Property And Mortgages archive

Property And Mortgages Archive

Published in December 2008

Why We're Obsessed With Buying Property

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner sucks all the fun out of the debate about why we're desperate to own our homes, and then he puts it back in again.

Three Ways To Pay For Home Improvements

by Christina Jordan | If you are planning on doing home improvements in 2009, have you considered how you will pay for them?

The Pros And Cons Of Interest-Only Mortgage Rates

by Christina Jordan | Should you gamble with the roof over your head?

Time to get a fixed mortgage deal

by Christina Jordan | Fixed rates are the most popular type of mortgage with UK borrowers, and they are getting cheaper.

Are 95% Mortgage Deals Making A Comeback?

by Jane Baker | If you're looking for a 95% mortgage, the market still isn't great.

Cut Years Off Your Mortgage Costs

by Christina Jordan | How a flexible or offset mortgage could you help cut your mortgage costs this year.

No Forecast Means More House Price Falls

by Neil Faulkner | Nationwide, Halifax and the Council of Mortgage Lenders have chosen to be secretive with their annual forecasts, but by doing so they‘ve revealed more than they intended.

Tracking Down Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Where have all the trackers gone? And how can you find one?

Will It Be A Happy HIP-ness?

by Alison Hunt | Thinking of selling your home? You may find you need to put that “For Sale” sign away until your Home Information Pack is ready.

Why It's Vital To Overpay Your Mortgage Now

by Jane Baker | Why overpaying your mortgage now could lead to a better deal next time you remortgage.

Mortgage Curbs Continue, But Don't Despair

by Cliff D'Arcy | The number of mortgage deals on offer continues to plunge. Then again, there are thousands of deals for those with a decent deposit.

New Deals For New Borrowers

by Christina Jordan | Existing borrowers are sitting pretty following the recent rate cuts, but is it at the expense of new deals?

Rate Cut Winners And Losers

by Christina Jordan | Are any lenders justified in not passing on the 1% Base Rate cut?

Halifax Tracker Borrowers Will Get Rate Cut

by Jane Baker | Over half a million lucky Halifax mortgage customers will benefit from today’s base rate cut.

Save More Or Pay Off Your Mortgage?

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the base rate at a 314-year low, many mortgages are ultra-cheap. Thus, it can make sense to save instead of overpaying your home loan.

No Job, No Problem!

by Rachel Wait | Lost your job? The Government will protect you from repossession for up to two years. But will it work - and is it a good idea?

by Laura Starkey | New data reveals that property values are continuing to fall nationwide. And sales in London -- arguably the last bastion of the house price bubble -- have seriously started to suffer…

Beware Of This Tracker Mortgage Trick

by Jane Baker | When tracker mortgages don’t do what it says on the tin...

Six Marvellous Mortgage Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Are you eligible for one of the best remaining tracker deals?

Good News For Worried Homeowners

by Cliff D'Arcy | The government is desperate to avoid a steep rise in home repossessions. It will improve the benefits on offer to homeowners and has ordered lenders to show restraint...

Published in November 2008

Should You Ditch That Fixed Rate Mortgage?

by Alison Hunt | With the base rate falling, and more cuts being hinted at, could you save money by remortgaging, even after paying any charges?

Mind This Mortgage Trap!

by Christina Jordan | Borrowers need to beware this trap, argues Christina Jordan.

The Dark Side Of Buy-To-Let

by Christina Jordan | For the first time since records began, a greater proportion of landlords are in arrears than mainstream borrowers.

Home Repossessions Rise To 30,200 In 2008

by Cliff D'Arcy | Over thirty thousand homes have been seized by mortgage lenders this year. Here’s how to keep the roof over your head.

Why You Don’t Need To Remortgage

by Jane Baker | The Bank of England’s dramatic 1.5% cut to the base rate has made some standard variable rate mortgages cheaper, but are you going to benefit?

Why It’s Time To Buy Property, Part 2!

by Neil Faulkner | One writer explains further why now is a great time to buy property, and offers tips for both buyers and sellers.

Rents Fall As Houses Fail To Sell

by Cliff D'Arcy | Rents are copying house prices and falling, thanks to an oversupply of unsold homes.

Your House - A Home Or An Investment?

by Padraig O'Hannelly | Our attitude to buying property may be changing.

