less than expected in July but sales per real estate firm hit a record low, reinforcing evidence of a marked economic slowdown.
  • House prices fall 1.7% in July
    Liam Tarry
    07.08.08
    House prices fell by 1.7% in July as the rising cost of living and continued lack of mortgage funding curbed demand from potential homeowners, according to Halifax.
  • Is Brown set to scrap stamp duty?
    Liam Tarry
    05.08.08
    There is mounting speculation that Gordon Brown is considering a temporary suspension of stamp duty in an attempt to kick-start the flagging property market.
  • Housing market pain grows in June
    29.07.08
    Approvals for home loans in June hit their lowest ever rates and retail sales fell at their fastest pace in at least a quarter century as a housing market downturn threatens to derail the whole economy.
  • FSA warns lenders on mortgage fraud
    22.07.08
    The FSA has said it has warned mortgage lenders about the risk of fraud as the economy worsens and has outlined its own plans to tackle financial crime.
  • House prices fall 2% in July
    21.07.08
    Asking prices for homes in England and Wales fell 2% year-on-year in July, a survey on Monday - the first annual fall since the series began six years ago.
  • House price growth slows in May
    08.07.08
    House price growth slowed further in May, Government figures show, reinforcing widespread evidence that a sharp housing market downturn is underway.
  • May mortgage approvals plummet
    30.06.08
    Approvals for new home loans plummeted in May to a record low, in a sign that house prices will fall sharply in the coming months.
  • House prices fall for ninth month running
    29.06.08
    House prices in England and Wales fell for a ninth month running in June, leaving them 3.2% lower than a year ago, according to property research company Hometrack.
  • Mortgage fees under the spotlight
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.06.08
    Alistair Darling has warned mortgage lenders not to take advantage of borrowers by charging unfair arrangement fees. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Property asking prices up 0.1%
    22.06.08
    Asking prices for homes in England and Wales stood 0.1% higher on a year ago in June, with the rate of annual price growth cooling from 2.2% in May.
  • HBOS warns of sharp house price fall
    19.06.08
    HBOS, Britain's biggest mortgage lender, warned of a sharper fall in house prices and said more of its customers were falling behind on their repayments.
  • Top tips for remortgaging
    Harriet Meyer
    17.06.08
    It may be a difficult time in the mortgage market, but if you follow Harriet Meyer's advice you can still net yourself a better deal.
  • Nationwide hikes fixed rate mortgages
    16.06.08
    Britain's second largest mortgage lender, Nationwide, has said it would hike the cost of some of its mortgages by up to half a percentage point.
  • House sales slump to 30-year low
    Liam Tarry
    10.06.08
    House sales are at a 30-year low, a report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has revealed. Liam Tarry reports.
  • Housing sentiment improves marginally in May
    10.06.08
    Sentiment in the housing market improved marginally in May, a survey showed on Tuesday, but prices continued to fall at close to their fastest rate in at least 30 years.
  • House prices fall 2.4%
    05.06.08
    House prices fell a larger than expected 2.4% in May, the country's biggest mortgage lender said today, providing further evidence the property market downturn is gathering pace.
  • Housing market shows signs of meltdown
    05.06.08
    Two bellwethers of the housing market gave further evidence of the industry's downturn, but the sector has been so battered in recent sessions that share prices rose on Thursday.
  • Can you trust a new build home?
    Laura Howard
    29.05.08
    When you move into a new build, you expect at least a few years' trouble-free life, but too often it's not the case reports Laura Howard.
  • Abbey ups mortgage rates
    28.05.08
    Abbey has raised rates on some fixed-rate mortgages on the back of rising borrowing costs, just a week after announcing more rate cuts to lure new customers.
  • House prices fall 1.9% in May
    26.05.08
    House prices in England and Wales fell for an eighth month running in May, leaving them 1.9% lower than a year ago.
  • House prices to fall 7%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.05.08
    House prices will fall by 7% in 2008 as restricted mortgage lending continues to freeze the housing market, mortgage lenders have predicted.
