http://www.estate-agent-london.co.uk/propertyFinanceNews/Jam packed full of links to house buying sites The latest new from the property finance market.http://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-housing-market-026468.htmlHouse 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.Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-prices-higher-026446.htmlEver 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. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-brits-chase-026436.htmlDespite last year's two base rate rises, Brits appear committed to chasing house prices higher AND to going deeper into debt while doing so.Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-average-home-026426.htmlLatest 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).Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-hsbc-announces-026409.htmlHSBC 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%). Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-nationwide-ups-026400.htmlFollowing 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. Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-interest-rates-026388.htmlThe 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%.Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-first-direct-026371.html 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.Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-boe-rate-026358.html 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%. Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-what-do-026286.htmlYour 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. Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgages-firms-026251.htmlCity 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.Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-rental-yields-026268.html Landlord Mortgages, the buy-to-let mortgage outfit, has revealed that rental yields hit a five-year annual low in 2006.Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-hsbc-hits-026228.html HSBC has launched a new 5-year fixed rate mortgage deal. And with no booking (usual £499 charge waived) or exit fees. Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-026207.html 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.Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-piling-s-026188.htmlFinancial 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.Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-026186.html 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%.Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-year-end-026126.htmlThe 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.Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-woolwich-hits-026107.htmlWoolwich has announced the launch of a new mortgage range including a life time tracker deal, as well as two best buy fixed rate offers. Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-average-price-026089.html 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.Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-save-1000-026088.htmlLeeds 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.Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgage-lending-026066.htmlLatest mortgage lending data from the BBA (British Bankers Association) shows November's increase of £6.664 billion (in seasonally adjusted net lending) has raised the annualised rate of growth to 14%. Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-lloyds-tsb-026047.html Lloyds TSB is launching a new Low Start Mortgage, with a rate of 1.99% until February 29th 2008, moving to a rate of 5.99% until February 29th 2012.Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-026009.htmlLatest data from the Nationwide Building Society shows house price growth moving back into double digits in December - the monthly increase of 1.2% giving an annual gain of 10.5%. Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-025969.htmlAverage house prices grew by 0.3% over December, down from 0.6% in November, according to the latest monthly housing market survey by Hometrack, the housing information business.Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-buyers-let-025968.htmlVantis, the accountancy, tax and business advisory group, is urging buy to let mortgage holders to ensure dialogue with lenders is started early if they are struggling to meet monthly payments as repossessions reach record levels. Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-025967.html The annual Bank of Scotland house price survey of Scottish towns and cities has found that Aberdeen recorded the biggest percentage increase in house prices across the country in 2006 - an average rise of 27% to £171,767.Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-buytolet-another-025927.htmlResidential property investors remained active throughout 2006, benefiting from an uplift in capital values, stable rental yields and a consistently positive economic backdrop, according to specialist lender, Paragon.Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgage-lending-025887.htmlGross mortgage lending hit an all time record of £33.1 billion in November according to the latest data from the Council of Mortgage LendersWed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgages-leeds-025881.htmlLeeds Building Society has launched a new 3 year fixed rate online buy-to-let mortgage at 5.29%. And running through March 31st 2010 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgages-new-025879.html Alliance & Leicester has announced the launch of new prime mortgage deals including a Two Year Tracker (reduced by 0.15%) of 4.69% (6.0% APR) tracking Bank of England Base Rate minus 0.31% for two years, then Bank of England Base Rate plus 0.99% (currently 5.99%). Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/mortgages/Money Extra Mortgage InformationTue, 16 Jan 2007 16:22:45 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-yorkshire-hits-026483.htmlFollowing heavy demand for fixed rate mortgage offers that have now closed, Yorkshire Building Society is to launch a new range of fixes on January 19th. Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-ftbs-feel-026481.htmlAffordability pressures continued to squeeze first-time buyers (FTBs) in November as income multiples reached their highest ever level - 3.29 times the average first-time buyer household income - according to new data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgage-lending-026527.htmlGross mortgage lending hit a new December record of £29.4 billion, according to the latest data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-spain-becomes-026506.htmlBanco Halifax Hispania has reduced the rate on its variable Euro mortgages with immediate effect. Repayment mortgage rates of 4.633% for loans up to 60% and 4.733%% for loans up to 70% of the value of the property are now available. Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-life-insurance-026588.htmlYou need life insurance if you have dependants you care about and / or financial commitments you're not prepare to welsh on. Nobody can guarantee he or she will not die. The certainty of death comes closer with advancing years, yet statistics indicate that 1 in 5 die before the age of 65, either through accident or illness. Implementation of sufficient life insurance cover in advance will neutralise the financial fall-out that generally attends early or middle-aged death. Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-lending-numbers-026587.html Latest figures (December 2006) from the Major British Banking Groups, show that net mortgage lending rose by an underlying £5.813 billion. This was lower than the record increase of £6.659 billion in November, but in line with the monthly average over the previous six months.Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-uk-property-026586.htmlThe UK property market has hit a new milestone - just published research from the Halifax showing no county now having an average house price below £100,000. Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-026626.htmlLatest data from property website, Rightmove, shows a supply shortage of available properties pushing asking prices up by 0.5% to an all-time high of £222,859 in January. Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-buytolet-long-026591.html According to new research from Alliance & Leicester Mortgages, confidence in the buy-to-let market is high with 29% of those polled saying they'll remain in the market indefinitely.Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-rate-hikes-026590.htmlDespite the recent shock base rate hike to 5.25% the savings market, according to data provider, Moneyfacts, has been slow to respond - just 28 savings providers announcing changes to some or all of their savings range, and so far only 18 applying the higher rates to their whole product range.Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-how-personal-026633.htmlThe cost of living is going up faster than at any time for 11 years, and economists fear that inflation could be on the march again. Last month the rise in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) stood at 3%, compared with 2.7% the previous month. If inflation is hitting you at just 3% you can consider yourself one of the lucky ones. Because, depending on who you are - for instance, what age you are, where you live and what your spend most of your money on - your own "personal inflation rate" could be as much as three times higher. Those on a fixed income are being hit particularly hard.Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-coventry-improves-026630.htmlCoventry Building Society has made improvements to its buy to let lending policy with immediate effect. Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-adverse-credit-025129.htmlOver 5% of total mortgage lending in 2005 was probably "adverse credit" lending to people with previous credit problems, making it the largest specialist sector after buy-to-let, according to new data published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-scotland-mixed-026689.htmlThe annual rate of house price inflation in Scotland is now 12.5%, above the UK average of 9.9%, according to the latest quarterly Scottish House Price Index from Bank of Scotland. But prices north of the border rose by 3.0% in Q4 2006, below the UK quarterly rise of 4.2%.Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-sensible-mortgages-026686.htmlAs if first time buyers didn't have enough on their plate with house price inflation making it harder to get on the ladder in the first place, they now have rising interest rates to contend with as well. Base rate has risen to 5.25% and some economists now say there are two more quarter-point rate rises yet to come this year! The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) is concerned that income multiples for new buyers are increasing and reported that, in November 2006, they reached a new high of 3.29 times salary for the average first time buyer, up from 3.08 times salary a year agoWed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-skipton-relaunches-026666.htmlSkipton Building Society has relaunched its range of 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10-year fixed rate mortgages, with rates starting from 5.34%. Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-first-time-026695.htmlFirst time buyers (FTBs) will feel the pinch of interest rate hikes in the coming months, but buy-to-let investors will continue to make their mortgage repayments, according to research conducted by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgage-exit-026732.htmlCity watchdog, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has set out its views on recent increases in mortgage exit administration fees (MEAFs), and how it expects mortgage lenders to address the issues raised. Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-hips-get-026728.html A new consultation initiated by the Government is set to boost efforts to tackle climate change and promote energy efficiency by proposing estate agents include Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) with their property particulars for the first time.Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-wary-applying-026787.htmlApplying to have your house put into a different council tax band has become something of a national sport, since a television programme suggested that thousands of homes could be in the wrong band, and windfall refunds going back more than 10 years could await anyone who appealed. But anyone who embarks on such an appeal could find themselves losing thousands of pounds. Not only because they could be uprated rather than downrated, but, more importantly, the result of an appeal could affect the resale value of their home. Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-026747.html House prices have risen by 0.4% over January, driven largely off the back of the London market, according to the latest monthly housing survey from Hometrack, the housing information business.Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-overseas-mortgage-026810.htmlNearly a third of all Brits buying property in France are choosing French mortgage providers according to Crédit Foncier de France, Frances number one mortgage provider. Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-housing-market-026807.htmlLatest figures (January) from the Nationwide Building Society show the first signs of cooling to emerge in the housing market - prices rising by just 0.3% during the month. And thats the lowest increase for 8 months.Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-want-extra-026829.htmlMoneyextra.com's latest quarterly review of financial services highlights the massive potential for savings available just by making the right financial decisions. Wed, 31 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-home-repos-026826.htmlThe number of mortgage repossessions rose from 8,140 in the first half of 2006 to 8,860 in the second half, according to newly published figures from the CML (Council of Mortgage Lenders).Wed, 31 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-taking-stress-026813.htmlA third of people aged 50+ are considering buying a holiday home abroad, according to a new report by over 50s specialists Saga. And whilst it may only be a second home at the moment, in the future over half (52%) say they may even be looking to move there permanently. Wed, 31 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-over45s-driving-027050.htmlA new report out from the Birmingham Midshires Life 2 campaign reveals that the over-45s are driving the boom in price comparison sites such as Kelkoo.co.uk and PriceRunner.co.uk. Fri, 09 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-more-more-027035.htmlMore than a million of us missed paying a bill in January following December's extravagancies. More than 330,000 of us missed a credit card repayment and almost 150,000 were unable to pay the council tax bill. Thu, 08 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-wont-pay-027032.htmlHaving trouble paying the household bills? Don't worry, you're not alone. It appears to be a seasonal disorder - it has been estimated that more than a million of us missed paying a bill in January following December's extravagancies. More than 330,000 of us missed a credit card repayment and almost 150,000 were unable to pay the council tax bill. Since January 2006, the price of gas has risen by 42% and electricity by 27%. It's no secret that the UK is the debt capital of Europe with £1.2 trillion outstanding in personal debt including mortgages. Thu, 08 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mixed-picture-027033.htmlLatest figures from the Halifax show house prices increasing by 1.3% in January to give a year-on-year value of 9.9%.Thu, 08 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-boe-keeps-027030.htmlThe Bank of England's interest rate setting committee has opted to keep base rate on hold at 5.25% - this after January's 0.25% increase in what was the third rate hike in 6 months. Thu, 08 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-get-tracking-027024.html Internet bank, Smile, has announced the launch of a new tracker rate mortgage facility - the 2-year deal set to track at Bank of England Base Rate - 0.16% for the duration of the term, giving a current rate of 5.09%. Thu, 08 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-oft-refers-027019.html The OFT (Office of Fair Trading) has referred the UK payment protection insurance (PPI) market to the Competition Commission (CC) for further investigation.Wed, 07 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-buytolet-landlord-026975.htmlInvestor