Make The Most Of The Base Rate Cut

by Rachel Wait | Extra cash to spend following the base rate cut? Here’s why you should put it towards your mortgage repayments…

The Best Fixed Rates And Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Following the Base Rate cut, a raft of cheap mortgage deals have been announced. Christina Jordan rounds up the best currently available.

The Danger With Interest-Only Mortgages

by Jane Baker | If you want to cut your monthly costs, switching to interest-only mortgage payments may seem like a good idea. But doing so could cost you far more than you realise...

Property Prices Look Set For Further Falls

by Rachel Wait | The latest industry figures show that property sales are continuing to fall....

The Right Mortgage: Discounts Vs Trackers

by Christina Jordan | Which kind of mortgage makes more sense in the current environment?

How Will The Rate Cut Affect Your Mortgage?

by Christina Jordan | What does the cut mean for borrowers and what’s going on with trackers?

Base Rate Slashed By 1.5%, But House Prices Dive

by Cliff D'Arcy | According to mortgage giant HBOS, house prices have dropped back to 2005 levels. But there will be more falls to come, despite a 1.5% cut to the base rate.

First-Time Buyers Should Wait

by Laura Starkey | You’ve got your deposit. You’re ready to buy a home. But is now the right time to put your first foot on the housing ladder? Laura Starkey considers the pros and cons.

Are Fixed Rates The Way Forward?

by Christina Jordan | Fixed-rate mortgages are set to come down, and trackers are on the up. Is it time to lock in?

Published in October 2008

Ten Top Mortgage Deals

by Szu Ping Chan | Szu Ping Chan takes an in-depth look at the best mortgage deals on offer at the moment.

New Guidelines To Help Homeowners

by Rachel Wait | There are new rules to help tackle repossessions, but will they work?

Desperate sellers take desperate measures

by Laura Starkey | With the UK property market in trouble, some people are turning to unusual tactics to sell their homes.

Why High Fees Are Fair

by Christina Jordan | You might think that high mortgage fees are always a bad thing, but they can mean more choice and benefit many borrowers.

The Mother Of All Housing Hangovers

by lovemoney.com staff | The great house price bubble is well and truly over. Negative equity is a reality for millions. Whether we like it or not, we are all paying the price for the world’s excesses of the past few years.

Property Sellers Grow Increasingly Desperate

by Donna Ferguson | Some homeowners are now going to extreme lengths in order to sell their properties.

Why I Blame Northern Rock

by Donna Ferguson | Northern Rock has a lot to answer for, says Donna Werbner.

Sale-And-Rent-Back Schemes Are "Misleading" and "Harmful"

by Donna Ferguson | According to the Office of Fair Trading, some sale-and-rent-back firms cause "serious and permanent harm" to vulnerable homeowners.

Is Your Mortgage Going To Get Cheaper?

by Donna Ferguson | Which mortgage lenders have passed on the interest rate cut to borrowers – and which haven’t? The Fool decides to name and shame!

Eight Cracking Mortgage Deals

by Christina Jordan | What is the best mortgage deal you can get, following the cut in interest rates? Christina Jordan finds out.

Remortgage Your Equity Release And Save Thousands

by Harvey Jones | An equity release scheme isn't always forever. Remortgage now, when rates are falling, and you could save thousands.

Mortgages Set To Get Cheaper

by Christina Jordan | The Government bailout and emergency rate cut signal light at the end of the tunnel for mortgage borrowers.

A Mortgage With Your Melons, Madam?

by Christina Jordan | Tesco Personal Finance hinted this week that it is looking at entering the mortgage market. But should you trust a supermarket with your finances?

Five Miserable Myths You Shouldn't Believe

by Emma Lunn | There's been a lot of doom and gloom about the housing market recently. But you shouldn't believe everything you read...

Exploit The Housing Crash To Your Advantage

by Christina Jordan | At last buyers have some power in the property market. But should they gazunder to make the most of house price falls?

We Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

by Harvey Jones | Nationwide claims we’ve seen the biggest fall in house prices since 1991. But actually, house prices haven't crashed – yet.

Buying in a falling market

by Laura Starkey | As property prices slide, is it Foolish -- or just plain foolish -- to buy a home? Laura Starkey explores the pros and cons of buying in a falling market, with words of wisdom from Fool experts Donna Werbner and Ed Bowsher.

