http://www.moneysupermarket.com Mortgage News from Moneysupermarket.com 15 en-us /newsandcommunity/img/news/ms-logo.gif http://www.moneysupermarket.com <![CDATA[Interest rates were held at 0.5% again this week, and with no sign of things changing any time soon, longer term fixed rate mortgages are looking increasingly appealing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-leading-fee-free-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0013537/ Thu, 09, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-leading-fee-free-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0013537.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers keen to take advantage of 0% stamp duty should act now - as from March 24, the land tax will become payable again on all homes costing more than &pound;125,000.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/first-time-buyers-should-act-now-to-avoid-stamp-duty/0013467/ Thu, 26, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/first-time-buyers-should-act-now-to-avoid-stamp-duty_0013467.aspx <![CDATA[January's base rate freeze came as no surprise after nearly three years of no change. In fact, some experts are now forecasting that interest rates will remain frozen at 0.5% until as late as 2016. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-go-for-a-fixed-or-variable-rate-mortgage/0013305/ Wed, 18, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-go-for-a-fixed-or-variable-rate-mortgage_0013305.aspx <![CDATA[It is cheaper to own a home than it has been for a decade, yet many people continue to pay over the odds for their mortgages.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-most-affordable-for-ten-years/0013198/ Wed, 11, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-most-affordable-for-ten-years_0013198.aspx <![CDATA[The property market has proved remarkably resilient in recent months, despite the increasingly gloomy economic backdrop. House prices rose by 1% nationally in 2011according to Nationwide Building Society with London seeing the strongest growth at 5.5%. However, the picture was very different in Northern Ireland where property values dropped by 8.9%. But&nbsp;what does 2012 hold in store for homeowners and buyers?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices-in-two-thousand-and-twelve/0012711/ Wed, 28, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices-in-two-thousand-and-twelve_0012711.aspx <![CDATA[In this video our experts explain how you can make the most of your money in 2012 by ensuring that you've got the best-value policies, products and tariffs for your needs...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/making-the-most-of-your-money-in-2012/0012645/ Wed, 21, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/making-the-most-of-your-money-in-2012_0012645.aspx <![CDATA[After what has been a pretty miserable year financially, most of us will be hoping that 2012 gets off to a better start.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/take-control-of-your-finances/0012644/ Wed, 21, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/take-control-of-your-finances_0012644.aspx <![CDATA[In these difficult times, Chelsea Building Society's new 2.89% fixed rate mortgage can provide homeowners with peace of mind that their payments won't change for three more festive seasons to come.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-two-point-eight-nine-per-cent-three-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0012611/ Wed, 07, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-two-point-eight-nine-per-cent-three-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0012611.aspx <![CDATA[With the Bank of England expected to hold interest rates at 0.50% for at least another year many homebuyers and those remortgaging are looking to lock into a fixed rate mortgage for at least five years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fix-your-mortgage-at-four-point-nine-nine-percent-for-ten-years/0012490/ Thu, 24, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fix-your-mortgage-at-four-point-nine-nine-percent-for-ten-years_0012490.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers struggling to get on the property ladder finally received some good news this week, after the government announced plans for a new affordable housing strategy.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/new-affordable-housing-plan-will-it-help-you/0012456/ Tue, 22, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/new-affordable-housing-plan-will-it-help-you_0012456.aspx <![CDATA[UK interest rates might still be stuck at 0.5%, but the economic crisis in Europe is pushing up the cost of our mortgages with the best deals disappearing fast.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/act-now-to-snap-up-the-cheapest-mortgages/0012414/ Thu, 10, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/act-now-to-snap-up-the-cheapest-mortgages_0012414.aspx <![CDATA[With the Bank of England Base Rate stuck in 'freeze frame' at 0.5% and inflation hitting a record 5.2% in September, Britain's savers are feeling increasingly hard done by as they battle against low returns and high inflation.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-is-an-offset-mortgage/0012401/ Thu, 03, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-is-an-offset-mortgage_0012401.aspx <![CDATA[In the face of fresh economic uncertainty and rising living costs, it's little wonder that near three-quarters of us are worried about our current financial situation - but there are things you can do to help ease your money worries.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ten-tips-to-beat-financial-woes/0012346/ Tue, 11, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ten-tips-to-beat-financial-woes_0012346.aspx <![CDATA[The cost of fixing your mortgage for two years has fallen to an all time low and Leeds Building Society is offering the chance to fix your mortgage payments at en eye-wateringly low rate of just 1.99%. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-fix-your-mortgage-at-one-point-nine-nine-per-cent/0012326/ Wed, 05, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-fix-your-mortgage-at-one-point-nine-nine-per-cent_0012326.aspx <![CDATA[AFTER months of lenders only offering competitive deals to those with deposits of at least 25% to put down, is the tide finally starting to turn for first-time buyers?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-mortgage-choice-for-first-time-buyers/0012314/ Wed, 28, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-mortgage-choice-for-first-time-buyers_0012314.aspx <![CDATA[The British banking system is facing a huge shake-up. The Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) has today published a long-awaited report that makes recommendations about radical changes to the structure of our high street banks.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-the-banking-reforms-mean-for-you/0012269/ Mon, 12, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-the-banking-reforms-mean-for-you_0012269.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee held the base rate at 0.50% again this month, marking two and a half years since it first dropped to this level.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-held-again-but-savings-rates-rise/0012260/ Thu, 08, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-held-again-but-savings-rates-rise_0012260.aspx <![CDATA[FIXED mortgage rates are cheaper than ever before, making it tempting to lock in for homebuyers and those looking to remortgage to lock in for as long as they possibly can.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-a-long-term-fixed-rate-mortgage-for-you/0012252/ Wed, 07, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-a-long-term-fixed-rate-mortgage-for-you_0012252.aspx <![CDATA[Following the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee decision to hold base rate at 0.5 per cent, Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-base-rate-announcement/0012232/ Mon, 05, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-base-rate-announcement_0012232.aspx <![CDATA[Renting rather than buying property could become the norm in the next few years unless more affordable housing is created, according to a new report from the National Housing Federation (NHF).]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/talking-point-buy-or-rent/0012183/ Wed, 31, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/talking-point-buy-or-rent_0012183.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the Bank of England's lending figures for July 2011, Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-bank-of-englands-lending-figures-for-july-2-0-1-1/0012173/ Wed, 31, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-bank-of-englands-lending-figures-for-july-2-0-1-1_0012173.aspx <![CDATA[Rising mortgage arrangement fees were one of the main factors which pushed inflation up last month.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage-for-you/0012163/ Thu, 25, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage-for-you_0012163.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates could stay put at 0.5% until as late as 2013, according to latest forecasts, meaning that a tracker mortgage - which moves in line with interest rates - may be well worth considering. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-five-year-mortgage-from-chelsea/0012150/ Wed, 24, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-five-year-mortgage-from-chelsea_0012150.aspx <![CDATA[House prices are falling further within the reach of first-time buyer affordability, according to new figures. But finding a mortgage to take advantage of this fact is still a tricky business...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-buy-cheap-property/0012108/ Wed, 17, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-buy-cheap-property_0012108.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England may have held interest rates at 0.5% for the 29th consecutive month this week, but the cost of fixed rate mortgages is falling.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lowest-ever-fixed-rate-mortgages/0012070/ Thu, 04, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lowest-ever-fixed-rate-mortgages_0012070.aspx <![CDATA[Yorkshire Building Society is to buy Egg's &pound;430m mortgage book and &pound;2.5 billion savings business from Citigroup, it was announced this week. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/q-and-a-yorkshire-building-society-buys-egg-how-will-it-affect-you/0012022/ Wed, 27, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/q-and-a-yorkshire-building-society-buys-egg-how-will-it-affect-you_0012022.aspx <![CDATA[First time buyers and borrowers with smaller deposits are enjoying the first signs of recovery in the UK mortgage market, with the number of products available for those with a 10 per cent deposit rising to the highest levels since November 2008, according to analysis by moneysupermarket.com.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/green-shoots-of-recovery-for-first-time-buyers/0012017/ Wed, 27, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/green-shoots-of-recovery-for-first-time-buyers_0012017.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates may be forecast to remain low for a while yet, but you can bet your bottom dollar they will go up during the next five years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-fee-free-3-point-69-per-cent-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0012015/ Wed, 27, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-fee-free-3-point-69-per-cent-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0012015.aspx <![CDATA[If you are shopping around for a mortgage this summer, it might be with a sense of trepidation. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/take-advantage-of-lower-mortgage-rates/0011887/ Wed, 20, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/take-advantage-of-lower-mortgage-rates_0011887.aspx <![CDATA[When you're buying a new home, whether it be a house or a flat, you want to be sure that it is not going to start falling down within a few years of you handing over the money.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-sort-of-survey-should-you-go-for/0011855/ Mon, 18, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-sort-of-survey-should-you-go-for_0011855.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners with variable rate mortgages face some tough decisions after the Bank of England base rate was last week left at 0.5% for the 28th month in a row.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/i-make-the-most-of-low-cost-mortgages/0011835/ Mon, 11, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/i-make-the-most-of-low-cost-mortgages_0011835.aspx <![CDATA[You've probably heard of offset mortgages but if you're not really sure what they are and how they work, don't worry you aren't alone. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-get-an-offset-mortgage/0011823/ Thu, 07, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-get-an-offset-mortgage_0011823.aspx <![CDATA[Andrew Lea, head of sales and service at First Direct, gives his help on what an offset mortgage is and whether or not its the right mortgage for you...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-is-an-offset-mortgage/0011807/ Mon, 04, Jul 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-is-an-offset-mortgage_0011807.aspx <![CDATA[The average interest rate on two-year fixed-rate mortgages has fallen to the lowest level the Bank of England dropped the base rate to 0.50% in March 2009.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fixed-rate-mortgages-fall/0011784/ Thu, 30, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fixed-rate-mortgages-fall_0011784.aspx <![CDATA[Property prices may be flat or falling in many areas but life is still tough for those trying to get onto the first rung of the housing ladder.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-get-on-the-property-ladder/0011742/ Thu, 23, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-get-on-the-property-ladder_0011742.aspx <![CDATA[Should you fix now? First-time buyer? Interest only or repayment? Join Clare Francis &amp; experts David Hollingworth from mortgage broker L&amp;C Mortgages and Richard Tolchard from First Direct.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/webchat-got-a-question-about-mortgages/0011703/ Fri, 17, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/webchat-got-a-question-about-mortgages_0011703.aspx <![CDATA[The UK's number one comparison site moneysupermarket.com urges mortgage customers to avoid being drawn in by low interest rates on products which have high fees, and to consider all options before applying, or they could end up paying more for their borrowing than necessary.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/average-mortgage-application-fees-up/0011701/ Fri, 17, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/average-mortgage-application-fees-up_0011701.aspx <![CDATA[Borrowers with less than perfect credit scores can find their applications for the best credit card and loan deals rejected, but there are ways to improve your chances of being accepted.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-improve-your-credit-score/0011668/ Wed, 08, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-improve-your-credit-score_0011668.aspx <![CDATA[Yorkshire Building Society has launched a new market-leading two year fixed rate mortgage, but is it the deal for you? Read on to find out more...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-best-two-year-fixed-mortgage/0011657/ Thu, 02, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-best-two-year-fixed-mortgage_0011657.aspx <![CDATA[If the end of your current mortgage deal is in sight, or you're looking to buy a new home, planning your next move is no easy feat as fears of imminent interest rate rises are present, but fading... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-mortgage-should-you-go-for/0011647/ Thu, 02, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-mortgage-should-you-go-for_0011647.aspx <![CDATA[With interest rates sure to rise soon we ask Andrew Lea, head of sales and service&nbsp;at First Direct, whether now is a good time to fix your mortgage...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/time-to-fix-your-mortgage/0011645/ Wed, 01, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/time-to-fix-your-mortgage_0011645.aspx <![CDATA[House hunters estimate they'll buy their first home at 38 years old.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/over-six-million-brits-give-up-on-the-mortgage-game/0011596/ Fri, 20, May 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/over-six-million-brits-give-up-on-the-mortgage-game_0011596.aspx <![CDATA[Steep house prices and the on-going shortage of mortgages mean more than six million Brits have given up on the idea of buying a home - but it's not all doom and gloom for first-time buyers.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/do-not-give-up-on-the-mortgage-game/0011592/ Fri, 20, May 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/do-not-give-up-on-the-mortgage-game_0011592.aspx <![CDATA[The stuttering housing market continues to struggle to make any real headway, according to the latest figures from house price analysts, but where does this leave buyers and sellers?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices/0011525/ Wed, 11, May 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices_0011525.aspx <![CDATA[The Monetary Policy Committee today kept the Bank of England base rate unchanged at 0.5% - but many believe rates won't remain this low for much longer.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-held-but-for-how-long/0011489/ Thu, 05, May 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-held-but-for-how-long_0011489.aspx <![CDATA[Getting on the property ladder may be a challenge, but most of those who have managed it currently enjoy much lower monthly costs than people who are renting.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/renting-versus-buying-which-is-cheaper/0011432/ Tue, 03, May 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/renting-versus-buying-which-is-cheaper_0011432.aspx <![CDATA[This time last month, it seemed a foregone conclusion that interest rates would finally start to rise in May.&nbsp; The soaring cost of living was putting increasing pressure on the Bank to put up rates from their rock bottom 0.5%, leaving millions of borrowers facing the prospect of steeper mortgage bills.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-get-ahead-of-rate rises/0011407/ Wed, 27, Apr 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-get-ahead-of-rate rises_0011407.aspx <![CDATA[The price of arranging a mortgage has risen over the last 18 months, making it harder for consumers to gauge the total costs involved when applying for a loan. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/rising-mortgage-costs-spell-confusion-for-brits/0011369/ Wed, 20, Apr 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/rising-mortgage-costs-spell-confusion-for-brits_0011369.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate may have been held at 0.5% for the 25th consecutive month in April, but there's no escaping the fact that the clock is ticking, and a rise could be just around the corner.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fixed-vs-variable-mortgages/0011361/ Thu, 14, Apr 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fixed-vs-variable-mortgages_0011361.aspx <![CDATA[The Monetary Policy Committee meets on Thursday to decide whether or not to raise interest rates, and those wanting to protect themselves from potentially higher mortgage payments in the future may be wondering how long to lock into a fixed rate for.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-long-should-you-fix-your-mortgage/0011271/ Thu, 31, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-long-should-you-fix-your-mortgage_0011271.aspx <![CDATA[The housing market may be showing signs of improvement - according to Nationwide house prices rose 0.5% in March - but if you are planning on selling your home it makes sense to ensure it is looking as good as it possibly can.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/which-home-improvements-boost-your-propertys-value/0011262/ Thu, 31, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/which-home-improvements-boost-your-propertys-value_0011262.aspx <![CDATA[You work hard for your money, so when you put it in the bank, you want to know it is working as hard as possible for you.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/five-ways-to-make-your-bank-work-harder/0011258/ Wed, 30, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/five-ways-to-make-your-bank-work-harder_0011258.aspx <![CDATA[Tight lending restrictions combined with steep property prices have made it almost impossible for many first time buyers to get on the first rung of the property ladder - but there is some help available.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-help-for-first-time-buyers/0011220/ Fri, 25, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-help-for-first-time-buyers_0011220.aspx <![CDATA[George Osborne described his 2011 Budget as 'budget for growth' but not many of us are likely to see much of an improvement in our personal finances over the next year.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-the-2011-budget-means-for-you/0011186/ Thu, 24, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-the-2011-budget-means-for-you_0011186.aspx <![CDATA[There's growing speculation that the Bank of England will hike the base rate soon in order to curb soaring inflation, leaving millions of homeowners on variable rate mortgages facing steeper costs.