landlord activity continues to grow, according to Alliance & Leicester Mortgages - the mortgage bank noting that 70% of all buy-to-let applications it handled in December were for mortgage products under 75% LTVWed, 07 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-avoid-pitfalls-026968.htmlThanks to rocketing UK property prices, cheaper flights and a healthier, more adventurous retired population. Around 5.5m Britons now live overseas, with around 300,000 actually purchasing a property abroad.Tue, 06 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-buying-property-026966.htmlAt this time of year, with grey skies and frosty nights, Britons can be forgiven for dreaming of a move to more exotic climes. In fact, we are now flocking to the sunshine in droves, thanks to rocketing UK property prices, cheaper flights and a healthier, more adventurous retired population. Around 5.5m Britons now live overseas, with around 300,000 actually purchasing a property abroad.Tue, 06 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-giving-up-026947.htmlFirst-time buyers would give up holidays, booze or move back with their parents, if it meant getting on the property ladder sooner, according to research from Abbey. Tue, 06 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-interest-free-026887.html With a myriad of mortgage loans available - each with their different sets of charges - many borrowers remain blissfully unaware about how the interest on their loan is calculated. Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-hsbc-launches-026832.htmlHSBC has announced the launch of its new 10% Regular Saver account, available to Bank Account Plus, Premier and Passport customers from February 5th.Thu, 01 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-time-selfservice-028148.html Term reduction has become a key aspiration for mortgage holders, with almost three quarters wanting to reduce their mortgage term or increase their payments to reduce the balance over time, according to research featured in Intelligent Finance's 'End of Term' report. Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgages-cashback-028126.htmlCo-operative Bank has launched a new first time buyer cashback mortgage aimed at helping people onto the property ladder - the 1% cashback designed to cover stamp duty or other fees that FTBs may incur. Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-green-finance-028086.html No matter what you thought of last week's budget, there's one thing you must have noticed - it was coloured green. Gordon Brown, the Chancellor, introduced a number of green measures such as cutting stamp duty on zero-rated carbon homes - even though there aren't any as yet and increasing road tax on 4x4s. He also called on lenders to introduce more green finance. Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-home-costs-028059.htmlNew figures from property website, Propertyfinder, show the cost of moving home closing in on 10K. In fact, home moving costs have more than tripled to just over £9,400 over the past decade.Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-first-time-028058.html First time buyers are putting down ever larger deposits. Robin Amlôt of Moneyextra said, "Our analysis shows the average mortgage deposit being put down by first time buyers in February 2007 is almost 11%higher than a year ago at an eye-watering £37,632." Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/mortgages-nationwide-launches-028057.htmlNationwide Building Society has announced the launch of a new 25 year fixed rate mortgage charging 5.49% on a maximum LTV of 90% (5.79% on 95% LTV).Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-housing-market-028050.htmlThe latest national housing survey from Hometrack, the housing information business, shows that the headline rate of house price growth continues to accelerate.Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-advisers-fuel-028047.htmlMortgage advisers are providing a much needed lifeline to nearly three-quarters of landlords (74%) who seek advice in the buy to let mortgage market, according to research undertaken by BDRC for Alliance & Leicester Mortgages. Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-spanish-property-028029.htmlMany Britons dream of owning a property in the sun and, for many, Spain offers it all. However, when purchasing property in Spain, it's important to make sure that you work with specialists who are aware of all the necessary rules and regulations, says Banco Halifax Hispania. Fri, 23 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-mortgages-leeds-028028.htmlLeeds Building Society has launched a new self-cert 3-year fixed rate mortgage at 5.79% on a maximum LTV of 80% - the deal allowing 10% capital repayments each year without penalty. Fri, 23 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-council-tax-028018.htmlThe long-awaited review into Council Tax is now out. The review, undertaken by Sir Michael Lyons, Professor of Public Policy at Birmingham University, recommends a number of measures - the bottom line of which could eventually see homeowners being penalised for upgrading their properties. Thu, 22 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-going-green-028013.html Following the Government's commitment to make all new homes have zero carbon emissions by 2016, MORE TH>N insurance has unveiled research showing the majority (70%) of homeowners agree that all new builds should be eco-friendly. Thu, 22 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-budget-first-027990.htmlWould-be first-time buyers were left up the creek without a paddle again in this year's budget as Gordon Brown failed to raise the minimum stamp duty threshold of £120,000. Instead, stamp duty exemptions have been confined to an arguably negligible number of people who will buy new-build zero-carbon homes from October this year. Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-budget-greenest-027979.htmlCarbon emissions from homes are as much of a blow to the environment as stamp duty is to a homebuyer's bank account. But, in his 11th budget speech delivered to the House of Commons today, Gordon Brown said in six months time, they will start to cancel each other out. Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-budget-gordons-027974.html It surely can't be 10 years since Gordon 'Uncle Joe' Brown delivered his first Budget can it? Well as they say - a week is long time in politics. But the last 10 years have been inexorably long for many.Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-prices-027966.html It would take a major economic decline for house prices to fall in the foreseeable future, which is highly improbable, experts have agreed at the second annual 'Great Housing Debate', organised by financial PR firm, The Wriglesworth Consultancy. Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-scottish-widows-027948.html Scottish Widows Bank has announced a number of enhancements to its Buy-to-Let Mortgage including, increased borrowing limits, improved underwriting and reduced rates. Tue, 20 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-bank-irelands-027932.htmlBank of Ireland Mortgages has moved into the Professional Buy to Let (BTL) mortgage market, offering a new product available to experienced landlordsMon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-council-tax-027930.htmlCouncil Tax is now the most talked about financial topic, with almost two thirds of people (65%) saying this is the most discussed issueMon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-hips-chaotic-027928.htmlThe Council of Mortgage Lenders, National Association of Estate Agents, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Law Society have written a joint letter to the government warning about the home information packs (HIPs) schemeMon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-iht-timebomb-027927.htmlJust days ahead of Gordon Brown's 'last' budget, figures produced by Halifax suggest that nearly one third of detached properties are valued above the inheritance tax threshold.Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-stock-market-027926.htmlInvestors are being urged to keep their nerve amid a turbulent stock market, with optimists seeing the slide in the FTSE 100 in the last couple of weeks as nothing more than an overdue "correction" and an opportunity to buy shares. But the less confident are getting cold feet as the end of the tax year approaches, with many still to decide where or even whether to invest their 2006-7 individual savings account (ISA) allowance.Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-woolwich-cuts-027893.htmlBarclays' mortgage subsidiary Woolwich has reduced its mortgage rates, now offering a tracker mortgage, guaranteed to stay just 0.18% above the Bank of England base rate...Fri, 16 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-help-homebuyers-027868.htmlNationwide Building Society is calling on Gordon Brown to increase the limit on annual ISA savings from the current level of £7,000 to £9,000Thu, 15 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-bulgaria-shines-027847.htmlBulgaria however has emerged as one of the main countries for foreign property investment with as many Brits looking to buy there as in the United States.Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-house-price-027849.htmlHouse prices turned in their smallest rises in February for nine months, moving ahead at the slowest pace since last May as the Bank of England's January interest rate increase hit market sentiment. Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-quit-smoking-027833.htmlWith the price of a packet of fags now around £5.00 - adding up to £1,825 a year if you smoke 20 a day - it really is money up in smoke. Thats a nice tidy sum that could give you a marvellous boost for your savings. If you saved all that away have you thought what this could achieve in only few years if it was placed in a high interest savings account, a mini cash individual savings account (ISA) or an investment or pension fund?Tue, 13 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-fixed-rate-027830.htmlThe threat of higher interest rates led a record number of first time buyers opting for a fixed-rate mortgage loan, according the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Tue, 13 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/news/news-spring-diy-027822.htmlShould you be considering home improvements? And if you decide to go ahead, how will you finance them? The obvious answer is to consider a personal loan...Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.moneyextra.com/features/feature-spring-coming-027821.htmlShould you be considering home improvements? And if you decide to go ahead, how will you finance them? The obvious answer is to consider a personal loan - and there are plenty of good deals on the market - but since the improvements are intricately tied up with the value of your home, you might find a better deal by remortgaging. Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT