Mortgages
Lenders’ justification for higher lending charges null and void
First time buyers are already struggling and no doubt the recent surprise base rate rise will mean they face even more difficulties getting on the housing ladder.
Portman Building Society reviews mortgage products
Portman Building Society is making a number of important changes to its mortgage range.
New online mortgage offers low SVR rate
A new online mortgage has been launched to simplify the mortgage application process and demystify the confusion around rates.
Britons chase house prices higher in 2006
Despite last year’s two base rate rises, Britons appear committed to chasing house prices higher AND to going deeper into debt while doing so. For 2006 as a whole, the average value of property being searched against on Moneyextra.com’s mortgage comparison tool rose by 7.44 per cent to £223,310, but the average mortgage amount being sought has risen even faster – going up by 8.91 per cent.
Where have all the fixed rates gone?
Julia Harris, Mortgage Analyst at Moneyfacts.co.uk comments: “The shock announcement of last week’s base rate increase may have taken lenders by surprise, with most industry experts expecting the rise to occur in February or March. Some lenders, however, have been quick off the mark, with several already announcing increases to their SVRs and revised tracker rates.
Lifetime mortgage advice on the up
New figures from unbiased.co.uk the organisation promoting the benefits of independent financial advice, reveal that almost 2,000 of its IFA members now list lifetime mortgages as an area of specialism within their business.
A new mortgage at the click of a mouse
Many borrowers will start the New Year with a resolution to sort out their finances but they may not realise that they can do this from the comfort of their own home.
Abbey changes variable tracker rates
Following last week’s increase in the Bank of England's base rate from 5.00 per cent to 5.25 per cent, Abbey's variable tracker rate mortgages, which automatically follow changes in the base rate, have increased by 0.25 per cent.
Bad start to the year for borrowers and there’s more to come
Affordability may be pushed to the limit - and in some cases beyond - for many homeowners in the wake of the Bank of England rate rise, said broker My Mortgage Direct (MMD).
HSBC announces new five year fixed rate mortgage
Following the increase in base rate to 5.25% this week, HSBC is launching a new five year fixed rate mortgage at 5.55%, with no booking fee.
Halifax increases mortgage rate
Following the announcement by the Monetary Policy Committee of an increase in the Bank Base Rate, Halifax will be increasing its standard variable rate (SVR) from 7.00% to 7.25%.
Bank votes for a mid-winter shock
Ray Boulger of John Charcol, the UK’s leading independent mortgage adviser, comments on today’s decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to increase Bank Rate by 0.25% to 5.25%.
Coventry Building Society introduces new mortgage products
Coventry Building Society is today introducing competitive products to its residential, buy to let and self certification ranges.
Mortgage Express and PMS celebrate £1bn of applications
Mortgage Express has announced Premier Mortgage Service (PMS) generated a record £1bn of applications across its product range in 2006.
New specialist mortgage deals from Alliance & Leicester
Alliance & Leicester is amending its current range of fixed rate specialist mortgages and its Near Prime Base Rate Trackers.