Mortgages

Consumer confidence rose by two points in April, suggesting the public have come to terms with the recent rate rises by the Bank of England, says Nationwide.

The must-see programme of our youth - Top of the Pops has been consigned to the dustbins of our collective memory, as it was apparently no longer 'relevant' to the audience of today.

Soaring interest rates are forcing struggling first-time buyers to spend a higher proportion of their income on mortgage interest payments.

More than £100bn worth of fixed rate mortgages are set to come to an end this year, pushing up their mortgage repayment costs.

Fears yet more rate rises could prompt a property market collapse are well wide of the mark, according to Moneynet.

Average house prices are still increasing but at a slightly slower rate than in March, according to the latest figures from the Hometrack housing survey.

The Conservatives have been branded "disappointing" for their continued opposition to Home Information Packs (HIPs).

House price growth is beginning to cool despite the annual rate of inflation breaking the 10% barrier, says Nationwide.

A House of Lords judgement that property owned jointly by unmarried couples should be split equally unless one party can prove to have a higher ‘beneficial interest' in the asset is a ‘welcome clarification' for cohabitees, says Advicenow.

Increased stamp duty has made house prices more volatile and reduced property transactions by as much as 500,000, according to research.