Mortgage Borrowers Are Doomed!

by Christina Jordan | Why even mortgage brokers are struggling to find mortgages for their clients...

Published in September 2008

Remortgage Right Away -- Or Risk Higher Rates

by Esther Shaw | Mortgage rates are going up again.

Buy-To-Let Gets Busted!

by Donna Ferguson | The collapse of Britain's biggest buy-to-let mortgage lender spells bad news for landlords....

What is gazundering?

by Donna Werbner | With property prices firmly on the slide, gazundering is coming back into fashion. But what exactly is gazundering? And just how ethical is it?

Landlords: Watch Out For This £200 Fine!

by Christina Jordan | If you are a landlord, you have less than a week to get your act together and sort out an Energy Performance Certificate for your property.

A guide for home-movers

by John Fitzsimons | If you’re moving home, keep the mortgage process quick and easy with the lovemoney.com mortgage centre

A guide for first-time buyers

by John Fitzsimons | If you’re buying your first home, here’s how to make the most of our innovative mortgage centre

A guide for buy-to-letters

by John Fitzsimons | If you’re an aspiring or existing landlord, our mortgage centre can help you find the perfect mortgage for you

A guide for remortgagors

by John Fitzsimons | When the time comes to remortgage, our mortgage centre can help you find a great deal quickly and easily

Is Selling To Rent A Potential Disaster?

by Emma Lunn | Should you cash in on the property slump by selling your home?

Fix Your Rate This Week

by Christina Jordan | Fixed-rate mortgages are set to go up soon. If you want to get a fixed-rate deal, move quickly!

A House Price Crash Is Unstoppable!

by Harvey Jones | House prices will continue to fall... and there's nothing anyone can do about it!

Transform Your Home For Less In Seven Steps

by Serena Cowdy | Follow these seven simple steps to give your home a makeover - without breaking the bank.

Trackers Vs. Fixed Rates

by Donna Ferguson | With inflation increasing but an interest rate cut on the horizon, should mortgage borrowers go for a tracker or a fixed rate?

Getting In A Fix

by Esther Shaw | The past few months have been extremely tough for many homeowners, and particularly for those who reached the end of cheap fixed-rate deals they took out two or three years ago.

Three Reasons To Use A Broker

by Donna Ferguson | If you are looking for a new mortgage, what should you do? Go direct – or use a broker?

Get A £1m Home For £25

by Donna Ferguson | The Fool examines a novel way to get your hands on a fantasy home - and looks at what it means for selllers...

Who Can You Trust On House Prices?

by Stuart J Watson | The leading house price indices are showing different rates of decline. They can’t all be right.

60% Is The Magic Mortgage Number

by Ed Bowsher | If you have at least 40% equity in your home, you’re far better off in the mortgage market.

Under-75s Get It Cheaper

by Christina Jordan | Why borrowing less than 75% of the price of your property will save you money.

Who Is Helping First Time Buyers?

by Christina Jordan | Whose responsibility is it to help first-time buyers and what is on offer?

'95% Mortgage' Isn't What It Seems

by Emma Lunn | Skipton Building Society claims it’s going against the current market trends by launching a new 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. But the new deal is not all it seems.

How Low Can Rates Go?

by Christina Jordan | Every day sees another mortgage lender drop its rates. Are we at a turning point for the mortgage market?

Is A 10% House Deposit Enough?

by Jane Baker | These days the bigger the deposit for your new home the better. But will buyers with just 10% be left out in the cold?

A Dangerous Way To Buy Your First Home

by Donna Ferguson | Beware the property investors who, keen to cash in on the credit crunch, are attempting to lure in desperate first-time buyers with an innovative new type of scheme which is completely unregulated.

Student Buy-To-Lets: A Bad Idea?

by Emma Lunn | Is it a good idea to buy your student offspring a property to live in while they’re at university?

Foreign Property Is A Flight From Reality

by Harvey Jones | Harvey Jones thinks we should steer clear of overseas property investment.

The True Value Of New Build Property

by Christina Jordan | If you're buying a new build property, you might just find getting a mortgage just got a whole lot more expensive.

Mortgage Special For Fool Readers

by Motley Fool Staff | Market Harborough Building Society has launched an attractive 5.75% mortgage.

Housing Rescue Doomed To Fail

by Cliff D'Arcy | The government announces its grand plan to save the housing market. However, it will do nothing to prevent plunging prices.