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-best-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0011162/ Wed, 23, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-best-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0011162.aspx <![CDATA[Britons in serious relationships often avoid opening joint accounts because they do not trust their partners not to take advantage of the situation, new research shows. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-open-a-joint-account/0011109/ Thu, 17, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-open-a-joint-account_0011109.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers are being offered deposits of up to 20% by five local councils to help them onto the property ladder. But will you be able to benefit? We explain how the scheme works... .]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/q-and-a-first-time-buyers-offered-council-cash/0011102/ Wed, 16, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/q-and-a-first-time-buyers-offered-council-cash_0011102.aspx <![CDATA[Spring is one of the most popular times of the year to move home, but if you're planning to step up a rung on the property ladder, doing plenty of homework first could really pay off.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/improve-your-chances-of-climbing-the-property-ladder/0011098/ Tue, 15, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/improve-your-chances-of-climbing-the-property-ladder_0011098.aspx <![CDATA[.........but four in 10 homeowners fear future rises]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-at-two-year-historic-low/0011092/ Tue, 15, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-at-two-year-historic-low_0011092.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate has been held at 0.5% for yet another month, marking two years since it was first cut to this historic low. But are rises on the cards?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-ready-for-interest-rate-rises/0011066/ Thu, 10, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-ready-for-interest-rate-rises_0011066.aspx <![CDATA[Against&nbsp;calls from some&nbsp;for it to be increased, the Bank of England base rate has&nbsp;been held at 0.5% for two years this month. But it will will have to rise eventually, so&nbsp;how would&nbsp;that&nbsp;affect people?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/two-years-at-0-point-5-per-cent-but-will-rates-rise-soon/0011065/ Thu, 10, Mar 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/two-years-at-0-point-5-per-cent-but-will-rates-rise-soon_0011065.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate may have remained at 0.5% for nearly two years, but mortgage rates are creeping up steadily in anticipation of a rise.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/borrowers-warned-as-mortgage-rates-rise/0011001/ Thu, 24, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/borrowers-warned-as-mortgage-rates-rise_0011001.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's decision to keep Base Rate unchanged at 0.5 per cent for the 23rd consecutive month is good news for anyone enjoying low interest mortgage repayments. However, moneysupermarket.com warns borrowers on variable rate mortgages to prepare for a Base Rate increase and consider fixing now.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/not-too-late-to-fix-your-finances/0010977/ Mon, 21, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/not-too-late-to-fix-your-finances_0010977.aspx <![CDATA[Increasing numbers of first-time buyers are boosting their purchasing power by clubbing together with a friend or partner - but make sure you think carefully about the pros and cons first.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-if-youre-buying-a-property-with-a-friend/0010954/ Thu, 17, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-if-youre-buying-a-property-with-a-friend_0010954.aspx <![CDATA[The cost of living continues to soar, with inflation now at its highest level for two years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/inflation-rockets-to-4-per-cent/0010932/ Tue, 15, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/inflation-rockets-to-4-per-cent_0010932.aspx <![CDATA[With today's announcement that inflation has reached its highest level since 2008, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising to 4.0 per cent, many British consumers are struggling to cope with the everyday cost of living. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fight-back-against-the-rising-cost-of-living/0010931/ Tue, 15, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fight-back-against-the-rising-cost-of-living_0010931.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners on variable rate mortgages are set to enjoy another month of low interest rates in February - but the party&nbsp;could soon be over, so review your mortgage now...<br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-mortgage-should-i-go-for/0010922/ Fri, 11, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-mortgage-should-i-go-for_0010922.aspx <![CDATA[Moving up the property ladder is always a big step, whether it's your second, third, fourth or fifth home, but there are ways you can make the process less stressful.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/climbing-up-the-property-ladder/0010851/ Wed, 02, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/climbing-up-the-property-ladder_0010851.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage lenders are quick to boast about helping first-time buyers with smaller deposits - but the truth is most of the effort will have to come from you.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/getting-a-mortgage-with-a-small-deposit/0010826/ Wed, 26, Jan 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/getting-a-mortgage-with-a-small-deposit_0010826.aspx <![CDATA[Fixed rate mortgages starting to rise ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/to-fix-or-not-to-fix/0010822/ Wed, 26, Jan 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/to-fix-or-not-to-fix_0010822.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners planning to switch to the shelter of a cheap fixed rate mortgage ahead of climbing interest rates don't have a second to waste, as the best deals are disappearing fast.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fix-your-mortgage-now/0010802/ Thu, 20, Jan 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fix-your-mortgage-now_0010802.aspx <![CDATA[It was no surprise that the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to keep base rate on hold at 0.50% this month. But after 22 months of flat interest rates, it's time for borrowers and savers to start preparing for rate increases.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/prepare-for-interest-rate-rises/0010782/ Thu, 13, Jan 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/prepare-for-interest-rate-rises_0010782.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates have been at record lows for almost two years now, but that is cold comfort to homebuyers who are struggling to get a mortgage.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-get-a-mortgage/0010732/ Wed, 29, Dec 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-get-a-mortgage_0010732.aspx <![CDATA[Despite all the doom and gloom surrounding house prices over the 12 months, average property prices actually remain broadly unchanged compared to this time last year.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices-in-2011/0010731/ Wed, 29, Dec 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices-in-2011_0010731.aspx <![CDATA[Deciding whether to fix your mortgage rate or plump for a variable deal has never been a tougher call...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-to-fix-or-not-to-fix/0010631/ Thu, 09, Dec 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-to-fix-or-not-to-fix_0010631.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners and buyers thinking of fixing their mortgage are being urged to act now before the cost of fixed rate deals go up.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-fix-now-before-rates-rise/0010433/ Wed, 17, Nov 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-fix-now-before-rates-rise_0010433.aspx <![CDATA[Since the credit crunch hit in 2007, first-time buyers have had a rough ride, but at last the tables are starting to turn.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/christmas-comes-early-for-first-time-buyers/0010413/ Wed, 10, Nov 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/christmas-comes-early-for-first-time-buyers_0010413.aspx <![CDATA[Analysis from moneysupermarket.com shows things are looking up for first time buyers.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/christmas-may-have-come-early-for-first-time-buyers/0010406/ Tue, 09, Nov 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/christmas-may-have-come-early-for-first-time-buyers_0010406.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England left interest rates unchanged again this week, marking the 20th consecutive month that base rate has remained slumped at 0.5%. But analysts are predicting that a rise in the cost of borrowing could be just around the corner.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/bank-base-rate-held-again-but-borrowers-should-be-prepared/0010377/ Thu, 04, Nov 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/bank-base-rate-held-again-but-borrowers-should-be-prepared_0010377.aspx <![CDATA[Hundreds of thousands of people who came to the end of their short term mortgage deals a year or more ago have been languishing on their lenders' standard variable rates ever since. But as it's certain rates will go up eventually, they could find themselves paying well over the odds if they don't consider locking into a low rate deal now.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-sticking-with-your-mortgage-could-cost-you-dear/0010320/ Thu, 21, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-sticking-with-your-mortgage-could-cost-you-dear_0010320.aspx <![CDATA[So the axe has fallen, the cuts have been confirmed and they&nbsp;are going to affect everyone. So how can you offset them?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/beat-the-spending-review/0010291/ Tue, 19, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/beat-the-spending-review_0010291.aspx <![CDATA[Average monthly repayments could jump by up to &pound;563* if Base Rate returns to pre-crunch levels]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-held-for-the-longest-time-since-wwii/0010283/ Thu, 14, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-held-for-the-longest-time-since-wwii_0010283.aspx <![CDATA[Clare Francis, site editor at moneysupermarket.com, said; "The Council of Mortgage Lenders' calculations, which suggest nearly four million homebuyers would have been frozen out of the housing market by restrictions on interest-only mortgages, sets alarm bells ringing for homeowners and banks.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-fsa-mortgage-market-review/0010282/ Thu, 14, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-fsa-mortgage-market-review_0010282.aspx <![CDATA[The mortgage market continues to be&nbsp;sluggish, as homeowners and buyers brace themselves for the spending cuts due to be announced on October 20.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-new-market-leading-three-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0010280/ Thu, 14, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-new-market-leading-three-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0010280.aspx <![CDATA[More than six million British people have had an outstanding balance on their credit card for a year or more, costing them a small fortune in interest. Here, we look at the best ways to tackle your debts head on... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-be-debt-free/0010265/ Thu, 07, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-be-debt-free_0010265.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers are being stung by higher rates, lending restrictions remain tight and new Financial Services Authority proposals risk cutting off some credit-worthy buyers altogether, leaving thousands of people looking for a mortgage wondering which way to turn.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-if-you-re-struggling-to-get-a-mortgage/0010264/ Thu, 07, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-if-you-re-struggling-to-get-a-mortgage_0010264.aspx <![CDATA[How do you pick the best mortgage - is it&nbsp;the one with the&nbsp;lowest rate? Are you sure?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage/0010263/ Thu, 07, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage_0010263.aspx <![CDATA[House prices fell by a record 3.6% in September, according to Halifax - the biggest monthly drop since it started monitoring them in 1983.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/has-the-double-dip-started/0010261/ Thu, 07, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/has-the-double-dip-started_0010261.aspx <![CDATA[Banks and building societies frequently offer free valuations or legal fees to tempt borrowers to sign up to their mortgages, but now lenders are coming up with increasingly innovative ways to attract customers.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-get-five-hundred-off-energy-bills-with-a-halifax-mortgage/0010260/ Thu, 07, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-get-five-hundred-off-energy-bills-with-a-halifax-mortgage_0010260.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)&nbsp;has voted again to keep base rate at the historically low rate of just 0.5%, making it the 19th unchanged month in a row.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-deadlock-continues/0010259/ Thu, 07, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-deadlock-continues_0010259.aspx <![CDATA[If you are a homeowner, it makes perfect sense that you will want to pay the cheapest mortgage rate available on the market. But finding what this is - in real terms - may not be as straightforward as it looks...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-ignore-fees-at-your-peril/0010225/ Tue, 28, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-ignore-fees-at-your-peril_0010225.aspx <![CDATA[Anyone looking for a new mortgage may be tempted by some of the attractive headline rates currently available, but Britain's number one comparison site, moneysupermarket.com is warning borrowers to make sure they understand the full details of the deal before applying, otherwise they may end up paying far more for their mortgage than alternative deals with higher rates. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-borrowers-beware/0010219/ Tue, 28, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-borrowers-beware_0010219.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners who took out mortgages believing they were easily transferable when they moved home could find their deals aren't as portable as they thought, as Melanie Wright discovered...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/beware-the-portable-mortgage-trap/0010203/ Thu, 23, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/beware-the-portable-mortgage-trap_0010203.aspx <![CDATA[The number of mortgages being offered to first-time buyers continues to fall, but there are things you can do which will make it easier to get on the property ladder. We look at some of the difficulties first-time buyers face and how they can improve their chances of buying a home...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-for-first-time-buyers/0010165/ Wed, 15, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-for-first-time-buyers_0010165.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) figures for July, Clare Francis, site editor for moneysupermarket.com said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-cml-figures-for-july/0010144/ Tue, 14, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-cml-figures-for-july_0010144.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted to keep base rate at 0.5% for another month - making it a year and a half since it first fell to this historic low.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/Base-rate-at-zero-point-five-percent-for-eighteen-full-months/0010131/ Thu, 09, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Base-rate-at-zero-point-five-percent-for-eighteen-full-months_0010131.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates have been at rock bottom for 18 consecutive months now, spelling misery for savers. Borrowers are faring better but millions of people are failing to reorganise their finances to maximise the benefits in this low-rate environment. We look at what savers and borrowers should do... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-win-when-interest-rates-are-low/0010092/ Thu, 09, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-win-when-interest-rates-are-low_0010092.aspx <![CDATA[The bank base rate has been held at 0.5% for 18 months now, but how much longer&nbsp;will this remain the case? Could you afford your mortgage repayments if they&nbsp;increased?&nbsp;]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/beware-the-base-rate-mortgage-time-bomb/0010087/ Wed, 08, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/beware-the-base-rate-mortgage-time-bomb_0010087.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to hold base rate at 0.5 per cent this week, marking 18 months of no change. But interest rates will have to start rising at some point and a new poll on Britain's number one comparison site, moneysupermarket.com, found that a quarter of people are worried about the impact this will have on their finances.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/one-in-four-brits-fear-bank-of-england-base-rate-rises/0010084/ Wed, 08, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/one-in-four-brits-fear-bank-of-england-base-rate-rises_0010084.aspx <![CDATA[It can be hard to know what the right choice is when you're looking for a mortgage, there are so many options and deals. In this video Clare Francis explains the difference between tracker and discount mortgages, and sums up the pros and cons of each... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whats-the-difference-between-a-tracker-and-a-discount-mortgage/0010068/ Thu, 02, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whats-the-difference-between-a-tracker-and-a-discount-mortgage_0010068.aspx <![CDATA[If you bought your home back in 2007 at the peak of the property boom, you may need to brace yourself for a further four years of negative equity - a sticky situation whereby your mortgage is greater than the value of your property.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-you-caught-in-the-negative-equity-trap/0010066/ Thu, 02, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-you-caught-in-the-negative-equity-trap_0010066.aspx <![CDATA[With base rate expected to rise in the near future, Clare Francis looks into why now might be a good time to take out a fixed rate mortgage...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-should-I-fix-my-mortgage/0010044/ Thu, 26, Aug 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-should-I-fix-my-mortgage_0010044.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates could reach as high as 8% in just two years' time according to some experts, so should homeowners and buyers snap up low rate fixed mortgages while they can?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-is-it-time-to-get-fixing/0010036/ Wed, 25, Aug 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-is-it-time-to-get-fixing_0010036.aspx <![CDATA[Borrowers looking to protect themselves from future interest rate rises are benefiting from some of the lowest fixed rate mortgages ever.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-post-office-two-year-fixed-289/0010015/ Thu, 19, Aug 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-post-office-two-year-fixed-289_0010015.aspx <![CDATA[Yorkshire Building Society has today launched a new market leading two-year tracker mortgage for loans up to 75 per cent of the property's value.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/yorkshire-building-society-launches-market-leading-tracker-mortgage/0009925/ Tue, 10, Aug 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/yorkshire-building-society-launches-market-leading-tracker-mortgage_0009925.aspx <![CDATA[Fears among the nation's borrowers that interest rates may soon be on the rise were tamed last week after experts predicted rates could stay at their current record low for the next four years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-long-term-low-interest-rates-mean-for-your-mortgage/0009923/ Mon, 09, Aug 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-long-term-low-interest-rates-mean-for-your-mortgage_0009923.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the launch of Metro Bank, Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com, said: "After much hype we've finally seen the launch of the first new high street bank for more than 100 years. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-launch-of-metro-bank/0009861/ Thu, 29, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-launch-of-metro-bank_0009861.aspx <![CDATA[Lloyds Banking Group was this week applauded for scrapping sales of much-criticised payment protection insurance (PPI) to customers who borrow money through its mortgages, loans or credit cards.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ppi-your-questions-answered/0009853/ Wed, 28, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ppi-your-questions-answered_0009853.aspx <![CDATA[The Financial Services Authority has announced a further clampdown on mortgages which will make it harder for many people to get a loan. We take a look at what's been announced and what it will mean.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tighter-mortgage-rules-what-now-for-borrowers/0009777/ Tue, 13, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tighter-mortgage-rules-what-now-for-borrowers_0009777.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the FSA's plans to ban self-certified mortgages, Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage expert at moneysupermarket.com said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-fsas-plans-to-ban-self-certified-mortgages/0009776/ Tue, 13, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-fsas-plans-to-ban-self-certified-mortgages_0009776.aspx <![CDATA[Are you thinking of becoming a property investor or planning some home improvements? Property expert and founder of Tepilo.com Sarah Beeny gives her top tips on property investment and home improvements...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/sarah-beenys-top-tips-property-investment-and-home-improvements/0009772/ Tue, 13, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/sarah-beenys-top-tips-property-investment-and-home-improvements_0009772.aspx <![CDATA[If you are considering buying your first home, or even taking the next step up the housing ladder, and have been trying to assess the right time to jump - expect to be confused.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-now-the-right-time-to-buy-a-house/0009756/ Thu, 08, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-now-the-right-time-to-buy-a-house_0009756.aspx <![CDATA[Yorkshire Building Society has today launched two new 3-year fixed rate mortgages aimed at customers with a Loan to Value (LTV) of 75 per cent and 85 per cent respectively. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/yorkshire-building-society-launches-market-leading-mortgages/0009710/ Mon, 05, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/yorkshire-building-society-launches-market-leading-mortgages_0009710.aspx <![CDATA[Fixed rate mortgages are proving popular at the moment as borrowers seek to take advantage of the low interest rate environment and lock into a competitive rate before they start rising again.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-leading-3-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0009704/ Fri, 02, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-leading-3-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0009704.aspx <![CDATA[Analysis from Britain's number one comparison site, moneysupermarket.com has shown that UK consumers who remain loyal to their bank could be paying around &pound;2,814 more over a year compared to those who shop around for the best deals.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/uk-consumers-could-be-paying-2814-more-by-remaining-loyal-to-one-bank-or-building-society/0009680/ Mon, 28, Jun 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/uk-consumers-could-be-paying-2814-more-by-remaining-loyal-to-one-bank-or-building-society_0009680.aspx <![CDATA[Review your finances and offset the impact of the budget.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/be-your-own-chancellor/0009670/ Wed, 23, Jun 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/be-your-own-chancellor_0009670.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on speculation that the Bank of England will restrict the maximum LTV available to home buyers ahead of George Osborne's Mansion House speech this evening, Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-speculation-ahead-of-george-osborne-s-mansion-house-speech/0009627/ Thu, 17, Jun 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-speculation-ahead-of-george-osborne-s-mansion-house-speech_0009627.aspx <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-Bank-Offset.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-Bank-Offset.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Offset-(variable)-first-direct-Offset.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Offset-(variable)-first-direct-Offset.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-BS-Offset-.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-BS-Offset-.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Fixed-rate-Yorkshire-BS-Fixed-rate.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Fixed-rate-Yorkshire-BS-Fixed-rate.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Fixed-rate-first-direct-Fixed-rate.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Fixed-rate-first-direct-Fixed-rate.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Fixed-rate-HSBC-Fixed-rate.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Fixed-rate-HSBC-Fixed-rate.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Discount-Hinckley-and-Rugby-BS-Discount.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Discount-Hinckley-and-Rugby-BS-Discount.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Discount-ING-Direct-Discount.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Discount-ING-Direct-Discount.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Discount-HSBC-Bank-Discount.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Discount-HSBC-Bank-Discount.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Base-rate-tracker-ING-Direct-Base-rate-tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-Base-rate-tracker-ING-Direct-Base-rate-tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Base-rate-tracker-Yorkshire-BS-Base-rate-tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-Base-rate-tracker-Yorkshire-BS-Base-rate-tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Base-rate-tracker-first-direct-Base-rate-tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-Base-rate-tracker-first-direct-Base-rate-tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-90-LTV-Newcastle-BS-90-LTV.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-3-90-LTV-Newcastle-BS-90-LTV.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-90-LTV-The-Co-operative-Bank-90-LTV.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-2-90-LTV-The-Co-operative-Bank-90-LTV.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-90-LTV-HSBC-90-LTV.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-24-1-90-LTV-HSBC-90-LTV.htm <![CDATA[We know interest rates will start rising, we just don't know when. With base rate having been held at 0.5% for the 15th month in a row, many savers and borrowers feel as though they're in limbo at the moment. However, a flat base rate environment doesn't mean you should sit back and do nothing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-should-savers-and-borrowers-do/0009537/ Fri, 11, Jun 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-should-savers-and-borrowers-do_0009537.aspx <![CDATA[For many people, the decision of whether to fix their mortgage or take a bit of a gamble and go for a variable rate is a tough one to make.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-the-co-operative-bank-five-yr-fixed-rate-mortgage/0009532/ Thu, 10, Jun 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-the-co-operative-bank-five-yr-fixed-rate-mortgage_0009532.aspx <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-Bank-Discount.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-Bank-Discount.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Offset-(variable)-first-direct-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Offset-(variable)-first-direct-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-BS-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Offset-(variable)-Yorkshire-BS-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Fixed-rate-Yorkshire-BS-Fixed-Rate.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Fixed-rate-Yorkshire-BS-Fixed-Rate.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Fixed-rate-The-Co-operative-Bank-Fixed-Rate.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Fixed-rate-The-Co-operative-Bank-Fixed-Rate.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Fixed-rate-Market-Harborough-BS-Fixed-Rate.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Fixed-rate-Market-Harborough-BS-Fixed-Rate.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Discount-Hinckley-and-Rugby-BS-Discount.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Discount-Hinckley-and-Rugby-BS-Discount.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Discount-ING-Direct-Discount.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Discount-ING-Direct-Discount.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Discount-HSBC-Bank-Discount.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Discount-HSBC-Bank-Discount.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Base-rate-tracker-ING-Direct-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-Base-rate-tracker-ING-Direct-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Base-rate-tracker-first-direct-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-Base-rate-tracker-first-direct-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Base-rate-tracker-Yorkshire-BS-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-Base-rate-tracker-Yorkshire-BS-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-90-LTV-Newcastle-BS-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-3-90-LTV-Newcastle-BS-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-90-LTV-The-Co-operative-Bank-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-2-90-LTV-The-Co-operative-Bank-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-90-LTV-HSBC-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm Wed, 04, Mar 2009 10:27:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Mortgages-2010-22-1-90-LTV-HSBC-Base-Rate-Tracker.htm <![CDATA[The&nbsp;total number of&nbsp;mortgage products on the market has grown 42 per cent since July 2009, however the total number of mortgages is down 90 per cent compared to three years ago.<br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-numbers-break-through-3000-barrier/0009440/ Fri, 04, Jun 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-numbers-break-through-3000-barrier_0009440.aspx <![CDATA[Analysis from Britain's number one comparison site, moneysupermarket.com has found that, whilst the total number of mortgages available today is just 12 per cent of what was available back in April 2007, there is one stark anomaly - five year fixed rate mortgages. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-curious-case-of-the-five-year-fix/0009391/ Mon, 24, May 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-curious-case-of-the-five-year-fix_0009391.aspx <![CDATA[There's good news for those looking for a mortgage. We've seen a number of lenders reduce their rates in recent weeks and there are more deals available for those with small deposits.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-find-the-right-mortgage/0009385/ Fri, 21, May 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-find-the-right-mortgage_0009385.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) figures for March, Hannah Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at moneysupermarket.com said;]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-todays-cml-figures/0009250/ Mon, 17, May 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-todays-cml-figures_0009250.aspx <![CDATA[Are you a first-time buyer looking for a mortgage or an existing homeowner who's struggling to move or remortgage because you don't have much equity in your property? If you are, the good news is that the outlook is improving.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-post-office-2-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0009216/ Fri, 14, May 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-post-office-2-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0009216.aspx <![CDATA[Amid the chaos and uncertainty of a hung parliament, perhaps we can take comfort in the fact that one thing remains unchanged - the Bank of England base rate.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-held-but-is-a-rise-on-the-horizon/0009192/ Mon, 10, May 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-held-but-is-a-rise-on-the-horizon_0009192.aspx <![CDATA[Could 2010 be the year you buy your first home? With the stamp duty holiday and low house prices, many first-time buyers are hoping to take their first step onto the property ladder this year. Felicity King-Evans talks to moneysupermarket.com mortgage expert Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield about some of the key issues for new homebuyers... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-first-time-buyers-need-to-know/0009174/ Thu, 06, May 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-first-time-buyers-need-to-know_0009174.aspx <![CDATA[Have you ever thought about splitting your mortgage so that part of it is on a fixed rate and part on a variable rate? It's something few people think about doing but it could become more popular following the launch of a new Split Mortgage range from HSBC. Is it something that could work for you?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/split-mortgages-a-new-option-for-borrowers/0009131/ Wed, 28, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/split-mortgages-a-new-option-for-borrowers_0009131.aspx <![CDATA[Can't decide whether to go for a fixed or variable rate mortgage? You could go for both... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-fixed-vs-variable-rate/0009101/ Tue, 27, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-fixed-vs-variable-rate_0009101.aspx <![CDATA[Making sure you bag the best mortgage deal can save thousands of pounds in interest payments. But even the very cheapest deals are not worth applying for if the process is going to jeopardise your credit rating... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-a-mortgage-without-damaging-your-credit-rating/0009093/ Fri, 23, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-a-mortgage-without-damaging-your-credit-rating_0009093.aspx <![CDATA[With the General Election just around the corner, we hit the streets of Manchester to find out whether personal finance issues will affect the way people&nbsp;will vote...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/your-money-and-the-general-election/0009087/ Thu, 22, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/your-money-and-the-general-election_0009087.aspx <![CDATA[A flying start to 2010: predicted double dips, stamp duty cuts, the election and more mean the property market is even more uncertain than ever. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/sarah-beenys-top-tips-for-homebuyers-and-sellers.aspx Thu, 15, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/sarah-beenys-top-tips-for-homebuyers-and-sellers.aspx <![CDATA[There are lots of myths that affect everyday choices. Our money experts bust the most common...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/financial-myths-busted/0009051/ Wed, 14, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/financial-myths-busted_0009051.aspx <![CDATA[Data from moneysupermarket.com, Britain's number one comparison site, has revealed that activity in the mortgage market is steadily increasing across a variety of borrower profiles, meaning the spring homebuying season has kicked off strongly and looks set to continue. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-green-shoots-in-the-housing-market/0009049/ Wed, 14, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-green-shoots-in-the-housing-market_0009049.aspx <![CDATA[Twenty years ago if you wanted to buy a house, you would visit the local estate agents. Now it seems most of us look online.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/internet-or-high-street-where-would-you-go-to-find-your-next-home/0009047/ Tue, 13, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/internet-or-high-street-where-would-you-go-to-find-your-next-home_0009047.aspx <![CDATA[The birds are singing and the evenings are lighter - both of which have got to mean that the start of the 2010 house-hunting season is underway...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-rates-fall/0008999/ Fri, 09, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-rates-fall_0008999.aspx <![CDATA[Once again, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has left base rate unchanged at 0.5%, despite inflation staying above the target 2%. So what's going on?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-held-but-economy-perks-up/0008991/ Thu, 08, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-held-but-economy-perks-up_0008991.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers received a boost in last month's Budget when the Chancellor announced they would be exempt from stamp duty on properties worth&nbsp;up to &pound;250,000 for the next two years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-hsbc-two-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0008977/ Tue, 06, Apr 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-hsbc-two-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0008977.aspx <![CDATA[The Post Office could soon be offering a much wider range of financial products under plans unveiled by the government today.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/would-you-bank-with-the-post-office/0008934/ Mon, 29, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/would-you-bank-with-the-post-office_0008934.aspx <![CDATA[moneysupermarket.com experts comment on the Budget announcements regarding bank accounts for all, ISA limits and stamp duty.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/our-experts-give-their-views-on-what-the-budget-means-for-consumers/0008903/ Wed, 24, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/our-experts-give-their-views-on-what-the-budget-means-for-consumers_0008903.aspx <![CDATA[If you're wondering what your tax allowances will be for the next tax year, we've compiled some easy-to-read tables for you. These should provide all the information you need.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tax-allowances-for-2010-2011/0008879/ Thu, 18, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tax-allowances-for-2010-2011_0008879.aspx <![CDATA[Latest figures from the Council of Mortgage lenders revealed that mortgage lending rose 6% in February. Although it is still low when compared to the historic average, there are signs that consumer confidence is picking up and mortgage availability is improving. In turn, this seems to be helping to boost activity.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-hsbc-two-year-discount-mortgage/0008878/ Thu, 18, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-hsbc-two-year-discount-mortgage_0008878.aspx <![CDATA[The Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation hit 3.7 per cent in January, and when combined with a historically low base rate of 0.5 per cent, this has left consumers with very few opportunities to gain any real return on their savings. For those savers who also have a mortgage, now could prove the perfect time to consider switching to an offset mortgage deal as a way of providing an alternative to poor paying savings accounts. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/offset-your-mortgage-as-a-good-alternative-to-poor-savings-rates/0008839/ Tue, 16, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/offset-your-mortgage-as-a-good-alternative-to-poor-savings-rates_0008839.aspx <![CDATA[It's two and a half years since the credit crunch broke, yet only recently has there been whisperings of mortgage lenders beginning to relax criteria.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-it-really-getting-easier-to-land-yourself-a-mortgage/0008800/ Fri, 12, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-it-really-getting-easier-to-land-yourself-a-mortgage_0008800.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the launch of HSBC's 1.99 per cent discount mortgage deal and Santander's mortgage rate cuts, Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at moneysupermarket.com]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/recent-mortgage-moves-leave-borrowers-with-a-gamble-to-make/0008796/ Thu, 11, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/recent-mortgage-moves-leave-borrowers-with-a-gamble-to-make_0008796.aspx <![CDATA[One year ago this month the Bank of England ended six months of dramatic rate cuts to try and stave off the effects of the recession, leaving Bank of England Base Rate at a record low of 0.5 per cent. Analysis from moneysupermarket.com shows the winners and losers from this cut as banks and building societies responded.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/rock-bottom-base-rate-one-year-ago-but-what-has-happened-since/0008771/ Fri, 05, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/rock-bottom-base-rate-one-year-ago-but-what-has-happened-since_0008771.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has kept base rate on hold again this month. This means it has been at its historic low of 0.50% for a full 12 months.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-has-a-year-of-low-interest-rates-done-to-your-finances/0008756/ Thu, 04, Mar 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-has-a-year-of-low-interest-rates-done-to-your-finances_0008756.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage lending is down, so if you're in the market for a home loan, how can you be sure of finding the best deal?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-ten-tips-if-you-re-looking-for-a-mortgage/0008708/ Fri, 26, Feb 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-ten-tips-if-you-re-looking-for-a-mortgage_0008708.aspx <![CDATA[In light of rising inflation and falling returns on savings, could an offset mortgage be a good idea?