  • First Direct reopens doors to new customers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.05.08
    Following its decision to close its doors in April due to a backlog, First Direct has started selling mortgages to new customers again, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Brown to reveal housing market plan
    14.05.08
    Gordon Brown will today set out plans to shore up the creaking housing market as part of a drive to reverse a slide in government support.
  • Housing downturn gathers pace
    13.05.08
    House prices suffered their most widespread decline across Britain for 30 years and retail sales fell for a second consecutive month in April.
  • Help pledged over repossessions
    09.05.08
    The Government has announced plans to boost debt advice and provide free legal aid to help homeowners avoid repossession.
  • Could your savings help pay off your mortgage?
    Harriet Meyer
    06.05.08
    Using savings to slash your mortgage can be a great way to make your money work harder. Harriet Meyer explains why a savings account may not always be the right home for your spare cash.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.05.08
    It is hard to look on the bright side of life when in the midst of a credit crunch. But as Rebecca Atkinson discovers, every cloud has a silver lining.
  • House prices down 1% from last year
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.05.08
    New figures from Nationwide reveal house prices are now 1% lower than this time last year, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Buy-to-let demand strong
    23.04.08
    Demand for buy-to-let mortgages remained strong in the first quarter but arrears continued to rise, with falling house prices expected to drive up bad-debt provisions.
  • Homeowners hit by credit crunch
    28.03.08
    Millions of homeowners face sharply higher mortgage costs with big banks and regional building societies raising rates and tightening lending criteria.
  • Homeowners mull stepping off ladder
    28.03.08
    Almost a fifth of homemovers are considering stepping off the property ladder amid fears over the faltering housing market, a poll shows.
  • House prices fall for fifth month running
    28.03.08
    House prices fell for the fifth consecutive month in March, bringing the annual rate of increase to its lowest in 12 years, a key survey showed on Friday.
  • Property sellers need "reality check"
    24.03.08
    Sellers need a "reality check" when pricing their homes for sale, as unsold stock reaches record proportions, property website Rightmove.co.uk said on Monday.
  • Banker says housing hit by credit crunch
    20.03.08
    BoE policy-maker Kate Barker said the credit crisis is making it more difficult for consumers to buy homes with affordability unlikely to improve - even if house prices.
  • Lift the lid on smart borrowing
    13.03.08
    Lenders may be tightening up on who they dish their money out to, but there's no reason why savvy borrowers should be clobbered by high repayment costs, says discovers Lindsey Rogerson.
  • Housing market measure worst since 1990
    11.03.08
    Surveyors are recording falling housing prices by the worst margin since the market crashed in 1990, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has said.
  • Bovis warns on housing market
    10.03.08
    Housebuilder Bovis Homes reported lower 2007 profits and warned that 2008 house sales, already down 20%, would fall further if the BoE did not cut interest rates.
  • One in five fears for mortgage payment
    04.03.08
    One in five borrowers are concerned about meeting their mortgage repayments over the next 12 months, the FSA has said, reigniting concerns over rising default rates.
  • The dangers of piling on too much debt
    Laura Howard
    27.02.08
    Many first-time buyers are taking on higher-risk loans. But, as house prices wobble and lenders tighten their belts, Laura Howard asks if it's time to start worrying.
  • House prices fall for fifth month
    25.02.08
    House prices in England and Wales have fallen for a fifth consecutive month in February, pushing the annual rate of inflation to its lowest since April 2006.
  • The equity release dilemma
    Laura Howard
    19.02.08
    Equity release can expensive and complicated, but it can also be a useful retirement planning tool, discovers Laura Howard.
  • House price inflation up in February
    18.02.08
    Sellers of residential property in England and Wales hiked their asking prices by an annual 5.8% in February, despite a glut of properties on the market and forecasts for a slowing economy.
  • House prices fall further in January
    13.02.08
    House prices fells at their fastest pace in the three months to January for at least a decade, signalling that the interest rate cut has done little to stabilise the market.
  • House prices flat in January
    05.02.08
    House prices held steady in the month of January, according to Halifax, who cited continuing weakness but also signs of a possible stabilisation in the market.
  • Mortgage approvals fall again
    30.01.08
    December saw the seventh consecutive monthly fall in mortgage approvals, as they hit their lowest rate since current records began in 1999.
