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House price inflation has cooled, following the November interest rate rise, according to the latest monthly housing market survey from RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Prices rose for the 14th consecutive month in December, but the pace of increase eased back to August levels. - [Read more]

Ever wondered why inflation feels higher than reported? Well according to the nation's provider of inflation stats - the ONS (Office for National Statistics) - the main reason why some people feel that their experience of inflation doesnt correspond with the national inflation figures is that the national figures are based on averages. - [Read more]

Despite last year's two base rate rises, Brits appear committed to chasing house prices higher AND to going deeper into debt while doing so. - [Read more]

Latest data from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) shows the average price of a home in the UK nearing £200,000. Indeed, the mix-adjusted average price stood at £199,467 in November, up from £197,987 in October (not seasonally adjusted). - [Read more]

HSBC has launched a 5-year fixed rate mortgage charging 5.55% until March 2012, then reverting to the bank's variable rate (currently 6.25%). - [Read more]

Following Thursday's increase in the Bank of England Base Rate, Nationwide will be increasing rates on all variable rate mortgage and savings products by 0.25% on February 1st. - [Read more]

The Bank of England's base rate now stands at 5.25%, its highest level since May 2001, having risen by a total of 0.75% and on three occasions in the last six months. Why? Simple, really, the Bank's target measure, the CPI measure at 2.7% shows inflation at its highest level since December 1995 and is outside the Monetary Policy Committee's target comfort zone of 2% plus or minus 0.5%. - [Read more]

first direct, the online bank, has launched a new year sale on seven of its top products that could save customers hundreds of pounds. And there's also the chance to win a brand new Audi A4 Cabriolet, a week at the 7 star Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai and £2,000 to spend on jewellery in first direct's big 7 prize draw. - [Read more]

The Bank of England's interest rate setting committee has surprised markets by opting to raise base rate to by 0.25% to 5.25%. - [Read more]

Your current fixed rate or discounted mortgage deal has just ended or may be about to end and you now face the dilemma of deciding what to do now. Should you stick with your lender's variable rate, get another fixed rate deal, go for a discount, capped or tracker or delay making a final decision by taking out a new droplock mortgage? It's a diffcult decision to make and making the wrong one can prove costly. - [Read more]

City watchdog, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has called on firms giving mortgage advice to improve their processes after new findings showed that only one third of the firms it sampled had robust processes in place to provide customers with suitable advice. - [Read more]

Landlord Mortgages, the buy-to-let mortgage outfit, has revealed that rental yields hit a five-year annual low in 2006. - [Read more]

HSBC has launched a new 5-year fixed rate mortgage deal. And with no booking (usual £499 charge waived) or exit fees. - [Read more]

Latest data from the Halifax shows house prices taking a dip - the 1% fall in December giving a year on year increase of 9.9%. The standardised average house price (seasonally adjusted) now stands at £186,035. - [Read more]

Financial fitness is as important for our wellbeing as physical fitness. If you have been piling on the pounds around your waistline over Christmas, and shedding them from your wallet, now's the time to put the process into reverse with some cash calisthenics and economic exertion to fight the financial flab. - [Read more]

Latest housing market data from the Nationwide Building Society shows London still leading the way regionally in Q4 2006 - he annual rate of house price growth returning to double digits for the first time since Q3 2004, reaching 11.3%. - [Read more]

The rise in house prices eased off towards the end of 2006, according to new data from the Land Registry for England and Wales. Indeed, figures through November show house price inflation dropping to 6.8% from 7% in October. - [Read more]

Woolwich has announced the launch of a new mortgage range including a life time tracker deal, as well as two best buy fixed rate offers. - [Read more]

New Halifax research shows that the average house price paid by a first time buyer (FTB) pushed through the £150,000 barrier for the first time in 2006 - increasing by 11% to £151,565 from £137,122 in 2005. - [Read more]

Leeds Building Society is kicking off the New Year by offering up to £1,000 in savings to customers taking out the Society's current 3 Year Fixed Rate at 5.29% - running through February 28th 2010. - [Read more]