Mortgage approvals rise as rates cool – but the housing market is not out of woods yet January 4, 2024 According to the latest reading from the Bank of England (BoE) net mortgage approvals for house purchases rose from 47,900 in October to 50,100 in November.
Mortgage price war set to intensify as Halifax, HSBC lead charge slashing rates January 3, 2024 The new year has kicked off with a mortgage price war, according to brokers, as lenders slash deals to compete for business in a market under pressure from high interest rates.
Shares in banks and housing firms rise on sharp inflation slowdown December 20, 2023 Shares in banks and housebuilders jumped on Wednesday morning after fresh inflation data came in lower than expected, boosting hopes for interest rate cuts in the first half of next year.
Bank of England holds interest rates – what does it mean for mortgages? December 14, 2023 The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25 per cent for the third time in a row, offering a glimmer of hope for the mortgage and property market. Steve Seal, chief of Bluestone Mortgages, said that today’s decision to leave rates untouched will be welcomed by “would-be and existing borrowers, who have felt [...]
Mortgage lending to keep falling next year after steep drop in 2023 December 11, 2023 Mortgage lending is expected to keep falling next year after dropping by more than a quarter in 2023, according to banking trade body UK Finance, as borrowers are squeezed by high interest rates and household finances.
Average two-year mortgage rate drops below six per cent in sign pain for borrowers is easing December 8, 2023 The average interest rate for a fixed two-year mortgage has fallen below six per cent for the first time since June. Moneyfacts has reported the average two-year fixed rate is now 5.99 per cent, down from the peak of 6.86 reached in July. Competition among lenders is driving rates lower, noted partner at Knight Frank [...]
Mortgage rates won’t dip below four per cent this year, experts say November 26, 2023 Mortgage rates are unlikely to dip below four per cent before the end of this year, industry experts told CityAM
Lukewarm welcome as Hunt extends ‘limited’ mortgage scheme for first-time buyers November 22, 2023 The scheme, introduced in 2021, helps first-time buyers take out a mortgage with a five per cent deposit on homes worth up to £600,000.
Reasons to be cheerful? Why the UK could dodge a recession November 21, 2023 After the most recent GDP figures for the third quarter, it is all but certain that the UK will avoid a contraction this year. So are there still reasons to be optimistic about the UK's performance over the coming months?
Three more lenders cut mortgage rates as others warned to ‘sharpen pencils or risk losing out’ November 14, 2023 First Direct, Halifax and HSBC UK have all cut their rates, while others have been warned they risk losing out.