  • Pressure rises for rate cut
    30.01.08
    Weaker than expected figures will pile further pressure on the BoE to cut interest rates next week and follow it up with concerted easing throughout the year.
  • House prices fall in December
    29.01.08
    Further evidence that the house market is weakening was provided by Government figures showing house prices fell in December for the first time since August 2005.
  • House prices up just 2.3%
    29.01.08
    House prices in England and Wales saw their slowest annual rise since mid-2006 in January, as the average time it takes to sell a property reached a seven-year high, a survey showed.
  • A landmark in the money markets
    Ray Boulger
    14.01.08
    For the first time since the start of the credit crunch, the three-month Libor rate in one of the major currencies has fallen below the central bank reference rate, reports Ray Boulger.
  • Paying for the single life
    Emma Lunn
    21.12.07
    Living on your own tends to be much more expensive than living as a couple, but there are ways of keeping the costs down. Emma Lunn reports.
  • Finding the best deal online
    Hannah Ricci
    18.12.07
    Price comparison websites may not be as impartial or comprehensive as they claim. Hannah Ricci takes a closer look and advises on how to make these sites work for you.
  • House prices fall for third month
    06.12.07
    House prices fell for a third month running in November, according to mortgage lender HBOS, raising pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates this week.
  • Mortgage banks warned of bleak times
    06.12.07
    The country's financial watchdog has warned that the state of the mortgage market and credit conditions will probably lead to bleak times for lenders.
  • Will the housing market crash?
    06.12.07
    With 2007 drawing to a close, house price forecasts are a hot topic. The debate rages on as to whether a downturn is inevitable. Our experts give their views.
  • Mistakes made in credit crunch
    05.12.07
    Top executives from four of the world's biggest banks have said mistakes were made during the recent credit-market crunch.
  • Demoliton threat to ex-pats
    30.11.07
    British homeowners in Spain could face demolition after the Spanish Government found around 100,00 homes illegally built.
  • Financing a French property
    30.11.07
    When buying an overseas mortgage, there are plenty of factors to consider. Baydonhill provides its set of tips to help the process run smoothly.
  • Trouble looms for a third of mortgages
    28.11.07
    Up to one in three mortgage holders in Britain could face serious financial difficulties as a result of the US subprime crisis, a study shows.
  • Virgin seek NRK investors' cash
    27.11.07
    Should the Richard Branson-led rescue of Northern Rock be successful, investors in the stricken mortgage lender could be asked to plough in around £780 of their money.
  • Escape to ski
    15.11.07
    More and more Brits are embracing the French love of skiing and are investing in the mountains. But where's best?
  • House prices continue falling
    13.11.07
    A survey says that house prices are falling at their fastest rate since mid-2005, providing further evidence that the once red-hot market is cooling fast.
  • Cracking down on unfair lending
    Ray Boulger
    07.11.07
    Ray Boulger thinks it's about time the FSA started to get tough with those lenders who are still treating customers unfairly.
  • Offsetting a buy-to-let mortgage
    01.11.07
    Ray Boulger, independent mortgage expert from broker John Charcol, offers advice on offsetting a buy-to-let mortgage.
  • Mortgage approvals at two-year low
    30.10.07
    Tougher loan conditions are beginning to impact the housing market with mortgage approvals at their lowest level for two years.
  • The real effect of the credit crunch
    Ray Boulger
    24.10.07
    There has been a reduction of 40% in the number of mortgage products on offer over the last few months - but the facts are misleading, says Ray Boulger.
  • Why stamp duty remains unfair
    Ray Boulger
    18.10.07
    The pre-budget report announced by Alistair Darling has done nothing to redress the balance on stamp duty, says Ray Boulger.
  • Counting the cost of flooding
    Hannah Ricci
    16.10.07
    As thousands of homeowners recover from the summer's floods, those at risk of flooding must ensure they are insured, writes Hannah Ricci.
  • Credit record blocks home loan
    Hannah Ricci
    11.10.07
    IFA Joanne Roberts offers help with what to do when a poor credit rating prevents taking out a mortgage.
