July 9, 2009

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CML: Mortgage lending up slightly in May but finance still “tight”

Permalink: CML: Mortgage lending up slightly in May but finance still “tight”
by Kay Mitchell

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), mortgage lending rose slightly in May by 4% to 37,400 - however, this is still 28% lower than a year ago. While the rise is encouraging, the CML reports ...

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Mortgage drought continues to hinder recovery warns housebuilders

Permalink: Mortgage drought continues to hinder recovery warns housebuilders
by Kay Mitchell

Redrow and Barratt Developments have today warned that the lack of mortgage availability continues to have an impact on the recovery of the UK property market. According to the housebuilders, there is renewed interest in their developments but potential buyers ...

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Return of the 125% mortgage from Nationwide

Permalink: Return of the 125% mortgage from Nationwide
by Kay Mitchell

The Nationwide Building Society is offering a 125% mortgage but it is only available to existing customers in negative equity who want to move house. The UK’s largest building society said it is a very "niche offer" and not everyone in ...

July 8, 2009

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Halifax reports fall in house prices in June

Permalink: Halifax reports fall in house prices in June
by Kay Mitchell

Hopes of a recovery in the housing market were hit today after the latest house price index from the Halifax reported that house prices fell by 0.5% in June from the previous month. The fall takes the annual rate of ...

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Buy-to-let mortgage market fails to inspire

Permalink: Buy-to-let mortgage market fails to inspire
by Gill Montia

Buy-to-let investors are becoming increasingly apathetic about securing the best loan. According to research from Young Group, only 24% of residential buy-to-let investors were keeping on top of their mortgage options during the second quarter of 2009, compared to 80% a year ...

July 7, 2009

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Positive news from Persimmon sends shares soaring

Permalink: Positive news from Persimmon sends shares soaring
by Kay Mitchell

Housebuilder Persimmon has issued an encouraging statement today which led to its shares soaring 7% to 390¼p. Furthermore, fellow housebuilders Taylor Wimpey, Barratt, Bellway and Bovis were also up by between 3% and 4%. Persimmon, along with other housebuilders, experienced a dismal ...

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ARLA reports rise in rental arrears

Permalink: ARLA reports rise in rental arrears
by Gill Montia

The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has reported a rise in the number of tenants struggling to meet their rental payments. In a survey of members, ARLA found that 65% of respondents had noticed an increase in payment difficulties in past past ...

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Social housing and immigrants – myths dispelled

Permalink: Social housing and immigrants – myths dispelled
by Gill Montia

A new report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission has concluded that immigrants to the UK are not jumping to the top of waiting lists for social housing. Research that will hopefully dispel myths that British born people are losing ...

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Taylor Wimpey offering new home for fixed price

Permalink: Taylor Wimpey offering new home for fixed price
by Kay Mitchell

Last week, the Nationwide building society reported that UK house prices had risen for the third time in the last four months. According to the building society, house prices crept up by 0.9% in June and take the annual rate ...

July 6, 2009

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Bryant Homes tempts first-time buyers with its Broadway Fields development

Permalink: Bryant Homes tempts first-time buyers with its Broadway Fields development
by Kay Mitchell

Bryant Homes believes its new Broadway Fields development in Yaxley is ideal for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize. The development, situated in the village of Yaxley to the south of Peterborough, boasts good transport links to ...

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George Wimpey offers spacious living in Hornchurch, Essex

Permalink: George Wimpey offers spacious living in Hornchurch, Essex
by Kay Mitchell

Housebuilder George Wimpey is offering spacious living at its Harrow Lodge development in Hornchurch, Essex. The development comprises 44 three and four bedroom properties available from £295,000 and £395,000 respectively. Situated off Hyland Way, less than a mile from Hornchurch town ...

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Apartments at Harmony in Isleworth prove popular

Permalink: Apartments at Harmony in Isleworth prove popular
by Kay Mitchell

According to Inspace Homes, its range of apartments at Harmony in Isleworth are proving to be popular with more than half of homes in the first phase have now been reserved. The development is situated on Twickenham Road in Isleworth, ...

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Land Registry to raise fees

Permalink: Land Registry to raise fees
by Kay Mitchell

The Land Registry is to raise some of its fees because the housing market downturn and the recession has led to a reduction in its fee income. Since the housing market peaked in summer 2007, house prices have lost around a fifth of ...

July 5, 2009

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Central London yields below 4%

Permalink: Central London yields below 4%
by Gill Montia

Central London residential rental yields have fallen below 4%. New research from Knight Frank shows the average gross yield in prime central London down to 3.79% in June. According to the estate agent, rents in central London have fallen by 1.9% in the past ...

July 3, 2009

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British homeowners repay record amount off mortgage debt

Permalink: British homeowners repay record amount off mortgage debt
by Kay Mitchell

Figures have revealed today that historically low interest rates have led British homeowners to repay a record £8.1 billion off their mortgages in the first three months of the year. According to the Bank of England, the £8.1 billion is ...

July 2, 2009

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FSA now regulates sale-and-rent-back

Permalink: FSA now regulates sale-and-rent-back
by Gill Montia

Firms operating in the UK sale-and-rent-back sector now come under Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulation. As of 1st July companies have four weeks to apply for permission to continue their business activities. Successful applicants will be granted interim permission if they can demonstrate they ...