Mortgages
Public anger at banks refusal to lend
The British public is furious with banks and building societies for preventing home ownership, a poll commissioned by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) reveals.
9 million online mortgage searches recorded in May
Research compiled by Evaluate Technologies has found that over 8.8 million mortgages searches were undertaken in May 2009, highlighting the vast online potential currently available to brokers and IFAs.
Greater competition needed in mortgage market
The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has responded to proposals from HM Treasury for reform of the financial services industry.
Myth-busting the mortgage market
Many Brits believe they are unable to get a suitable mortgage due to lenders low income multiples, according to research from Unbiased.co.uk. After a decade of so called "easy credit", the tightening of lending criteria over the last six months has had a lasting effect on the public.
Mortgage market in downward spiral
Figures from moneysupermarket.com show the number of mortgage products available to consumers has slowly been decreasing, with only 2,282 products now available, compared to 5,040 this time last year, and an astonishing 27,962 in July 2007.
Buy-to-let investors jaded by the mortgage market
Latest Young Index results from Young Group show that buy-to-let investors have all but given up hope of a better mortgage deal.
Consumers do not seek advice when in mortgage difficulty
In a speech to the CML (Council of Mortgage Lenders) today, Adam Phillips, Chairman of the Financial Services Consumer Panel revealed research indicating that two in five (41%) of those having difficulty paying their mortgage did not seek advice in dealing with their problems.
Mortgage brokers predict increased levels of business
Confidence continues to return to the mortgage intermediary market with brokers expecting a significant upturn in mortgage business in the third quarter of 2009, research from Paragon Mortgages has revealed.
first direct launches market leading offset tracker mortgage
first direct has launched a market leading offset tracker mortgage which tracks the bank of England base rate plus 2.48% for the life of the loan.
Calls for banks to resume lending
Richard Mason, Managing Director of Moneyextra.com, calls for UK banks to resume lending and return to active duty.
May Bank of England mortgage approvals
Commenting on the Bank of England Mortgage Approvals data, Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist said: "Bank of England data suggests that mortgage approvals for house purchases only rose modestly in May.
Building society lending steady, but remains depressed
Gross mortgage lending by building societies was £1,515 million in May 2009, compared to £3,530 million in May 2008, according to the Building Societies Association (BSA).
Mortgage approvals rose in May
The number of loans approved for house purchase (43,414) was higher than in April and higher than the previous six-month average, according to the Bank of England (BoE).
To fix or to track?
The recent increases in rates on fixed rate mortgages have made tracker products look increasingly attractive. In fact moneysupermarket.com figures show that a borrower with a £300,000 mortgage would pay £120 a month more on an average two year fixed rate deal, than they would on an average tracker.
Mortgage servicing standards no longer up to scratch
The majority of mortgage servicing in the UK is outdated and no longer up to scratch, according to Phoebus Software, the software house for lenders.