  • NRK bounces off record low
    02.10.07
    Shares in battered mortgage bank Northern Rock suffered more volatile trade, recovering from a record low to climb 7% on talk of a £740 million rescue package.
  • Northern Rock update: BoE under fire
    Jeff Salway
    21.09.07
    The furore around the Northern Rock crisis deepens as both the BoE and FSA come under fire for their handling of the situation, reports Jeff Salway.
  • New turn in Northern Rock crisis
    Jeff Salway
    19.09.07
    The crisis at Northern Rock has taken a new turn, as the Government comes under fire for its handling of the situation, writes Jeff Salway.
  • Inflation falls unexpectedly
    18.09.07
    Inflation unexpectedly fell to 1.8% year-on-year in August, giving the BoE room to cut borrowing costs if the credit crisis at Northern Rock spreads.
  • Northern Rock crisis update
    Jeff Salway
    17.09.07
    Chancellor Alistair Darling has called for calm after billions of savings were withdrawn from Northern Rock in the wake of its Bank of England bail-out.
  • Northern Rock shock
    Jeff Salway
    14.09.07
    News of Northern Rock asking the BoE for an emergency loan has sent shockwaves through Britain's banks, writes Jeff Salway.
  • HIPs extended to three-bedroom homes
    10.09.07
    The controversial home information pack scheme (HIPs) from the Government will start to apply to three-bedroom homes from this week.
  • Tackling the housing crisis
    Rob Griffin
    05.09.07
    The Government has drawn up radical plans to ease the country's housing crisis. Rob Griffin takes a look at the Housing Green Paper.
  • House prices up in August
    30.08.07
    As debate continues on whether interest rates have peaked, the housing market saw prices rise in August.
  • Mortgage approvals dip in July
    28.08.07
    A further hint that the housing market is cooling down came as the number of mortgages approved for home purchase fell for the year to July.
  • Keeping up with the Joneses
    CreditExpert
    24.08.07
    The cost of keeping up with the Joneses is driving more and more Britons into debt, according to a new survey from CreditExpert.
  • Get your finances fighting fit
    Hannah Ricci
    22.08.07
    Just a couple of days' hard graft could transform your finances. Hannah Ricci takes you through our boot camp.
  • AAA or toast?
    Ray Boulger
    16.08.07
    Ray Boulger highlights a satirical article on Bloomberg this morning in the form of a letter from a Hedge Fund to their investors.
  • Subprime mortgages under fire
    Emma Lunn
    10.08.07
    Can high-risk mortgage borrowers afford the loans they are being sold? Emma Lunn investigates.
  • Repossessions sharply up
    Ray Boulger
    03.08.07
    Today's repossession figures from the CML show a sharp rise in the first half of 2007. Ray Boulger looks at the consequences this will have.
  • House prices up 9.9%
    26.07.07
    House prices rose by their smallest amount in more than a year in July, up just 0.1%.
  • House price growth slows
    24.07.07
    The housing market is starting to come off the boil following five interest rate hikes since last August.
  • Taxing times for buy-to-let
    Rob Griffin
    17.07.07
    Alarm bells are sounding as the Inland Revenue sets its sights on buy-to-let landlords to tackle unpaid tax bills.
  • Go abroad for your second home
    Hannah Ricci
    12.07.07
    Owning a foreign property was once a luxury reserved for the rich, but not any more, says Hannah Ricci.
  • Government boosts mortgages
    12.07.07
    The Government has announced a series of initiatives to boost the popularity of long-term fixed-rate mortgages.
  • Single mum gets makeover
    Hannah Ricci
    11.07.07
    Careful budgeting and caution have given this mum of two a good basis for a new beginning. Here's how she can move towards her goal of home ownership and greater security.
  • A place in the sun - for good
    Hannah Ricci
    10.07.07
    If a holiday home isn't enough for you, why not make that ideal place in the sun last a lifetime?
  • Bargain property locations
    Jennifer Hill
    09.07.07
    Research identifies the best value-for-money locations for both first-time buyers and movers.
  • Dream home out of reach
    Jennifer Hill
    06.07.07
    Just 5% of the population are living in their 'dream' home, most people settle for less.
  • House price growth eased
    01.07.07
    There are signs the property market may be starting to cool in response to higher interest rates.
  • House prices up 1.1% in June
    28.06.07
    House prices rose 1.1% in June. The monthly rate was more than twice May's 0.5% gain and was the strongest since December.
  • How HomeBuy schemes work
    Kirstie Redford
    26.06.07
    In the sky-high property market, first-time buyers need all the support they can get - and luckily help is at hand. Kirstie Redford explains how it works.
  • Mortgage lending jumped in May
    20.06.07
    Underlying net mortgage lending rose by its largest amount in six months in May, figures from the British Bankers' Association showed on Wednesday, but building society lending eased.
  • May house price growth slowest in a year
    15.06.07
    The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said its house prices balance fell to +23.9 in the three months to May. That was the lowest reading since April 2006.
  • House price growth cools in May
    07.06.07
    House prices rose at their weakest monthly pace this year in May, suggesting higher interest rates may be starting to cool the market.
  • Best mortgage deals revealed
    Hannah Ricci
    05.06.07
    Your search for the perfect home loan starts here - with this year's Moneywise Mortgage Awards. Hannah Ricci unveils the very best lenders on the market.
  • Benefits of flexible mortgages
    04.06.07
    As you progress through your mortgage term, you may be able to save thousands by repaying it early, Harriet Meyer.
  • Cash in the attic?
    Jennifer Hill
    04.06.07
    Britain is a nation obsessed with DIY - but homeowners are failing to undertake work that adds the most value to their properties.
  • Find a mortgage broker
    Hannah Ricci
    04.06.07
    A good, independent mortgage broker can not only save you time and hassle, but also a great deal of money. Hannah Ricci explains how to get the best advice.
  • Get the right mortgage for you
    Hannah Ricci
    04.06.07
    Buying a home is probably the biggest expense of your life so it's vital to get the right mortgage. Hannah Ricci guides us through the mortgage maze.
  • Understanding mortgage rates
    04.06.07
    Get the information you need to find the best deal before signing on the dotted line, says Hannah Ricci.
  • Mortgage approvals rise in April
    29.05.07
    Mortgage approvals edged higher in April after four months annual declines but economists still predict the housing market will slow further this year.
  • Property prices at 30-year high
    Jennifer Hill
    21.05.07
    Prime central London property prices are growing at their fastest in almost 30 years - and at three times the rate of the wider British market.
  • A 25-year fixed-rate mortgage
    Hannah Ricci
    11.05.07
    Smaller lenders already offer 25-year fixed deals, but Nationwide is the first big provider to do so - opinions are mixed over the offer.
  • Base rate raised by 0.25% to 5.5%
    Emma Lunn
    10.05.07
    The Bank of England monetary policy committee (MPC) has raised the base rate by 0.25% to 5.5%, taking interest rates to a six-year high.
  • House prices rise 1.1% in April
    10.05.07
    The Bank of England's three interest rate rises since last August, and the prospect of another increase to 5.5%, have done little to cool the property market.
  • A Spanish place in the sun just got cheaper
    09.05.07
    Over a seven-year period the cost of holiday homes in Spain doubled, but property prices are finally falling. Corruption and land-grab laws have contributed to the downturn.
  • Save yourself a fortune
    Jeff Salway
    02.05.07
    Whether you have debts to pay, are looking for a mortgage or want to save for the future, the right advice can save you thousands. Jeff Salway explains where you can get it.
  • House prices up 0.9%
    26.04.07
    House price growth picked up in April, adding weight to the case for an interest rate rise next month.
  • Home loan growth slows down
    24.04.07
    Mortgage lending growth steadied at its weakest rate in a nearly a year in March, suggesting higher borrowing costs and rising prices may finally be taking their toll on the housing market.
  • Lenders retract their best deals
    Hannah Ricci
    24.04.07
    Mortgage providers, including the Halifax and Northern Rock, have removed some of their best deals, reports Hannah Ricci.
  • Help your kids onto the first rung
    Hannah Ricci
    20.04.07
    First-time buyers increasingly turn to mum and dad to help them onto the property ladder. Here's a look at the many ways parents can help.
