Consumers are increasingly looking for alternative to tracker mortgages, due to expectations of rate rises this year, according to research from Abbey for Intermediaries (AfI).

Variable rate mortgages accounted for 80.9% of loans arranged by broker John Charcol in December 2009.

Mortgage fraud accounted for 18% of all reported fraud last year, according to research from accountants and business advisers BDO.

Next year is likely to present an even greater challenge for the private rented sector (PRS) than seen in 2009, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

Annual returns in the buy-to-let market are improving, according to the latest index from LSL Property Services.

Northern Rock will be split in two as part of a restructure, the Treasury has confirmed.

Valuation activity has risen by over 50% compared to November 2008 which shows a growing confidence in the housing market, according to the latest data from Connells Survey & Valuation.

Yorkshire Building Society and Chelsea Building Society are in advanced talks over a possible merger.

Specialist finance provider Enterprise Group and some of its subsidiary companies have been placed into administration.

The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) has formed a cross industry Mortgage Funding group aimed at restoring mortgage market liquidity.