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-take-outan-offset-mortgage/0008593/ Fri, 19, Feb 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-take-outan-offset-mortgage_0008593.aspx <![CDATA[House prices have risen for nine consecutive months, but will this continue and is now a good time to buy. Clare Francis speaks to Nationwide's Chief Economist, Martin Gahbauer&nbsp;about his views on the current market...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whats-happening-to-house-prices/0008476/ Fri, 12, Feb 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whats-happening-to-house-prices_0008476.aspx <![CDATA[This week Lloyds Banking Group launched a new tracker mortgage at just 1.49 per cent above Base Rate, meaning it currently costs just 1.99 per cent - on the face of it a market leading rate.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-warns-borrowers-to-look-beyond-headline-rates/0008443/ Thu, 11, Feb 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-warns-borrowers-to-look-beyond-headline-rates_0008443.aspx <![CDATA[Recent changes in mortgage rates mean that millions of borrowers are paying more than they need on their home loan and would be better off switching to another deal. But for many, the mortgage market is just a maze of confusion, so how do you find your way through and work out what you should do?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/remortgaging-explained/0008391/ Fri, 05, Feb 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/remortgaging-explained_0008391.aspx <![CDATA[Another month, another Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision. Once again, it's decided to keep the base rate at 0.50%, meaning we're now in the 11th consecutive month of this historically low rate.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-unchanged-so-where-are-the-best-deals/0008372/ Thu, 04, Feb 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-unchanged-so-where-are-the-best-deals_0008372.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners kicking back and enjoying sustained low rates on their mortgage could be jolted into taking action sooner than they thought... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-it-time-to-fix-your-mortgage/8250/ Fri, 29, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-it-time-to-fix-your-mortgage_8250.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "moneysupermarket.com has championed the fair treatment of borrowers in arrears for some time now and we're pleased to finally see a real change in the rules that will benefit borrowers in difficulty.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-fsa-s-new-mortgage-measures/0008214/ Tue, 26, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-fsa-s-new-mortgage-measures_0008214.aspx <![CDATA[New mortgage rules bring good news for thousands of borrowers struggling to keep up with their monthly repayments.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-help-for-those-with-mortgage-problems/0008213/ Tue, 26, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-help-for-those-with-mortgage-problems_0008213.aspx <![CDATA[The FSA's Mortgage Market Review&nbsp;wants to make changes&nbsp;in a range of key areas including&nbsp;arrears and the way lenders support their customers. Clare Francis spoke with Lesley Titcomb of the FSA to explain how these could help people...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/help-for-those-with-mortgage-arrears/0008212/ Mon, 25, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/help-for-those-with-mortgage-arrears_0008212.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage channel manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "All eyes may now be on Skipton but it's not the first to raise its SVR - some of the smaller building societies did this towards the end of last year, although Skipton is clearly one of the more prominent players. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-skiptons-decision-to-increase-the-cost-of-their-svr-to-4-95-per-cent/0008202/ Fri, 22, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-skiptons-decision-to-increase-the-cost-of-their-svr-to-4-95-per-cent_0008202.aspx <![CDATA[2010 was earmarked by many experts as the year that would kick off the start of recovery in the moribund mortgage and housing markets. And, with just three weeks of the year under our belts, indicators are suggesting this could indeed be the case.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-it-a-good-time-to-buy-a-house/0008197/ Fri, 22, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-it-a-good-time-to-buy-a-house_0008197.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the confirmation that 1,000 Abbey and Bradford &amp; Bingley branches will be rebranded to Santander by the end of this month, starting in London on Monday, Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/1000-abbey-and-bradford-bingley-branches-will-be-rebranded-to-santander-by-the-end-of-january/0008151/ Mon, 18, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/1000-abbey-and-bradford-bingley-branches-will-be-rebranded-to-santander-by-the-end-of-january_0008151.aspx <![CDATA[A mortgage milestone was passed last week when the number of mortgage products available surpassed 2,500 for the first time since May last year. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-milestone-passed/0008149/ Mon, 18, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-milestone-passed_0008149.aspx <![CDATA[Could the freeze on British mortgage lending be starting to thaw? It's beginning to look that way, as a number of lenders have cut their rates over the last few weeks.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-rates-starting-to-fall/0008122/ Fri, 15, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-rates-starting-to-fall_0008122.aspx <![CDATA[moneysupermarket.com, the UK's largest comparison website, has teamed up with London &amp; Country, the UK's leading mortgage broker, to offer expert telephone advice to customers who are looking to make a mortgage purchase. London &amp; Country will work closely with moneysupermarket.com's existing in house mortgage advisors. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-adds-london-country-to-its-mortgage-advice-offering/0008092/ Tue, 12, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-adds-london-country-to-its-mortgage-advice-offering_0008092.aspx <![CDATA[Well, once again, and to no one's surprise, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to keep the base rate at 0.50%, for the tenth month in a row.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/happy-new-year-no-new-base-rate/0007994/ Thu, 07, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/happy-new-year-no-new-base-rate_0007994.aspx <![CDATA[While many Brits resolve to shift unwanted Christmas kilos in the New Year, moneysupermarket.com reveals how consumers can be gaining Sterling pounds through savvy savings on their financial products.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/resolve-to-gain-pounds-in-2010/0007985/ Tue, 05, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/resolve-to-gain-pounds-in-2010_0007985.aspx <![CDATA[moneysupermarket.com's experts give you their financial and insurance tips to help you save time and money in 2010...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/money-savings-tips-for-2010/0007908/ Tue, 29, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/money-savings-tips-for-2010_0007908.aspx <![CDATA[The past 12 months have been extremely turbulent in the world of personal finance and with 2010 just around the corner, moneysupermarket.com's experts offer their predictions for utilities, mobiles, broadband, insurance and money.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-experts-predict-the-year-ahead-in-personal-finance/0007881/ Tue, 22, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-experts-predict-the-year-ahead-in-personal-finance_0007881.aspx <![CDATA[Analysis from moneysupermarket.com has shown that the supply end of the mortgage market has gradually recovered since reaching its nadir in August this year. However the total number of mortgage products available are still 27 per cent down since the start of the year. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-market-slowly-on-the-up/0007865/ Tue, 22, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-market-slowly-on-the-up_0007865.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has left interest rates on hold at 0.5% for the ninth consecutive month.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-lenders-slash-rates-despite-base-rate-decision/0007729/ Thu, 10, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-lenders-slash-rates-despite-base-rate-decision_0007729.aspx <![CDATA[This month's decision by the Bank of England to keep interest rates on hold again has been somewhat overshadowed by the Pre-Budget Report...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/savings-rates-vanish/0007728/ Thu, 10, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/savings-rates-vanish_0007728.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the Chancellor's announcement that stamp duty exemption will end on December 31st and that the mortgage interest cover programme will be extended by six months, Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-chancellors-stamp-duty-announcement/0007723/ Wed, 09, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-chancellors-stamp-duty-announcement_0007723.aspx <![CDATA[First time buyers may be hit hard at the end of the stamp duty holiday in January, however there is some good news to be celebrated.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/glimmer-of-hope-for-first-time-buyers/0007699/ Mon, 07, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/glimmer-of-hope-for-first-time-buyers_0007699.aspx <![CDATA[Offset mortgages have never really taken off here in the UK. This is partly down to the fact that many people don't fully understand how they work and what the benefits can be, but price will also be a factor.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/review-of-the-week-first-direct-lifetime-tracker/0007635/ Fri, 04, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/review-of-the-week-first-direct-lifetime-tracker_0007635.aspx <![CDATA[Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com, said: "There have been rumours that the Government would help create a 'people's bank' for the past two years, and now it seems this talk has some substance behind it."]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-governments-proposals-for-the-post-offices-financial-services-provision/0007604/ Wed, 02, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-governments-proposals-for-the-post-offices-financial-services-provision_0007604.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It is encouraging to see first direct launch another competitive offset product and giving borrowers an opportunity to manage their finances in a way that makes efficient use of savings capital."]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-new-first-direct-offset-lifetime-tracker-mortgage/0007603/ Wed, 02, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-new-first-direct-offset-lifetime-tracker-mortgage_0007603.aspx <![CDATA[Yorkshire and Chelsea Building Societies have today announced that they are in an advanced stage of talks with regards to a possible merger.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/yorkshire-and-chelsea-to-merge/0007600/ Tue, 01, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/yorkshire-and-chelsea-to-merge_0007600.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners looking to take advantage of stamp duty holiday increases nearly 10 per cent in last three months ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/not-all-holidays-must-come-to-an-end/0007550/ Wed, 25, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/not-all-holidays-must-come-to-an-end_0007550.aspx <![CDATA[The average SVR deal is now 4.2 per cent above the Bank of England Base Rate compared to 2.68 per cent 12 months ago.<br />moneysupermarket.com warns those sitting on SVRs not to be complacent <br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/borrowers-warned-over-SVR-complacency/0007527/ Mon, 23, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/borrowers-warned-over-SVR-complacency_0007527.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the CML's lending figures, Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at moneysupermarket.com, said; "The continued growth of mortgage lending is a sure sign that the wheels of the housing market are turning again, albeit at a seemingly slow place. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/three-months-and-counting/0007332/ Wed, 11, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/three-months-and-counting_0007332.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage spokesperson at moneysupermarket.com, said; "There has been an encouraging day for mortgage borrowers, with lenders continuing to enter the market with new and competitive products. However, as always, borrowers should check all products carefully, as there are often hidden caveats.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-recent-new-mortgage-deals/0007331/ Wed, 11, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-recent-new-mortgage-deals_0007331.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates may have been kept on hold at 0.5% for the eighth consecutive month, but the Bank of England has announced that a further &pound;25billion will be pumped into the financial system through the quantitative easing programme, a move which provides a further indication that the Bank believes more is needed to bring the country out of recession.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-held-but/0007211/ Thu, 05, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-held-but_0007211.aspx <![CDATA[Following the recent moves of large UK retail brands into financial services, moneysupermarket.com has conducted a study* of consumer attitudes towards the increasing trend of major retail and supermarket brands moving into banking. The study has found that, perhaps surprisingly, traditional banking brands still hold a far greater sway with the British public's finances.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/study-reveals-consumer-attitudes-towards-supermarket-banks/0007184/ Tue, 03, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/study-reveals-consumer-attitudes-towards-supermarket-banks_0007184.aspx <![CDATA[Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Twelve months ago we warned that the bank mergers, although expedient, would trigger a reduction in competition and would leave consumers worse off.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-governments-plans-to-break-up-rbs-and-lloyds/0007183/ Tue, 03, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-governments-plans-to-break-up-rbs-and-lloyds_0007183.aspx <![CDATA[Further details about the break up of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Lloyds Banking Group have emerged today. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-the-bank-break-ups-mean-for-you/0007179/ Tue, 03, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-the-bank-break-ups-mean-for-you_0007179.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at monesupermarket.com, said; "This should act as a serious warning to all those lenders treating their struggling customers in a heavy handed manner. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-fsa-fining-gmac-rfc-for-treating-borrowers-unfairly/0007167/ Mon, 02, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-fsa-fining-gmac-rfc-for-treating-borrowers-unfairly_0007167.aspx <![CDATA[The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, is expected to confirm this week that three UK banks, which are currently supported by the taxpayer, will be broken up and parts of their businesses sold on.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-the-break-up-of-the-high-street-banks-mean/0007133/ Mon, 02, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-the-break-up-of-the-high-street-banks-mean_0007133.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage spokesperson at moneysupermarket.com, said; "It is exciting to see yet another round of rate reductions from Woolwich, this time on their fixed rates, however the really good news is that borrowers with higher LTV requirements (up to 80 per cent) are also set to benefit.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-woolwichs-decision-to-lower-mortgage-rates/0006897/ Wed, 21, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-woolwichs-decision-to-lower-mortgage-rates_0006897.aspx <![CDATA[Woolwich and The Post Office have launched new ranges of lower rate fixed mortgages, but with interest rates at a record low and expected to remain at the current level for the foreseeable future, is now the right time to fix or would you be better off with a tracker or discount mortgage?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-gamble-with-a-tracker-mortgage/0006859/ Wed, 21, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-gamble-with-a-tracker-mortgage_0006859.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages manager at moneysupermarket.com said; "Data from moneysupermarket.com backs up the CML's figures providing fresh evidence that appetite in the housing market is slowly returning. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-council-of-mortgage-lenders-cml-lending-figures-for-september/0006852/ Tue, 20, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-council-of-mortgage-lenders-cml-lending-figures-for-september_0006852.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at moneysupermarket.com, said; "We welcome an attempt at what is a long overdue overhaul of the mortgage market, however we may have dared to hope for more from the FSA. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-fsa-mortgage-market-review/0006839/ Tue, 20, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-fsa-mortgage-market-review_0006839.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at moneysupermarket.com, said; "Data from traffic on moneysupermarket.com backs up the CML's figures, showing, for the first time this year, more people were looking for mortgages for new homes than remortgages. This suggests more and more people are quite happy sitting on their lenders SVR whilst rates remain low.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-council-of-mortgage-lenders-cml-lending-figures-for-august/0006838/ Tue, 20, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-council-of-mortgage-lenders-cml-lending-figures-for-august_0006838.aspx <![CDATA[Should self-certified mortgages be banned? Should far heavier credit checks be imposed on would-be home buyers? Should banks investigate applicants' spending habits before they lend? The Financial Services Authority (FSA) thinks so and wants to roll out new rules... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-the-fsa-s-mortgage-review-mean-for-you/0006820/ Mon, 19, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-the-fsa-s-mortgage-review-mean-for-you_0006820.aspx <![CDATA[Analysis from moneysupermarket.com reveals that over a third of potential mortgage borrowers are looking for products available at or above 80 per cent loan to value (LTV)*.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/demand-for-high-ltv-mortgages-outstrips-supply/0006692/ Tue, 13, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/demand-for-high-ltv-mortgages-outstrips-supply_0006692.aspx <![CDATA[Mutterings of the economy returning to health have become increasingly audible as October gets underway. There are also further hints that the mortgage market may be on the road to recovery.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-good-news-for-mortgage-borrowers/6664/ Fri, 09, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-good-news-for-mortgage-borrowers_6664.aspx <![CDATA[The human face of this recession has undoubtedly been the families whose homes have been repossessed and those desperately struggling with mortgage arrears.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/its-your-home-keep-it-that-way/0006653/ Thu, 08, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/its-your-home-keep-it-that-way_0006653.aspx <![CDATA[The base rate remains unchanged at 0.5% for the seventh month in a row, but today marks a year since the economic crisis spurred the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) into fast action.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-unchanged-for-seventh-month/0006634/ Thu, 08, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-unchanged-for-seventh-month_0006634.aspx <![CDATA[Firms providing mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI) have agreed to provide &pound;60million in refunds, after pressure from the Financial Services Authority (FSA).]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/sixty-million-pounds-in-mppi-to-be-refunded/0006616/ Wed, 07, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/sixty-million-pounds-in-mppi-to-be-refunded_0006616.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on HSBC's announcement of further lending to first time buyers, Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage spokesperson at moneysupermarket.com, said; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/boost-for-first-time-buyers-whilst-overall-lending-is-down/0006458/ Tue, 29, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/boost-for-first-time-buyers-whilst-overall-lending-is-down_0006458.aspx <![CDATA[Time is running out if you want to take advantage of the government's stamp duty holiday, as it ends on 31 December. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/last-chance-to-escape-stamp-duty/0006434/ Mon, 28, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/last-chance-to-escape-stamp-duty_0006434.aspx <![CDATA[This live webchat has now ended but you can still watch a recording of the broadcast. Clare Francis asks the&nbsp;questions...