  • Mortgage equity withdrawal soars
    03.04.07
    Rising house prices encouraged Britons to take more cash out of their homes in the fourth quarter than the third, Bank of England data showed on Monday.
  • House price inflation eases
    13.03.07
    LONDON (Reuters) - House price growth eased in February to its weakest pace in nine months as the impact of three interest rate increases continued to wear down demand.
  • Claim back your mortgage exit fee
    Jeff Salway
    28.02.07
    If the exit fee you've paid is more than that stated in your initial mortgage contract, you can claim it back, explains Jeff Salway.
  • House price rise fastest since 2003
    27.02.07
    House prices climbed in February at their fastest annual rate since June 2003, a survey showed on Monday, with robust growth in London and the South East overshadowing weaker increases elsewhere.
  • Call for delay of home seller packs
    Jennifer Hill
    22.02.07
    Mortgage lenders and surveyors are urging the Government to delay the introduction of controversial new home seller packs.
  • How to become mortgage free
    Hannah Ricci
    20.02.07
    Paying off your mortgage early could be the single most important thing you ever do to secure your financial future. Hanna Ricci explains how to do it.
  • Lending growth boosts case for rate rise
    20.02.07
    Mortgage lending rose strongly again, building society mortgage approvals hit a record high and money supply growth picked up in January, bolstering the case for higher interest rates this year.
  • Home-selling tips from the experts
    Laura Brady
    14.02.07
    When you decide to sell your home, it's time to clean up your act. Laura Brady reveals ways to raising the value of your property.
  • Evidence of cooling house market
    30.01.07
    Mortgage lending notched up a record rise last month but new mortgage approvals showed their weakest increase since April, indicating the housing market may be peaking in the wake of rising borrowing costs.
  • Will house prices rise in 2007?
    Rob Griffin
    30.01.07
    House-price inflation is slowing down but prices will continue to rise in the vast majority of UK locations, explains Rob Griffin.
  • Record month for mortgage lending
    18.01.07
    Gross mortgage lending rose 8% on the year to £29.4 billion in December, a record for the month, the Council of Mortgage Lenders said.
  • The Home Information Pack debate
    18.01.07
    Home information packs aim to give buyers more information. But the issue has divided the property industry. Take a look at both sides of the argument - then make up your own mind.
  • House price inflation weakens
    16.01.07
    House price inflation eased to its weakest in four months in December, in a sign that higher borrowing costs may be starting to cool the housing market.
  • Help through the mortgage maze
    Matt Pitcher
    10.01.07
    Matt Pitcher, an independent financial advisor at Towry Law in Bracknell, hands out some advice to navigate the mortgage maze.
  • London house price boom
    09.01.07
    Upmarket property adviser Savills reported that its 2006 profit would be higher than expected, helped by a boom in prices for swanky central London houses.
  • House price growth firmly positive
    03.01.07
    House prices in England and Wales rose 0.6% on the month in November, according to Land Registry data published on 2 January.
  • House price inflation reaches plateau
    19.12.06
    House price inflation reached a plateau in November although limited supply coupled with strong demand meant prices rose for a 13th consecutive month.
  • House prices up 7% in 2007
    14.12.06
    House price inflation is expected to run at 7% in 2007, mainly driven by strong gains in London, mortgage lender Nationwide said on 14 December 2006.
  • House price inflation up
    11.12.06
    Asking prices for homes in England and Wales rose at their fastest annual pace in more than two years between November and December led by record gains in London.
  • House price inflation at 20-month high
    07.12.06
    House prices rose in November at their fastest annual rate in more than 18 months, according to a Halifax survey, suggesting that the latest rise in borrowing costs did not dampen housing demand.
  • House prices gather pace
    30.11.06
    Prices jumped 1.4% this month, taking the annual increase up to 9.6%, the highest since February.
  • House price rise swiftest in four years
    16.11.06
    House prices rose at the quickest pace in more than four years during the three months to October, supporting evidence of a resilient housing market in spite of rising borrowing costs.
  • House price inflation accelerates
    09.11.06
    House prices rose in October at their fastest annual rate since July, according to HBOS's Halifax survey, suggesting the prospect of higher borrowing costs has done little to dampen the property market.
