Mortgages

House sales in December 2010 fell to their lowest level for almost eight years, as the traditional seasonal low was exacerbated by the treacherous weather conditions across the UK.

House prices have begun to fall in real terms, with annual house price growth dropping below inflation to 2.9% in December 2010, according to the latest figures.

Almost 60% of buyers opted for a fixed- rate purchase mortgage during 2010, with more buyers expected to choose the product this year, new research shows.

UK banks will not increase mortgage lending this year as extra regulatory pressures and a lack of funds continue to restrict the availability of finance to borrowers, Hometrack says.

House prices fell by 1.3% in December, and may extend their decline this year as uncertainty over the economy continues to deter homebuyers.

David Cameron has criticised banks and building societies for being too cautious with their mortgage lending and preventing the housing market from progressing.

While many of us prefer to ease ourselves gently into a new year, the same can't be said of Grant Shapps. The housing minister has been busy causing a stir, tackling the controversial topics of house prices and mortgage availability.

The number of homes sold in December 2010 was the highest for three years, despite the traditional seasonal holiday dip, new figures show.

Q: I am keen to start charging my clients fees and am not sure how to start, particularly with customers who end up with a direct deal recommendation. Can you offer any tips?

Nearly 4,000 more people remortgaged in November than October last year, according to Bank of England figures.