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-help-through-the-mortgage-maze/0006293/ Wed, 23, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-help-through-the-mortgage-maze_0006293.aspx <![CDATA[Comment on the convergence of Libor and the Base Rate]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-crossing-libor/0006289/ Tue, 22, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-crossing-libor_0006289.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the launch of Halifax's 2.99 per cent two year fixed rate mortgage and Woolwich's 1.98 per cent tracker mortgage, Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage spokesperson at moneysupermarket.com, said;]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/cant-see-the-wood-for-the-trees/0006251/ Wed, 16, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/cant-see-the-wood-for-the-trees_0006251.aspx <![CDATA[Halifax has launched the lowest ever two-year fixed rate mortgage deal at 2.99%. However, be warned: despite the low rate there are cheaper fixed rates available. Why? Because it comes with a huge 2.5% arrangement fee, which means it's not as competitive as it initially appears.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lowest-ever-two-year-fix/0006249/ Wed, 16, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lowest-ever-two-year-fix_0006249.aspx <![CDATA[Search figures from moneysupermarket.com show fixed rate mortgages are becoming less popular, with more and more people attracted to tracker and discounted rate deals in the currently low rate environment. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/borrowers-put-faith-in-variable-rates/0006233/ Mon, 14, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/borrowers-put-faith-in-variable-rates_0006233.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages spokesperson at moneysupermarket.com, said; "These figures provide further evidence that the wheels of the housing market are beginning to turn once more. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-cml-lending-figures-for-july/0006229/ Mon, 14, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-cml-lending-figures-for-july_0006229.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate may have remained unchanged at 0.5% since March, but borrowers will be pleased to learn that some banks have reduced their mortgage rates regardless.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-stick-mortgage-rates-twist/0006216/ Thu, 10, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-stick-mortgage-rates-twist_0006216.aspx <![CDATA[The bank&nbsp;base rate has been at&nbsp;0.5 per cent&nbsp;since&nbsp;March 2009, and the&nbsp;MPC have again voted for a hold. Clare Francis looks at how the this affects borrowers and savers and whether the&nbsp;rates situation&nbsp;is changing for the better in the real world...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whats-happening-to-savings-and-mortgage-rates/0006212/ Thu, 10, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whats-happening-to-savings-and-mortgage-rates_0006212.aspx <![CDATA[As was widely expected, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted to keep interest rates on hold again this month at 0.5%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-remain-at-zero-point-five-per-cent/0006206/ Thu, 10, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-remain-at-zero-point-five-per-cent_0006206.aspx <![CDATA[Search figures from moneysupermarket.com show that confidence in the property market has increased as the proportion of consumers seeking mortgages to purchase a property now outweighs those looking for remortgage deals for their existing property. However, moneysupermarket.com is warning house buyers to factor in future interest rate rises into their plans.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-signs-of-confidence-in-the-housing-market/0006203/ Wed, 09, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-signs-of-confidence-in-the-housing-market_0006203.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgage spokesperson at moneysupermarket.com, said; "With a headline rate of 2.79 per cent, First Direct's new mortgage products certainly look appealing at first glance.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-first-directs-new-range-of-tracker-mortgages/0006199/ Tue, 08, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-first-directs-new-range-of-tracker-mortgages_0006199.aspx <![CDATA[Hannah-Mercedes Skenfield, mortgages channel manager at moneysupermarket.com, said; "HSBC has really broken new ground with its sub-two per cent mortgage deal, the first time we have seen rates fall this low in the market. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-hsbc-one-point-nine-nine-per-cent-discount-mortgage-rate/0006159/ Wed, 02, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-hsbc-one-point-nine-nine-per-cent-discount-mortgage-rate_0006159.aspx <![CDATA[Research from price comparison site moneysupermarket.com shows there's a widening gap between supply and demand for buy-to-let mortgages. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/danger-of-buy-to-let-time-bomb-as-supply-and-demand-gap-widens/0006158/ Wed, 02, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/danger-of-buy-to-let-time-bomb-as-supply-and-demand-gap-widens_0006158.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage lenders have been criticised for not reflecting the ultra-low interest rate environment in the rates they're offering to customers. However, HSBC has launched some new deals, including a 1.99% two-year discount - the lowest rate on the market. But is it as good as it sounds?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-rates-fall-below-two-per-cent/0006150/ Wed, 02, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-rates-fall-below-two-per-cent_0006150.aspx <![CDATA[Peter Harrison, head of credit cards at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It is encouraging to see a reduction in UK consumer debt levels although this doesn't mean that the love affair with credit is at an end.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-fall-in-uk-personal-debt-levels-for-the-first-time-in-16-years/0006139/ Tue, 01, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-fall-in-uk-personal-debt-levels-for-the-first-time-in-16-years_0006139.aspx <![CDATA[We've had further signs that the property market may be picking up. Nationwide Building Society's latest house price index revealed prices have risen for the fourth consecutive month. And new figures, released last week from the Land Registry showed the strongest monthly increase for five years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-the-housing-market-on-the-road-to-recovery/0006131/ Fri, 28, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-the-housing-market-on-the-road-to-recovery_0006131.aspx <![CDATA[Following the news that First Direct is to reduce the arrangement fees for all offset mortgage products, analysis from moneysupermarket.com has found that arrangement fees across all fixed and tracker mortgages have fallen by around 25 per cent over the last year. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-fees-falling/0006130/ Fri, 28, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-fees-falling_0006130.aspx <![CDATA[Lenders have severely restricted access to interest only mortgages, however research from moneysupermarket.com indicates 23 per cent of mortgage holders are currently only paying off the interest on their mortgage*.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-only-warning/0006045/ Fri, 21, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-only-warning_0006045.aspx <![CDATA[In these days of post credit crunch caution, consumers know that banks are more selective than ever about who they lend to. But the trepidation doesn't stop there.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/existing-customers-only-but-are-the-deals-any-good/0006039/ Fri, 21, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/existing-customers-only-but-are-the-deals-any-good_0006039.aspx <![CDATA[The average mortgage rate for new borrowers has fallen 1.3 per cent over the past 12 months to 5.12 per cent*, but in this low rate environment does this constitute a good deal for consumers?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/higher-higher-lower-lower-who-wins-in-the-mortgage-game/0006022/ Thu, 20, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/higher-higher-lower-lower-who-wins-in-the-mortgage-game_0006022.aspx <![CDATA[Today's deflated housing market has brought with it raft of consequences that the country's homeowners would not have even thought possible back in the property hey day. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-you-should-know-if-youre-a-landlord/0005909/ Fri, 14, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-you-should-know-if-youre-a-landlord_0005909.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England warned against being overly optimistic that the recession will be over quickly. The central message from its Quarterly Inflation Report, which was published today, was that the economy remains extremely fragile and the recovery will be a slow process.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-set-to-remain-low/0005897/ Wed, 12, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-set-to-remain-low_0005897.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the growing concern over mortgage arrears charges, Hannah Skenfield, mortgage channel manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It's outrageous that borrowers who are already struggling and who have fallen behind with their mortgage repayments are being hit with such high fees. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/disgraceful-arrears-charges-show-no-sign-of-abating/0005894/ Wed, 12, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/disgraceful-arrears-charges-show-no-sign-of-abating_0005894.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage lending to house purchases rose again last month, providing further evidence of an improving situation in the mortgage market.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-lending-continues-to-rise-but/0005890/ Wed, 12, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-lending-continues-to-rise-but_0005890.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England confirmed widespread expectations when it opted to freeze interest rates at 0.5% in August - for the fifth consecutive month. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-another-base-rate-hold-means-for-you/0005865/ Fri, 07, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-another-base-rate-hold-means-for-you_0005865.aspx <![CDATA[Once again the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted to keep the base rate unchanged at 0.5% for another month. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-freeze-continues/0005853/ Thu, 06, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-freeze-continues_0005853.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Any move to cut rates should be seen as a positive step and it is good to see Nationwide raising the competitive stakes."]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-nationwides-plans-to-cut-rates-on-44-fixed-and-tracker-rate-mortgages/0005836/ Tue, 04, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-nationwides-plans-to-cut-rates-on-44-fixed-and-tracker-rate-mortgages_0005836.aspx <![CDATA[There have been a few more positive signs emerge concerning the housing and mortgage markets: Nationwide Building Society's latest house price index revealed that prices rose for the third month in a row in June, while mortgage approvals have risen in five consecutive months according to Bank of England figures.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-mortgage-conundrum-fix-or-tracker/0005807/ Fri, 31, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-mortgage-conundrum-fix-or-tracker_0005807.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com said: "Taking a more conservative approach to mortgages into retirement is a sensible move from Abbey, and one which we expect other providers to follow as lenders move to ensure the long term affordability of mortgage debts."]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-abbeys-new-lending-criteria/0005788/ Thu, 30, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-abbeys-new-lending-criteria_0005788.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com said: "Banks and building societies are benefiting from the lowest borrowing rates for two decades but this isn't being passed on to consumers."]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-libor-rate-falling-to-its-lowest-level-since-1986/0005640/ Wed, 22, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-libor-rate-falling-to-its-lowest-level-since-1986_0005640.aspx <![CDATA[As house prices continue to fall, research from moneysupermarket.com* found 13 per cent of 18-34 year olds are considering stepping on to the property ladder for the first time in the next 12 months.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/deposit-danger-how-do-first-time-buyers-plan-to-secure-the-funds/0005614/ Fri, 17, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/deposit-danger-how-do-first-time-buyers-plan-to-secure-the-funds_0005614.aspx <![CDATA['Green shoots' is a controversial subject at the moment - especially in the housing market. House prices have finally tumbled to a level that many first-time buyers had been waiting for. The price of the average home now stands at &pound;158,000, according to Halifax, compared to more than &pound;200,000 at the peak of the housing boom.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-for-first-time-buyers/0005607/ Fri, 17, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-for-first-time-buyers_0005607.aspx <![CDATA[Moneysupermarket.com editor Clare Francis speaks with mortgage expert Louise Cuming about what young&nbsp;people can&nbsp;do to get themselves onto the property ladder...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-get-onto-the-property-ladder/0005602/ Thu, 16, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-get-onto-the-property-ladder_0005602.aspx <![CDATA[Nationwide Building Society's decision to offer a 125% mortgage has been met on some fronts by derision and condemnation - accusations of the return of irresponsible lending have been bandied around. However, such reactions risk misrepresenting Nationwide's move. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-125-per-cent-mortgage-is-back-but-it-is-a-good-thing/0005564/ Mon, 13, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-125-per-cent-mortgage-is-back-but-it-is-a-good-thing_0005564.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on Nationwide's 125 per cent mortgage, Louise Cuming, head of mortgage at moneysupermarket.com said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/commenting-on-nationwides-125-per-cent-mortgage/0005551/ Thu, 09, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/commenting-on-nationwides-125-per-cent-mortgage_0005551.aspx <![CDATA[As was expected, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to keep interest rates on hold at 0.5%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-remains-unchanged/0005548/ Thu, 09, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-remains-unchanged_0005548.aspx <![CDATA[Nothing is ever like you planned it. And, in spite of rock bottom interest rates and plummeting house prices, this includes getting a mortgage. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tips-if-you-are-struggling-to-get-a-mortgage/0005547/ Thu, 09, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tips-if-you-are-struggling-to-get-a-mortgage_0005547.aspx <![CDATA[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.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-market-in-downward-spiral/0005471/ Tue, 07, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-market-in-downward-spiral_0005471.aspx <![CDATA[After a decade long property boom it's been a tough couple of years for the housing market.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/sarah-beenys-top-tips-for-buying-or-selling-a-home/0005448/ Fri, 03, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/sarah-beenys-top-tips-for-buying-or-selling-a-home_0005448.aspx <![CDATA[Trackers are cheaper now but a 1 per cent change in base rates would reverse that.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/to-fix-or-to-track/0005396/ Mon, 29, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/to-fix-or-to-track_0005396.aspx <![CDATA[Savvy mortgage borrowers have been snapping up fixed-rate deals in a bid to take advantage of the current low interest-rate environment.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fixed-rates-soar-as-trackers-become-more-attractive/0005291/ Fri, 19, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fixed-rates-soar-as-trackers-become-more-attractive_0005291.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "There has been a flurry of activity in the mortgage market, but unfortunately mostly to the detriment of borrowers. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-recent-spate-of-mortgage-rate-changes/0005265/ Wed, 17, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-recent-spate-of-mortgage-rate-changes_0005265.aspx <![CDATA[Since January 2007 the number of mortgage products available at 90 per cent loan to value (LTV) has fallen by 97 per cent. Figures from moneysupermarket.com show just 102 mortgage products are currently available at 90 per cent LTV compared to 3,148 such products two and a half years ago. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/first-time-buyers-still-not-welcome/0005251/ Tue, 16, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/first-time-buyers-still-not-welcome_0005251.aspx <![CDATA[Fixed rate mortgages have been falling for nearly two years, but moneysupermarket.com warns they are about to start creeping up again. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fix-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace/0005247/ Mon, 15, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fix-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace_0005247.aspx <![CDATA[<SPAN class=newstext>Property expert Sarah Benny joined us for a live webchat in July. You can still tap into&nbsp;her knowledge by watching an 'on demand' version of this event...</SPAN>]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/sarah-beeny-answers-your-questions/0005237/ Fri, 12, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/sarah-beeny-answers-your-questions_0005237.aspx <![CDATA[When Lloyds TSB merged with HBOS earlier this year to form Lloyds Banking Group, major changes within the new super bank were inevitable and we are starting to learn a little more about how the company is looking to position itself going forward. But what will it all mean for customers?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/major-restructure-at-lloyds-what-does-it-all-mean-for-you/0005193/ Tue, 09, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/major-restructure-at-lloyds-what-does-it-all-mean-for-you_0005193.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the announced organisational changes at Lloyds Banking Group, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com says:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-announced-organisational-changes-at-lloyds-banking-group/0005192/ Tue, 09, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-announced-organisational-changes-at-lloyds-banking-group_0005192.aspx <![CDATA[HSBC has re-launched its 'Rate Matcher' mortgage offer. This is the second year, the offer has been available and the bank says it will allow borrowers to fix their mortgage at a rate that is the same, or better, than the standard variable rate (SVR) being offered by their existing lender. But is this offer as good as it sounds, or is it more of a marketing gimmick?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/hsbc-launches-rate-matcher-mortgage-but-is-it-any-good/0005191/ Tue, 09, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/hsbc-launches-rate-matcher-mortgage-but-is-it-any-good_0005191.aspx <![CDATA[Despite the Base Rate continuing to hold at 0.5 per cent, providers are increasing average mortgage rates, and the margin above the Libor rate is rising, proving that the Bank of England is increasingly toothless when it comes to regulating the cost of mortgages, with lenders increasing profit margins at the expense of their customers. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/average-mortgage-rates-in-limbo-after-divorce-from-libor/0005180/ Mon, 08, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/average-mortgage-rates-in-limbo-after-divorce-from-libor_0005180.aspx <![CDATA[Savers and borrowers shouldn't get complacent just because the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee chose to hold the base rate at 0.5% again this month.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-now-for-borrowers-and-savers/0005172/ Fri, 05, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-now-for-borrowers-and-savers_0005172.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the new HSBC Mortgage Rate Matcher, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-hsbc-mortgage-rate-matcher/0005150/ Thu, 04, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-hsbc-mortgage-rate-matcher_0005150.aspx <![CDATA[Most banks have counter-intuitively been increasing overdraft interest rates (Equivalent Annual Rates) even whilst the Bank of England has been cutting the Base Rate. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-calm-before-the-storm/0005145/ Thu, 04, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-calm-before-the-storm_0005145.aspx <![CDATA[As expected, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep base rate on hold at 0.5% again this month. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-kept-at-zero-point-five-per-cent/0005143/ Thu, 04, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-kept-at-zero-point-five-per-cent_0005143.aspx <![CDATA[Whilst the Bank of England has slashed interest rates by 4.5 percentage points since October, taking the base rate from 5.0 per cent to 0.5 per cent, mortgage lenders have failed to pass the cuts on in full to their existing customers, despite the Government urging them to do so.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mind-the-gap/0005106/ Tue, 02, Jun 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mind-the-gap_0005106.aspx <![CDATA[Santander gained a foothold in the UK when it bought Abbey in 2004, and continued to build its presence in the UK banking sector when it acquired Alliance &amp; Leicester, and part of Bradford &amp; Bingley during last year's banking crisis.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-spanish-have-landed/0005038/ Wed, 27, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-spanish-have-landed_0005038.aspx <![CDATA[This month's webchat was on&nbsp;mortgages and loans with Louise Cuming and Tim Moss from moneysupermarket.com. Click on the link to watch again on demand.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/save-on-your-borrowings/0005037/ Wed, 27, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/save-on-your-borrowings_0005037.aspx <![CDATA[Lloyds TSB has launched a new mortgage which could signify that we are past the worst in the mortgage impasse that has been strangling the housing market.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lloyds-tsb-helps-first-time-buyers/0005005/ Thu, 21, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lloyds-tsb-helps-first-time-buyers_0005005.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the new Lloyds TSB First Time Buyer mortgage, Clare Francis, site editor at moneysupermarket.com:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/commenting-on-the-new-lloyds-tsb-first-time-buyer-mortgage/0005002/ Wed, 20, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/commenting-on-the-new-lloyds-tsb-first-time-buyer-mortgage_0005002.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on Abbey increasing the LTV on all fixes from 60 to 70 per cent, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com said: "This is a step in the right direction, and is a good example of a bank trying to help its customers - others should follow their lead. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/commenting-on-abbey-increasing-the-ltv-on-all-fixes-from-60-to-70-per-cent/0004976/ Mon, 18, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/commenting-on-abbey-increasing-the-ltv-on-all-fixes-from-60-to-70-per-cent_0004976.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the CML repossessions figures, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-cml-repossessions-figures/0004971/ Fri, 15, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-cml-repossessions-figures_0004971.aspx <![CDATA[New figures from moneysupermarket.com reveal the extent of the disparity between supply and demand of mortgages at a high loan to value (LTV). ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/no-deposit-no-chance/0004926/ Wed, 13, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/no-deposit-no-chance_0004926.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England may have kept base rate on hold for a second consecutive month, but that hasn't meant mortgage rates are remaining static. There have been a few rumblings within the troubled mortgage market - and this time they are for the better.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/good-news-in-the-mortgage-market/0004879/ Fri, 08, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/good-news-in-the-mortgage-market_0004879.aspx <![CDATA["Two Swallows do not make a summer", said <strong>Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com</strong>, "but it is very encouraging to see two lenders reducing the cost of borrowing and making those deals available at higher loan to values.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/competition-hots-up-in-the-mortgage-market/0004867/ Thu, 07, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/competition-hots-up-in-the-mortgage-market_0004867.aspx <![CDATA[As expected, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep interest rates on hold at 0.5% again this month. The base rate looks set to remain at this level, probably for the rest of this year, but as far as consumers are concerned this does not mean it's a time to sit back and do nothing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/no-change-in-interest-rates/0004866/ Thu, 07, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/no-change-in-interest-rates_0004866.aspx <![CDATA[New buy to let landlords face a difficult task finding a suitable mortgage. Research from price comparison website moneysupermarket.com shows that in just two years, the number of buy to let mortgages available has fallen from 4,384 to just 213 - a reduction of 95 per cent.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/banks-squeeze-hope-out-of-landlords/0004860/ Wed, 06, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/banks-squeeze-hope-out-of-landlords_0004860.aspx <![CDATA[Moneysupermarket.com editor Clare Francis is with Stephen Noakes to get his views and opinions of what is happening in the mortgage market...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-the-mortgage-market-recovering/0004852/ Tue, 05, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-the-mortgage-market-recovering_0004852.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) plans to encourage property rentals, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-homes-and-communities-agency-plans/0004847/ Fri, 01, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-homes-and-communities-agency-plans_0004847.aspx <![CDATA[With the economy in dire straits, many people were expecting to be hit hard by the Budget, but initially it appeared as though most individuals had got off fairly lightly.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-does-the-budget-really-mean-for-you/0004685/ Fri, 24, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-does-the-budget-really-mean-for-you_0004685.aspx <![CDATA[Ahead of this week's budget, moneysupermarket.com asked its users what is concerning them most about the economy.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-users-voice-concerns-ahead-of-the-budget/0004671/ Wed, 22, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-users-voice-concerns-ahead-of-the-budget_0004671.aspx <![CDATA[This year's budget came one month later than usual due to the ongoing financial crisis, so what did Alistair Darling deliver?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/2009-budget-at-a-glance/0004668/ Wed, 22, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/2009-budget-at-a-glance_0004668.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the expectation the Government will announce a &pound;1bn boost for the housing market in tomorrow's budget, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/throwing-good-money-after-bad/0004654/ Tue, 21, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/throwing-good-money-after-bad_0004654.aspx <![CDATA[Mike Warburton, accountant, Amanda Davidson, IFA and Kevin Mountford joined us&nbsp;live on Wednesday 29th April at 1pm to discuss the 2009 Budget. The webchat is now available to watch on demand. <p>&nbsp;</p>]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/your-budget-questions-answered/0004650/ Tue, 21, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/your-budget-questions-answered_0004650.aspx <![CDATA[Clare Francis puts your questions to the Treasury's Yvette Cooper MP - the webchat has now ended, but you can still watch it on-demand.<br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/budget-special-with-yvette-cooper-mp/0004646/ Tue, 21, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/budget-special-with-yvette-cooper-mp_0004646.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the CML figures released today showing two million households have either negative equity, or too little equity, to finance a house move, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-cml-figures-released-today-showing-two-million-households-have-too-little-equity-or-negative-equity-to-finance-a-move/0004601/ Fri, 17, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-cml-figures-released-today-showing-two-million-households-have-too-little-equity-or-negative-equity-to-finance-a-move_0004601.aspx <![CDATA[The scale of the downturn in the housing market has taken most analysts by surprise. But it's been a relief to some - not least aspiring first-time buyers who were despairing at the rate house prices had been surging up until about 18-months ago.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-for-first-time-buyers/0004599/ Fri, 17, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-for-first-time-buyers_0004599.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the CML figures, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-todays-cml-figures/0004597/ Fri, 17, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-todays-cml-figures_0004597.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on Bank of England figures showing homeowners cutting their mortgage debt, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/borrowers-get-smart/0004574/ Wed, 15, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/borrowers-get-smart_0004574.aspx <![CDATA[New figures from moneysupermarket.com indicate mortgage declines have increased by nearly 400 per cent in the past two years. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-rejections-increase-fourfold-in-two-years/0004573/ Wed, 15, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-rejections-increase-fourfold-in-two-years_0004573.aspx <![CDATA[The decision by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep interest rates on hold at 0.5% this month was widely expected. In fact most economists believe rates are now as low as they'll go and that they'll remain at this level for the foreseeable future.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-there-green-shoots-in-the-mortgage-market/0004560/ Thu, 09, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-there-green-shoots-in-the-mortgage-market_0004560.aspx <![CDATA[With The Bank of England unlikely to reduce interest rates any further, borrowers may think this is a great time to lock into a fixed rate mortgage. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/to-fix-or-not-to-fix/0004543/ Wed, 08, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/to-fix-or-not-to-fix_0004543.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the enforcement of new legislations regarding HIPs, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-enforcement-of-new-legislations-regarding-hips/0004522/ Mon, 06, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-enforcement-of-new-legislations-regarding-hips_0004522.aspx <![CDATA[In case you're wondering what your tax allowances will be for the next tax year, we have compiled some easy-to-read tables for you. These should provide all the information you need.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tax-allowances-for-2009-2010/0004516/ Fri, 03, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tax-allowances-for-2009-2010_0004516.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on Nationwide's figures reporting a surprise bounce in house prices, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/spring-time-for-the-housing-market/0004510/ Fri, 03, Apr 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/spring-time-for-the-housing-market_0004510.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on Bank of England figures showing mortgage approvals have jumped to a nine month high, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said;]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-bank-of-england-mortgage-approval-figures/0004471/ Mon, 30, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-bank-of-england-mortgage-approval-figures_0004471.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the enforcement of new legislations regarding HIPs, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-new-hips-legislation/0004460/ Fri, 27, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-new-hips-legislation_0004460.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on today's news that the FSA is considering whether to regulate mortgage products and will publish a paper in September, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-todays-fsa-report/0004458/ Fri, 27, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-todays-fsa-report_0004458.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the Turner Review, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said:]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/a-hundred-and-twenty-six-pages-yet-theres-nothing-in-it/0004352/ Wed, 18, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/a-hundred-and-twenty-six-pages-yet-theres-nothing-in-it_0004352.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on CML figures demonstrating the increasing decline of mortgage lending in January, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-cml-figures-demonstrating-the-increasing-decline-of-mortgage-lending-in-january/0004346/ Tue, 17, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moneysupermarket-com-comments-on-cml-figures-demonstrating-the-increasing-decline-of-mortgage-lending-in-january_0004346.aspx <![CDATA[Competitively priced offset mortgages mean they dominate the mortgage landscape in many countries, but in the UK it has traditionally been a different story - until now.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-onset-of-offset/0004345/ Tue, 17, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-onset-of-offset_0004345.aspx <![CDATA[&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Fees are increasingly muddying the already confusing world of mortgages for consumers.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/navigating-the-mortgage-minefield/0004342/ Tue, 17, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/navigating-the-mortgage-minefield_0004342.aspx <![CDATA[&nbsp;&nbsp;Tips for potential first-time buyers from moneysupermarket.com's Louise Cuming ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-beat-the-mortgage-borrowing-blues/0004335/ Tue, 17, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-beat-the-mortgage-borrowing-blues_0004335.aspx <![CDATA[Moneysupermarket.com editor Clare Francis interviews&nbsp;Fionnuala Earley, Nationwides chief economist, to get her views on the current housing market&nbsp;and take a look at&nbsp;what lies ahead...<br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-the-housing-market-recovering/0004316/ Fri, 13, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-the-housing-market-recovering_0004316.aspx <![CDATA[The decision by the Bank of England to reduce the base rate to 0.5% was a bitter blow for savers who have already seen the returns on their money plummet since rates started falling. But the signs aren't good for borrowers either.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/rate-cut-savers-lose-and-borrowers-dont-win/0004270/ Fri, 06, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/rate-cut-savers-lose-and-borrowers-dont-win_0004270.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted to cut interest rates again, taking the base rate to 0.5% - another all time low. We're still not quite at zero, but even so today's announcement won't be widely welcomed.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/another-unpopular-rate-reduction/0004252/ Thu, 05, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/another-unpopular-rate-reduction_0004252.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "If things stay as they are, we can expect to see 30 per cent fewer mortgages this year than in 2008 - down from 529,000 house purchases last year to around 372,000.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-mortgage-approvals-staying-at-around-31000-per-month/0004219/ Wed, 04, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-mortgage-approvals-staying-at-around-31000-per-month_0004219.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on Northern Rock being told to start lending again, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "This isn't just a u-turn for Northern Rock, it's a great big capital U-turn.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/its-too-little-and-its-late-but-at-least-its-here/0004122/ Tue, 24, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/its-too-little-and-its-late-but-at-least-its-here_0004122.aspx <![CDATA[Having been effectively closed to mortgage business since its nationalisation last year, the Government has announced that Northern Rock will start lending again. But will this be enough to end the mortgage drought that is currently strangling the housing market?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/northern-rock-to-start-lending-again/0004116/ Mon, 23, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/northern-rock-to-start-lending-again_0004116.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the 54 per cent increase in repossessions last year, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "The fact that 40,000 properties were repossessed last year shows what a catastrophic effect the current economic crisis is having on people's lives ... and worse is to come. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/repossessions-on-the-up/0004114/ Fri, 20, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/repossessions-on-the-up_0004114.aspx <![CDATA[The headlines over the past few days have been dominated by the possibility of Lloyds Banking Group being nationalised. But what's happened to Northern Rock, the first bank that was taken under the Government's control?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/northern-rock-one-year-on/0004056/ Tue, 17, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/northern-rock-one-year-on_0004056.aspx <![CDATA[Not since the dark days of 1974 were mortgage figures this poor &nbsp;]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-go-back-down-the-time-tunnel/0004037/ Thu, 12, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-go-back-down-the-time-tunnel_0004037.aspx <![CDATA[Borrowers swept up by Gordon Brown's constant championing of 25-year fixed mortgages may now be considering paying a charge of around &pound;3,000 to get out of the mortgages - a sure sign the product was unsuitable in the first place.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/pm-25-year-fixation-leaves-borrowers-counting-the-cost/0004026/ Tue, 10, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/pm-25-year-fixation-leaves-borrowers-counting-the-cost_0004026.aspx <![CDATA[For every person benefiting from the Bank of England's decision to cut interest rates, three people will be worse off.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-cut-makes-things-worse-say-the-nation/0004025/ Fri, 06, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-cut-makes-things-worse-say-the-nation_0004025.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com said, "This decision will undoubtedly unnerve lenders as they will increasingly struggle to drive up profit. Lloyds TSB has already committed to pass the full reduction onto their existing borrowers and other big names will no doubt feel shamed into following suit. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-bank-of-england-base-rate-being-cut-to-one-per-cent/0004021/ Fri, 06, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-bank-of-england-base-rate-being-cut-to-one-per-cent_0004021.aspx <![CDATA[If you are totally confused by mortgages and unsure how to work out which deal is the most suitable don't worry, you're not alone.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-choose-a-mortgage/0004019/ Fri, 06, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-choose-a-mortgage_0004019.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted to cut interest rates again, taking the base rate to 1.0% - its lowest level ever.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/will-anyone-benefit-from-this-months-rate-cut/0004013/ Thu, 05, Feb 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/will-anyone-benefit-from-this-months-rate-cut_0004013.aspx <![CDATA[Rather than being a cure-all, new trackers have become the ultimate 'handle with care' mortgage with bank margins now at a dangerous level for borrowers.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-risk-and-exposure-triples-in-past-three-months/0003928/ Tue, 27, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-risk-and-exposure-triples-in-past-three-months_0003928.aspx <![CDATA[There was hope that the latest rescue package put forward by the Government to shore up the banking industry would instil some confidence in the market and get institutions lending again. But will it work and help bring an end to the mortgage shortage that is crippling the housing market?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/will-the-latest-bailout-end-the-mortgage-crisis/0003915/ Fri, 23, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/will-the-latest-bailout-end-the-mortgage-crisis_0003915.aspx <![CDATA[Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com said: "However necessary these measures are, the bigger question remains - why are we, the taxpayer, being asked yet again to bail out businesses that have been managed irresponsibly in recent times?