  • Abbey ups mortgage limit
    Jennifer Hill
    01.11.06
    Abbey, the country's second largest mortgage lender, has increased the amount it will typically lend to up to five times income, to help first-time buyers.
  • House price growth eases
    31.10.06
    House prices jumped another 0.7% this month but the annual rate of increase eased slightly to 8.0%, the Nationwide Building Society reported.
  • Getting the best rate
    Hannah Ricci
    25.10.06
    Getting a mortgage is a huge commitment and is likely to be your biggest regular expense. That's why it's crucial to get the best rate available, explains Hannah Ricci.
  • Just how hot is the property market?
    Jennifer Hill
    18.10.06
    One of the hottest dinner party topics is back on the menu with a vengeance - but with indicators varying, just how fast are house prices rising? By Jennifer Hill.
  • Avoid the pitfalls of shared mortgages
    Ray Boulger
    05.10.06
    If you want to combine forces with a friend to buy a decent place to live pay heed to our expert advice on how to make it a worthwhile investment. Ray Boulger is on hand.
  • House prices up strongly
    04.10.06
    House prices in the country rose a robust 1% last month, Halifax data showed on Wednesday, suggesting the property market has remained resilient in the wake of August's interest rate rise.
  • House prices grow nearly 10%
    18.09.06
    Asking prices for homes in England and Wales grew almost 10% on a year ago in the period from mid-August to early September, even after the Bank of England's shock quarter-point rate hike.
  • Are interest-only mortgages a time bomb?
    Rob Griffin
    14.09.06
    Buying your home via an interest-only mortgage is an increasingly popular option, but think hard and long before jumping in or it could end in disaster.
  • House price inflation climbs in July
    11.09.06
    House price inflation rose to a 14-month high in July, with gains in the London area leading the charge, Government figures showed on Monday.
  • Stamp duty tops £1 billion
    07.09.06
    Revenue from stamp duty has surged almost 30% in the last quarter, despite the chancellor increasing the starting threshold, figures showed on 6 September.
  • Biggest rise in mortgage lending in three years
    30.08.06
    Mortgage lending rose by its biggest amount in nearly three years in July, while approvals for new house loans hit their highest since the start of the year, official data showed on Wednesday.
  • David Hollingworth's Mortgage Comment
    David Hollingworth
    29.08.06
    David Hollingworth from London & Country Mortgages answers readers' questions and queries relating to all areas of mortgages: this time he discusses how lenders often alter their standard variable rates when there is no change to the base rate.
  • Alternatives sought as house prices soar
    23.08.06
    Britain's housing boom may be a blessing for homeowners, but with prices trebling in a decade, first-time buyers are being forced to dream up increasingly complex arrangements to get a foot on the property ladder.
  • David Hollingworth's Mortgage Comment
    David Hollingworth
    15.08.06
    David Hollingworth from London & Country Mortgages answers readers' questions and queries relating to all areas of mortgages: this week he solves a question of whether to remortgage or not.
  • Jump a rung on the property ladder
    Sam Barrett
    10.08.06
    Despite sky-high house prices and the fact that they are set to rise there's plenty that first-time buyers can do to bring their first home within reach.
  • House prices rise sharply
    01.08.06
    House prices jumped sharply in July, lifting the annual rate of increase to its highest in a year, a survey said on Tuesday, suggesting the property market remains robust.
  • Stop your property chain collapsing
    Kirstie Redford
    31.07.06
    Every year, thousands of house sales fall through. Kirstie Redford asks why this happens and finds out what you can do to stop your property chain from collapsing.
  • Be your own estate agent
    Nikki Watkins
    27.07.06
    As the costs of selling a house continue to rise, we show you how to take the DIY approach and save thousands through a private sale.
  • Record mortgages could nudge up rates
    21.07.06
    Would-be homebuyers should be careful not to over-borrow on their mortgages, experts warn, as the booming market in home loans becomes the latest factor adding to pressure for an early rise in interest rates.
  • House prices rise at fastest in year
    17.07.06
    Average asking prices for homes in England and Wales rose at their fastest annual pace in more than a year in the period from early June to early July.
