Numbers of mortgages increased in February, say CML

Mortgage lending up for 7th straight month

Year-on-year mortgage lending increased for the seventh month in a row, according to new figures.

Stamping out abuse

Mortgage boost for first-time buyers

Mortgage payments for first-time buyers are at their most affordable for nearly eight years due to low interest rates, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

House prices rise for first time in 20 months

Increased demand and a scarcity of housing for sale were behind the first monthly rise in house prices for 20 months, according to property analysts Hometrack.

First-time buyers rush to beat stamp duty holiday

Demand in the housing market increased in March as first-time buyers took advantage of the final weeks of a stamp duty holiday.

Hit for six

A 91-home Yorkshire development might mark the peak of sustainable house building. Martin Hilditch finds out why

Ready for lift off

House builders must be ready to react if government initiatives deliver a boost to the sector, says property expert Rebecca Kibby

Uncertain times for tenants

Co-operatives need clarification over tenure regime for members, says Brynmor Adams, barrister at Five Paper

Bank on a big change

Housing revenue account reform means for the first time councils can decide how much to borrow, but they must be on the ball if they are to get the best deal, says Rachel Terry

Knocking down barriers

Finance Bill reforms aim to make it easier and cheaper to invest in the housing market. James Duncan, partner at Winckworth Sherwood, explains