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-governments-new-bailout-scheme/0003880/ Tue, 20, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-governments-new-bailout-scheme_0003880.aspx <![CDATA[The dramatic base rate falls over the past three months have cut monthly payments for millions of people on tracker and SVR mortgages. While the reduction in outgoings has come as a blessing for cash strapped borrowers, anyone able to maintain the same payments could potentially take years off their mortgage. <p>&nbsp;</p>]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/bank-of-england-knocking-years-off-mortgages/0003875/ Mon, 19, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/bank-of-england-knocking-years-off-mortgages_0003875.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the extension of the mortgage recue plan, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Any move to recognise the plight of borrowers who could potentially lose their home must be welcomed, but this move is more about spin than substance. It is supposed to help the most vulnerable - yet it doesn't extend to those in negative equity who will be left out in the cold.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-extension-of-the-mortgage-rescue-plan/0003873/ Fri, 16, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-extension-of-the-mortgage-rescue-plan_0003873.aspx <![CDATA[Thursday's Bank of England decision to cut interest rates has proved to be extremely unpopular with the electorate.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-nation-says-no/0003862/ Wed, 14, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-nation-says-no_0003862.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates are at an all time low and some economists think they'll have to go lower in the months to come as the Government and the Bank of England try desperately to get the economy out of recession.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/consumers-say-'no'-to-more-rate-cuts/0003856/ Fri, 09, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/consumers-say-'no'-to-more-rate-cuts_0003856.aspx <![CDATA[Savers were dealt another blow today when the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to cut interest rates for the fourth consecutive month. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/bad-news-for-savers-as-interest-rates-fall-again/0003848/ Thu, 08, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/bad-news-for-savers-as-interest-rates-fall-again_0003848.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "This is a step in the right direction although, unfortunately, it is only available to existing borrowers looking to move home. As such its effect on the housing market at large will be minimal. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-nationwide-re-entry-into-the-95-per-cent-ltv-mortgage-market/0003840/ Wed, 07, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-nationwide-re-entry-into-the-95-per-cent-ltv-mortgage-market_0003840.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on Nationwide saying it won't pass on any further cuts in UK interest rates to 250,000 of its tracker mortgage customers, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "This demonstrates the chasm between Government rhetoric calling for lenders to pass on all rate cuts and financial reality. In the current climate we need financial stability and that starts with profitability. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/will-the-bank-of-england-get-the-message/0003838/ Mon, 05, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/will-the-bank-of-england-get-the-message_0003838.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It is great to see HSBC setting the standard in trying to kickstart the mortgage market by committing to increase its lending next year. With HSBC also announcing a &pound;1 billion working capital fund for small and medium-sized businesses, and passing on the full base rate cut last week, the bank is setting a great example to others.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-hsbc-announcing-it-is-to-increase-mortgage-lending-by-a-fifth-next-year/0003788/ Mon, 08, Dec 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-hsbc-announcing-it-is-to-increase-mortgage-lending-by-a-fifth-next-year_0003788.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England has slashed interest rates by&nbsp;4.5 percentage points since October, taking the Bank rate from 5% to 0.5%. But despite the Government urging mortgage providers to pass on the rate cuts in full, many haven't.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-has-your-lender-responded-to-the-recent-rate-cuts/0003782/ Mon, 08, Dec 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-has-your-lender-responded-to-the-recent-rate-cuts_0003782.aspx <![CDATA[With a deepening recession gripping the country, the Government and Bank of England are doing all they can to prevent it turning into a prolonged depression.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-could-fall-to-zero/0003776/ Fri, 05, Dec 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-could-fall-to-zero_0003776.aspx <![CDATA[Figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that 11,300 homes were repossessed in the third quarter of the year - 12% higher than during the previous quarter - prompting a series of warnings to heavy-handed lenders.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ten-tips-for-avoiding-arrears/0003775/ Fri, 05, Dec 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ten-tips-for-avoiding-arrears_0003775.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has again responded to calls from industry by voting to cut interest rates by one per cent, taking the Bank rate to 2%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-fall-to-2-per-cent/0003770/ Thu, 04, Dec 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-fall-to-2-per-cent_0003770.aspx <![CDATA[Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Obviously any move by a lender to help its customers - especially those who may find themselves in danger of losing their home - is to be applauded. RBS deserves a pat on the back for sticking its neck out and making a firm promise to give borrowers some breathing space before starting repossession proceedings."]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-rbs-and-natwest-customers-being-given-a-six-month-moratorium-before-repossession-proceedings-begin/0003753/ Mon, 01, Dec 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-rbs-and-natwest-customers-being-given-a-six-month-moratorium-before-repossession-proceedings-begin_0003753.aspx <![CDATA[Despite the Bank Of England cutting the base rate by two per cent in the past two months and Libor falling by even more, six mortgage lenders haven't reduced their standard variable rates at all.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lenders-lurking-in-the-dark/0003752/ Mon, 01, Dec 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lenders-lurking-in-the-dark_0003752.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on today's repossession figures, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said: "There is no doubt that an increase in the number of borrowers in arrears with their mortgage is sad news. Certainly those whose homes have been repossessed represent some of the real tragedies of the credit crunch.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-todays-repossession-figures/0003729/ Mon, 24, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-todays-repossession-figures_0003729.aspx <![CDATA[At last, some good news for the millions of householders who've been finding it tough to make ends meet. Inflation is edging back down and further interest rate cuts are on the horizon. For many, financial pressures are finally easing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-to-do-with-your-mortgage-savings/0003724/ Fri, 21, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-to-do-with-your-mortgage-savings_0003724.aspx <![CDATA[In the fallout of this month's interest rate cut, attention has focused on whether lenders are passing on the full 1.5 percentage point reduction to existing borrowers. But what about those looking for a new mortgage?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/borrowers-stung-by-high-mortgage-rates/0003710/ Fri, 14, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/borrowers-stung-by-high-mortgage-rates_0003710.aspx <![CDATA[Following last week's interest rate cut, Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com said: "There's no doubt about it, SVR's are back in vogue following last week's base rate drop.&nbsp; For many customers simply reverting to the default SVR rate their lender subscribes them to at the end of their current deal may save money on their mortgage bills; as doing so incurs no fee. If customers were to change onto a fixed rate deal, a percentage fee may be charged, knocking off the bonus of a previously best buy fixed rate.&nbsp; As such, borrowers should be vigilant and not blinded by headline grabbing fixed rate deals.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-rush-in-where-agents-fear-to-tread_0003704 .aspx Thu, 13, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-rush-in-where-agents-fear-to-tread_0003704 .aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England has signalled that homeowners and borrowers could see interest rates at record lows next year as policymakers battle to lift the UK out of recession.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-'to-fall-further'/0003697/ Wed, 12, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-'to-fall-further'_0003697.aspx <![CDATA[New mortgage customers with Lloyds TSB are bearing the brunt of higher margins on the bank's tracker mortgages following last week's interest rate cut.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lloyds-increases-tracker-margins/0003692/ Wed, 12, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lloyds-increases-tracker-margins_0003692.aspx <![CDATA[Switching a mortgage from repayment to interest only can knock up to &pound;236 a month off the monthly payments on a typical &pound;150,000 mortgage... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/avoid-the-interest-only-trap/0003538/ Fri, 07, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/avoid-the-interest-only-trap_0003538.aspx <![CDATA[Commenting on the Bank of England interest rate cut to 3 per cent, Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com said: "The decision to cut rates by 1.5 per cent is a major shock tactic by the Old Lady to try and kick-start the economy and sidestep the almost inevitable recession.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/comment-on-the-bank-of-england-interest-rate-cut-to-3-per-cent/0003535/ Fri, 07, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/comment-on-the-bank-of-england-interest-rate-cut-to-3-per-cent_0003535.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) isn't known for maverick behaviour. In fact it's been regarded as a fairly predictable beast - increasing or decreasing interest rates on an incremental basis, by a quarter-point here and a quarter-point there. But it's shown a different side to itself recently.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tips-for-savers-and-borrowers-as-interest-rates-fall/0003403/ Fri, 07, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tips-for-savers-and-borrowers-as-interest-rates-fall_0003403.aspx <![CDATA[Well, economists had been calling for the Bank of England to take drastic action in the battle against recession and cut interest rates significantly, but few expected the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to reduce Bank rate by the amount it has.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-the-rate-cut-means-for-you/0003399/ Thu, 06, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-the-rate-cut-means-for-you_0003399.aspx <![CDATA[Economists had been calling for the Bank of England to take drastic action in its battle against recession and it has done just that. The Monetary Policy Committee surprised the City when it voted to cut interest rates by 1.5 percentage points today.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interest-rates-fall-to-3-per-cent/0003398/ Thu, 06, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interest-rates-fall-to-3-per-cent_0003398.aspx <![CDATA[The 0.5% to 1% interest-rate cut expected from the Bank of England on Thursday is unlikely to be passed on in full to borrowers.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/rate-cut-`might-not-be-passed-on`/0003397/ Wed, 05, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/rate-cut-`might-not-be-passed-on`_0003397.aspx <![CDATA[The merger of Skipton Building Society with troubled Scarborough Building Society will create a top-five institution with 860,000 members and &pound;16 billion of assets.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/Building-societies-in-16bn-merger/0003391/ Tue, 04, Nov 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Building-societies-in-16bn-merger_0003391.aspx <![CDATA[House prices have plunged 14.6% during the year to the end of October, according to the Nationwide Building Society.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/record-house-price-falls/0003382/ Thu, 30, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/record-house-price-falls_0003382.aspx <![CDATA[The number of people having their homes repossessed because they are unable to meet their mortgage payments has soared. New figures from the Financial Services Authority, the city watchdog, revealed a 71% increase in the three months from April and June.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/millions-could-face-negative-equity/0003379/ Tue, 28, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/millions-could-face-negative-equity_0003379.aspx <![CDATA[New figures show the number of homes being repossessed as the credit crunch bites has rocketed by 71%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/number-of-home-repossessions-soars/0003378/ Tue, 28, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/number-of-home-repossessions-soars_0003378.aspx <![CDATA[A 10% rise in home-loan deals and an increase in net mortgage lending during September has been reported by the British Bankers' Association.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-approvals-rise-by-10-per-cent/0003050/ Fri, 24, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-approvals-rise-by-10-per-cent_0003050.aspx <![CDATA[Latest figures revealed the economy shrank for the first time in 16 years between July and September. If we have another quarter of negative growth, we will officially be in recession. Economists have been warning for sometime that we are on the brink of what could be a prolonged downturn, and this has also now been recognised by the Prime Minister and the Governor of the Bank of England.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-to-do-if-you're-struggling-to-pay-your-mortgage/0003047/ Thu, 23, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-to-do-if-you're-struggling-to-pay-your-mortgage_0003047.aspx <![CDATA[New figures show that, while the number of mortgages approved for people buying a new home remains lower than a year ago, it did rise during September.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/increase-in-new-mortgage-approvals/0003045/ Thu, 23, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/increase-in-new-mortgage-approvals_0003045.aspx <![CDATA[The British Bankers' Association has given a further sign that the money market crisis may be easing with the news that lending rates between banks have fallen again.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/interbank-lending-rate-falls-back/0003131/ Tue, 21, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/interbank-lending-rate-falls-back_0003131.aspx <![CDATA[Stifled demand due to the stagnant housing market saw mortgage lending slump to its lowest level for more than three-and-a-half years during September.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/slump-in-mortgage-lending-figures/0003105/ Mon, 20, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/slump-in-mortgage-lending-figures_0003105.aspx <![CDATA[The problems continue for the UK's mortgage market. Latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders revealed that just 42,000 home loans were granted for house purchases in August&nbsp;- 59% lower than in August last year. With lenders still struggling to raise funds for home loans and concerns about further house price falls persisting life remains tough for anyone needing a mortgage at the moment.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-impasse---what-now-for-borrowers/0003076/ Fri, 17, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-impasse---what-now-for-borrowers_0003076.aspx <![CDATA[Lloyds TSB has raised the cost of its mainstream trackers by between 0.3% and 0.5%, while Barclays' lending arm the Woolwich is increasing its lifetime and offset tracker rates by 0.2%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/banks-raise-tracker-mortgage-rates/0003127/ Thu, 16, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/banks-raise-tracker-mortgage-rates_0003127.aspx <![CDATA[A gradual thaw in frozen money markets as global bailouts take effect has seen lending rates between nervous banks inch lower.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/inter-bank-lending-rate-inches-down/0002930/ Wed, 15, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/inter-bank-lending-rate-inches-down_0002930.aspx <![CDATA[A record low in the number of first-time buyers getting on to the property ladder during August saw house prices dive by 2.7% compared with the previous month.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/first-time-buyers-at-record-low/0003109/ Wed, 15, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/first-time-buyers-at-record-low_0003109.aspx <![CDATA[Tracker rates for new borrowers are being increased by Britain's biggest building society - in spite of last week's interest rate cut.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-lender-hikes-tracker-rate/0003100/ Tue, 14, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-lender-hikes-tracker-rate_0003100.aspx <![CDATA[A merger of the Co-op's financial services and the Britannia building society would create a business with six million customers and &pound;70 billion of assets.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/co-op-cagey-about-britannia-deal/0003149/ Mon, 13, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/co-op-cagey-about-britannia-deal_0003149.aspx <![CDATA[UK banks have been ordered to increase lending to homeowners and small businesses as the most comprehensive state bail-out ever of the country's banking sector gets under way.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/banks-support-for-homeowners/0003085/ Mon, 13, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/banks-support-for-homeowners_0003085.aspx <![CDATA[When the Bank of England announced a shock rate cut of 0.5% in line with five other central banks, millions of homeowners rejoiced at the prospect of making substantial monthly savings.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/rate-cut---relief-for-borrowers/0003087/ Thu, 09, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/rate-cut---relief-for-borrowers_0003087.aspx <![CDATA[The threat of economic recession is expected to result in the Bank of England cutting interest rates this week.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/analysts-predict-interest-rate-cut/0003136/ Mon, 06, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/analysts-predict-interest-rate-cut_0003136.aspx <![CDATA[Recent financial turmoil, including the nationalisation of Bradford &amp; Bingley and the collapse of the banking sector in the US, has delayed a report into the UK's mortgage market by at least two weeks, it has emerged.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/finance-chaos-delays-key-report/0003115/ Wed, 01, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/finance-chaos-delays-key-report_0003115.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage lending plummeted in August to its lowest level ever recorded as lenders continue to struggle to raise finances because of the ongoing credit crisis.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-lending-sees-slump/0002943/ Tue, 30, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-lending-sees-slump_0002943.aspx <![CDATA[Lloyds TSB has joined a host of other lenders in announcing a hike in the cost of its mortgage rates.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/downturn-sees-lloyds-raise-rates/0003142/ Mon, 29, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/downturn-sees-lloyds-raise-rates_0003142.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage rate hikes have been introduced by three lenders, bringing the trend of falls in the cost of home loans to an end.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lenders-announce-mortgage-hikes/0003139/ Mon, 29, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lenders-announce-mortgage-hikes_0003139.aspx <![CDATA[Two weeks ago, as the price of an average two-year fixed rate mortgage fell to its lowest level since the credit crunch accelerated last year, it appeared that conditions were easing and with Prime Minister Gordon Brown announcing a &pound;1 billion package of measures to breathe life into the housing market, there was even room for optimism.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/act-fast-to-secure-a-cheap-fix/0003129/ Thu, 25, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/act-fast-to-secure-a-cheap-fix_0003129.aspx <![CDATA[A jump in wholesale funding costs has led HSBC to announce a hike in its mortgage rates.