  • Can offset mortgages save you money?
    Rachel Lacey
    13.07.06
    It's possible to save literally thousands of pounds with an offset mortgage, but only if you have substantial savings. Here's how to work out if you could benefit.
  • House price inflation picks up
    10.07.06
    House price inflation picked up to 5.6% in May from 5.1% the month before, the Government said on Monday, suggesting that a property market revival this year remains intact.
  • House prices down in June
    07.07.06
    House prices fell 1.2% on the month in June and the level of activity in the market appears to have moderated, according to HBOS Plc's monthly Halifax house price survey.
  • Housebuying: how to spot a money pit
    Vicki Potter
    07.06.06
    Think you've found your dream home? Take a step back, get your head in control and investigate its condition, or your dreams could come crashing down.
  • Beware dodgy land investment schemes
    Tony Hetherington
    01.06.06
    How do you fancy owning a very expensive piece of grass?  Without a guarantee of planning permission, investing in land can turn out to be a disaster.
  • Stop moaning about endowments
    Steve McDowell
    12.04.06
    The value of an investment can go down as well as up, says Stephen McDowell. And yours went down. The odds were good but the bet didn't come off. End of story.
  • Should I remortgage for a lower rate?
    Lawrence Gold
    22.02.06
    Yes is the obvious answer if it saves you money. However there are several considerations that you need to look at before making what seems to be an easy answer
  • Rural wrecks for the DIY enthusiast
    15.02.06
    Indulge in a spot of DIY and make your next home your next project.  This week we bring you three rural wrecks to get stuck into…
  • Rural retreats to blow your bonus on
    09.02.06
    Property provides a good home for your end of year bonus. With summer just around the corner, why don't you take this opportunity to enjoy the spoils of the countryside? We bring you three rural retreats…
  • Your very own winter wonderland
    Hannah Ricci
    08.02.06
    Many Brits dream of owning a place in the sun, but sparkling mountains and winter sports have their attractions too
  • Have you fallen for The One?
    Martin Lewis
    12.01.06
    Never has a product so effectively got people to spend more, whilst at the same time conning them that they are doing something clever with their money management.
  • How £1,000 can transform your home
    20.12.05
    With fewer active buyers in the market, if you want to sell your home you need to make it stand out from the rest. Here are our tips for sprucing up your property without breaking the bank.
  • An end in sight for house price horror
    15.12.05
    LONDON (Reuters) - Average asking prices on a home fell in December, as sellers cut their prices to book a sale before Christmas, but house price growth is set to pick up in 2006, according to a report on Monday.
  • Break the chains of your mortgage bind
    16.11.05
    If your two-year fixed rate has expired, and you're now feeling the pinch on a variable rate, it's time to stop procrastinating and start saving.
  • Get a better mortgage
    26.10.05
    Inertia, trepidation and up-front costs can all put us off searching for a better mortgage, but if you stop procrastinating you can make some real savings.
  • The UK's happiness hotspots
    Sarah Das
    07.10.05
    Finding your ideal lifestyle might mean tracking down the best place to live  - or simply finding a way to thrive wherever you are
  • London property values
    Peter Temple
    31.08.05
    Does Peter Temple regret leaving the London property market behind? No way.
  • Smart moves in a changing property game
    Sarah Das
    24.06.05
    With house prices stalling, you may be tempted to ditch your property investments. But sit tight - every cloud has a silver lining - and this change in climate could be just what you need to profit from property
  • Property price showdown
    Mark Batersby
    03.11.04
    Catastrophic crash-and-burn or a soft landing: Which pundits will have egg on their faces?
  • Is the property boom over?
    29.10.04
    House prices have dropped, mortgage approvals are down. Just a dip, or the end of the property boom?
  • Property pension
    Pamela Atherton
    06.10.04
    Simon Laight joined a commercial property syndicate in pursuit of steady returns
  • Property pension
    Pamela Atherton
    06.10.04
    Simon Laight joined a commercial property syndicate in pursuit of steady returns
  • Shopping for security
    Sarah Modlock
    26.08.04
    Weighing short-term discounts against long-term security is tricky