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lender-kicks-off-rate-hikes-run/0002927/ Thu, 25, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lender-kicks-off-rate-hikes-run_0002927.aspx <![CDATA[The trade body for mortgage lenders has said that uncertainty in the housing market means it is abandoning attempts to predict house price falls for this year.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/house-price-forecasts-are-futile/0003075/ Wed, 24, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/house-price-forecasts-are-futile_0003075.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers think they need to save nearly &pound;20,000 before they are able to get on to the property ladder, a survey has revealed.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/first-time-buyers-need-20000/0003082/ Tue, 23, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/first-time-buyers-need-20000_0003082.aspx <![CDATA[The property market continued to fall during September as the Government's stamp duty initiative failed to have a significant impact on the market, figures have revealed.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/house-prices-continue-to-slide/0003119/ Mon, 22, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/house-prices-continue-to-slide_0003119.aspx <![CDATA[The three month Libor, a key inter-bank lending rate, has jumped to 5.98% from 5.7% as global financial turmoil continues to take its toll.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/libor-jump-threat-to-mortgage-rates/0003147/ Thu, 18, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/libor-jump-threat-to-mortgage-rates_0003147.aspx <![CDATA[First Direct is the latest lender to cut its mortgage rates. Its two-year fix will be slashed from 5.98% to 4.99% at 3pm on Friday, September 12, making it one of the lowest rates on the market.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-this-the-right-time-to-be-fixing-your-mortgage/0003161/ Fri, 12, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-this-the-right-time-to-be-fixing-your-mortgage_0003161.aspx <![CDATA[Three more lenders - Nationwide, the Co-op Bank and Yorkshire Building Society - have cut the cost of home loans after a fall in wholesale funding costs.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-lenders-cut-mortgage-rates/0003155/ Wed, 10, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-lenders-cut-mortgage-rates_0003155.aspx <![CDATA[A quarter of parents have said they would be prepared to spend a &pound;50,000 premium on a house near a good school, according to investment managers Fidelity International.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/house-price-premium-for-good-school/0002998/ Wed, 10, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/house-price-premium-for-good-school_0002998.aspx <![CDATA[The squeeze on the property market has forced sales to a new low as estate agents sell just one home a week, figures have revealed.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/agents-sell-one-property-a-week/0003174/ Tue, 09, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/agents-sell-one-property-a-week_0003174.aspx <![CDATA[The price of an average home could plunge by as much as 25% from its peak before the housing market starts to improve, the boss of the UK's biggest building society has said.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/further-house-price-falls-predicted/0003229/ Tue, 09, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/further-house-price-falls-predicted_0003229.aspx <![CDATA[One of the country's main mortgage lenders has announced it is to merge with two smaller mutual societies which have been hit by the ongoing financial turmoil.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/nationwide-swallows-up-two-rivals/0002944/ Mon, 08, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/nationwide-swallows-up-two-rivals_0002944.aspx <![CDATA[The US government takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has been welcomed by British experts, who believe the move will inject some confidence into the UK housing market.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/us-mortgage-bail-out-welcomed/0003187/ Mon, 08, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/us-mortgage-bail-out-welcomed_0003187.aspx <![CDATA[On the same day that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development declared that the UK is the worst placed among the world's major economies to withstand the impact of a global slowdown, placing the blame for the sharp downturn on the property market, the Government announced a series of measures aimed at reviving the flagging housing sector.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/relief-for-the-housing-market/0003175/ Fri, 05, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/relief-for-the-housing-market_0003175.aspx <![CDATA[The increasing competition in the mortgage market has been further highlighted with Abbey becoming the latest lender to slash its interest rates.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/abbey-announces-mortgage-rate-cuts/0002988/ Thu, 04, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/abbey-announces-mortgage-rate-cuts_0002988.aspx <![CDATA[The race by lenders to win back customers has seen the cost of two-year fixed-rate mortgages return to pre-credit crunch levels.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgage-rates-settle-after-crunch/0003193/ Wed, 03, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgage-rates-settle-after-crunch_0003193.aspx <![CDATA[An immediate 12-month stamp duty freeze on homes costing &pound;175,000 or less has been announced by the Chancellor in a bid to kick-start the comatose housing market and boost the number of mortgages sold.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/duty-freeze-to-boost-house-sales/0002950/ Tue, 02, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/duty-freeze-to-boost-house-sales_0002950.aspx <![CDATA[A fifth of homeowners are choosing three-year, fixed-rate mortgages compared with 9% for two-year deals and 8% for five-year deals, according to a study in August by Abbey Mortgages.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/three-year-fixeds-most-popular/0002990/ Tue, 02, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/three-year-fixeds-most-popular_0002990.aspx <![CDATA[House prices fell again during August making it the 11th month in a row in which the value of the average home has decreased, according to housing information group Hometrack.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/a-bleak-august-for-housing-market/0003200/ Mon, 01, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/a-bleak-august-for-housing-market_0003200.aspx <![CDATA[Potential home buyers frightened by the uncertain economic situation have fuelled the fastest fall in house prices for nearly 18 years, figures show.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/house-prices-fall-10.5-per-cent-in-a-year/0003216/ Thu, 28, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/house-prices-fall-10.5-per-cent-in-a-year_0003216.aspx <![CDATA[The Alliance &amp; Leicester (A&amp;L) has announced it is to lower its mortgage rates as competition returns to the beleaguered market.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/another-lender-cuts-mortgage-rates/0003165/ Wed, 27, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/another-lender-cuts-mortgage-rates_0003165.aspx <![CDATA[The credit crunch has seen record numbers of people failing to keep up with repayments on sub-prime mortgages during the second quarter of this year, figures have shown.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/missed-repayments-at-record-level/0003196/ Wed, 27, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/missed-repayments-at-record-level_0003196.aspx <![CDATA[The UK's fourth-largest building society, Coventry, has reported mortgage lending at three times normal market share as borrowers opt to stay with the society rather than move to other lenders.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/coventry-reports-marketshare-rise/0003166/ Fri, 22, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/coventry-reports-marketshare-rise_0003166.aspx <![CDATA[We've seen another week of lenders battling to get their mortgages into the best buy tables - a far cry from the scene a few months ago when deals were being pulled left, right and centre as many mortgage providers seemed to be doing everything they could to stay out of the best buys in order to restrict new business inflows.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-mortgage-war/0003170/ Thu, 21, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-mortgage-war_0003170.aspx <![CDATA[The property downturn may be levelling out despite a record slump in the numbers of people seeking mortgages, the National Association of Estate Agents claims.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/property-downturn-levelling-out/0003205/ Wed, 20, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/property-downturn-levelling-out_0003205.aspx <![CDATA[House prices in London have been slashed by homeowners keen not to miss out on a potential sale, new figures have revealed.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/london-house-prices-fall/0003192/ Mon, 18, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/london-house-prices-fall_0003192.aspx <![CDATA[New research has shown that the shortage of available mortgages is not putting people off buying new homes as much as the fact that they expect house prices to fall further.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/people-happy-to-wait-for-new-home/0003203/ Fri, 15, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/people-happy-to-wait-for-new-home_0003203.aspx <![CDATA[Latest figures reveal the extent to which many families are being hit by the slump in the housing market and the downward spiral of the economy. The number of homes being repossessed soared by 48% in the first six months of the year taking repossessions to their highest level for 12 years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/help-for-homeowners/0003178/ Thu, 14, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/help-for-homeowners_0003178.aspx <![CDATA[A glimmer of hope amid the financial gloom has emerged after the Bank of England said the credit crunch was finally showing signs of easing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/credit-crunch-easing-says-bank/0003206/ Thu, 14, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/credit-crunch-easing-says-bank_0003206.aspx <![CDATA[The price of fixed-rate mortgages offered to some borrowers dropped last month for the first time since February, according to figures from the Bank of England.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lenders-offer-lower-interest-rates/0003167/ Tue, 12, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lenders-offer-lower-interest-rates_0003167.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers are being helped on to the property ladder by a joint venture between Persimmon Homes and mortgage lender Halifax.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/persimmon-offers-to-double-savings/0003244/ Tue, 15, Jul 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/persimmon-offers-to-double-savings_0003244.aspx <![CDATA[As the phrase goes, don't judge a book by its cover&nbsp;- or in this case, don't judge a mortgage product by its headline rate.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/when-a-market-leading-rate-isnt-a-market-leading-deal/0003248/ Thu, 03, Jul 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/when-a-market-leading-rate-isnt-a-market-leading-deal_0003248.aspx <![CDATA[The problems in the mortgage market persist. Rates and fees are still on the up, which is not good news for anyone looking for a home loan.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/avoid-mortgage-misery/0003261/ Thu, 26, Jun 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/avoid-mortgage-misery_0003261.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted to keep interest rates on hold at 5 per cent&nbsp;this month as it continues to battle rising inflation and a slowing economy.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-fix-your-mortgage/0003297/ Thu, 05, Jun 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-fix-your-mortgage_0003297.aspx <![CDATA[The housing boom is well and truly over and talk over the dinner table has switched, from how far property prices will rise over the next year, to whether we're heading for a full scale crash.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-to-do-in-a-slow-moving-housing-market/0002981/ Thu, 29, May 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-to-do-in-a-slow-moving-housing-market_0002981.aspx <![CDATA[Despite a succession of Bank rate reductions&nbsp;- now down to 5 per cent&nbsp;- life hasn't got much easier for the typical homeowner and an increasing number of borrowers are turning to interest-only mortgages to ease the pressure on their monthly outgoings. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lenders-clamp-down-on-interest-only-mortgages/0003260/ Thu, 22, May 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lenders-clamp-down-on-interest-only-mortgages_0003260.aspx <![CDATA[Not all banks and building societies have yet responded to last month's quarter-point reduction in interest rates, but it's been a mixed bag among the institutions that have announced changes to their mortgage and savings rates.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/did-the-banks-play-fair-following-last-months-rate-cut/0003296/ Fri, 02, May 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/did-the-banks-play-fair-following-last-months-rate-cut_0003296.aspx <![CDATA[Consumers looking for a mortgage are facing less choice and higher rates. The Bank of England has warned that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better and that the squeeze on mortgages is likely to continue for the next few months at least.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-mortgage-crisis-deepens/0002996/ Fri, 04, Apr 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-mortgage-crisis-deepens_0002996.aspx <![CDATA[Two-year mortgage deals are most popular with borrowers because the rates tend to be lower than those on longer-term products. However, the credit crunch and rising arrangement fees are taking their toll so could it be worth looking longer-term?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-it-time-to-think-long-term-with-your-mortgage/0003287/ Fri, 28, Mar 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-it-time-to-think-long-term-with-your-mortgage_0003287.aspx <![CDATA[In case you are wondering what your tax allowances will be for the next tax year, we have compiled some easy-to-read tables for you. These should provide all the information you need.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tax-allowances-for-2008-2009/0003264/ Thu, 13, Mar 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tax-allowances-for-2008-2009_0003264.aspx <![CDATA[The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, has delivered his first budget speech. Is it good or bad news for consumers? We give you a run down of the main announcements...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-2008-budget-at-a-glance/0003312/ Wed, 12, Mar 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-2008-budget-at-a-glance_0003312.aspx <![CDATA[Thousands of homeowners could struggle to find a new mortgage as the credit crunch tightens its grip on the banking sector. However, there is no need to panic because there are still options available...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/consumers-hit-by-squeeze-on-home-loans/0003302/ Thu, 28, Feb 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/consumers-hit-by-squeeze-on-home-loans_0003302.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners could see a huge jump in monthly mortgage payments when their fixed rate deal ends...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-you-can-avoid-a-payment-shock/0003304/ Thu, 21, Feb 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-you-can-avoid-a-payment-shock_0003304.aspx <![CDATA[The recent cuts in interest rates came as good news for millions of homeowners struggling to make ends meet.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/homeowners-told-therell-be-tough-times-ahead/0003326/ Thu, 14, Feb 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/homeowners-told-therell-be-tough-times-ahead_0003326.aspx <![CDATA[The cut in interest rates should be good news for borrowers - but some will still lose out...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/borrowers-warned-not-to-bank-on-lower-mortgage-payments/0003323/ Fri, 08, Feb 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/borrowers-warned-not-to-bank-on-lower-mortgage-payments_0003323.aspx <![CDATA[With so much confusion in the mortgage lending market,&nbsp;should you&nbsp;remortgage now or wait for a better rate?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/bring-your-mortgage-costs-under-control/0002917/ Thu, 24, Jan 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/bring-your-mortgage-costs-under-control_0002917.aspx <![CDATA[So far, most lenders are holding off from making mortgage rate reductions. What should you do next?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/many-lenders-ignore-base-rate-cut/0003064/ Thu, 13, Dec 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/many-lenders-ignore-base-rate-cut_0003064.aspx <![CDATA[So what does the Bank of England decision mean for savers and borrowers? And what should you be doing next?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rates-and-mortgages/0002946/ Mon, 10, Dec 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rates-and-mortgages_0002946.aspx <![CDATA[A City watchdog wants lenders to help 1.4 million fixed rate borrowers whose deals are ending.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/go-easy-on-borrowers/0003030/ Wed, 05, Dec 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/go-easy-on-borrowers_0003030.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage lenders want the Bank of England to cut interest rates this week.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lenders-interest-rate-plea/0003029/ Tue, 04, Dec 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lenders-interest-rate-plea_0003029.aspx <![CDATA[UK house prices saw their biggest fall in 12 years during November, a survey says today.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/house-prices-in-sharp-fall/0003026/ Thu, 29, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/house-prices-in-sharp-fall_0003026.aspx <![CDATA[A friend of mine was offered a new mortgage the other day. The up-front fee was &pound;1,499. Was it worth paying?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-pay-up-front-mortgage-fees/0002975/ Wed, 28, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-pay-up-front-mortgage-fees_0002975.aspx <![CDATA[The number of private tenants seeking property reaches a five-year high.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/buy-to-let-remains-buoyant/0002920/ Tue, 27, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/buy-to-let-remains-buoyant_0002920.aspx <![CDATA[Are fixed rate mortgages really the future? And how long should you secure your rate for?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/long-term-fixed-mortgages-for-all/0003022/ Mon, 26, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/long-term-fixed-mortgages-for-all_0003022.aspx <![CDATA[The City's main watchdog is to crack down on mortgage brokers offering unaffordable loans.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/crackdown-on-mortgage-brokers/0003065/ Mon, 26, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/crackdown-on-mortgage-brokers_0003065.aspx <![CDATA[For millions of mortgage borrowers, the past few weeks have been highly confusing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-credit-crunch-and-mortgages/0003016/ Fri, 23, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-credit-crunch-and-mortgages_0003016.aspx <![CDATA[The number of orders for home repossessions has dropped over the last three months despite predictions to the contrary. In addition, the interest rate tide appears to be turning in favour of homeowners. Now is the time to take another look at the deals available to you... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/better-news-on-mortgages/0003011/ Thu, 22, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/better-news-on-mortgages_0003011.aspx <![CDATA[More homeowners are turning to credit cards to pay off their mortgage or rent - potentially leading to even greater debt-related problems. Meanwhile, there are reports that lenders are turning down increasing numbers of mortgage applicants. It seems like a bleak time for householders and buyers alike. But there are ways round the problem... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-break-free-of-mortgage-debt/0003005/ Tue, 20, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-break-free-of-mortgage-debt_0003005.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners' mortgage misery may finally be on the way out, if some predictions are to be believed. The Council of Mortgage Lenders the base rate will drop back to around 5% by the middle of next year. If true, you should consider re-mortgaging to a tracker deal to make some serious savings... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/start-tracking-to-make-mortgage-savings/0003004/ Tue, 20, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/start-tracking-to-make-mortgage-savings_0003004.aspx