Maximise Your Mortgage Potential

by Szu Ping Chan | Whether it be this summer or next, when it comes to getting a mortgage, the word ‘affordability’ is one you’re likely to hear quite a lot.

Another Nail In The Housing Coffin!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The credit crunch is hitting property sales and prices. Now interest-only mortgages are under threat...

Published in August 2008

Are You Eligible For The Best Mortgage Deals?

by Christina Jordan | Have you got what it takes to get the top mortgage deals this summer?

How to find the cheapest mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Here's what you need to look at when searching for the cheapest deal.

What's Your Property Worth?

by Emma Lunn | This site promises to give you an accurate estimate of what your home is worth. But does it work? Emma Lunn finds out.

How To Attract Top Tenants

by lovemoney.com staff | Thinking of renting out your home? Check out our seven tips for setting up a deal with the right renter -- at the right price.

House Prices Fall By A Tenth

by Cliff D'Arcy | The latest survey from Nationwide shows house prices down 10.5% in the past year. But Cliff D'Arcy thinks the worst is yet to come....

The Ups And Downs Of Buy-To-Let

by Christina Jordan | Life for landlords is a mixed bag, but do the positives outweigh the negatives?

Don't Be Swayed By Estate Agent Jargon

by Emma Lunn | If you’re currently trying to work out what estate agents say and what they actually mean, here's an A to Z of popular terms and their true meanings.

Fixed Rates Falling Further

by Christina Jordan | As each week goes by fixed rates are being trimmed by mortgage lenders, but are trackers still a better bet?

Lending To Older Homeowners

by Christina Jordan | It’s all very well researching the best mortgages on the market, but what if you can’t get some of them because of your age?

Eight Amazing Offset Mortgage Deals

by Christina Jordan | Mortgage borrowers who have savings are in luck!

22 Buy To Let Mortgage Bargains

by Christina Jordan | What are the best deals available at the moment for buy-to-let borrowers?

Four Fab Mortgage Deals For First-Time Buyers

by Laura Starkey | What are the best deals out there for first-time buyers? Laura Starkey investigates.

Don't Fall For This Sneaky Trick!

by Christina Jordan | The lowest mortgage rate isn’t always the best.

The Fastest Way To Sell Your Home

by Christina Jordan | This is the quickest – and easiest – way to sell a property. There’s no chain, no haggling and no risk of gazundering – so what’s the catch?

Help! I Need A House Doctor!

by Emma Lunn | If you’re finding it hard to sell your property, you might be tempted to enlist the support of a house doctor. But is it really worth it?

House Prices Have Crashed By 35% Here!

by Harvey Jones | Is now the time to bag a cheap holiday home in Spain's sunny skies? And what lessons can we learn from the Spanish house price crash?

Five Steps To Buy Your First Home

by Mary Doyle | Are you thinking of buying a home in a couple of years? Here’s what you should do -- right now!

A Clever Way To Double Your Deposit?

by Christina Jordan | Could this be the helping hand first-time buyers need?

15 Magnificent Mortgage Deals

by Christina Jordan | What are the best deals available for existing borrowers? Christina Jordan rounds up her top 15 deals!

How To Stop Falling Into Arrears

by Christina Jordan | Follow these steps to avoid falling behind with your mortgage.

Don’t Waste Thousands On This Property Mistake

by Jane Baker | Why home improvements are no longer a money spinner.

Don’t Meddle With Stamp Duty!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Chancellor Alistair Darling is desperate to avoid a house-price crash. But fiddling with fees at the fringes is futile.

You Can Borrow £104,000 More From This Lender

by Christina Jordan | Which lender will lend you the biggest mortgage? The answer may surprise you...

How I Saved £60 A Week In Rent

by Laura Starkey | In today's troubled property market, it's easy to persuade your landlord to charge you less rent. Just follow this Fool's example...

I Want A House Price Crash!

by Harvey Jones | Falling house prices are exactly what we need, according to this Fool.

Published in July 2008

Bad News For Homeowners And Lenders!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Crosby report -- a review of the UK mortgage market -- came out on Tuesday morning. It makes grim reading for property owners and investors.

Two Myths You Shouldn't Believe

by Donna Ferguson | This is one of the most dangerous ways to get out of debt -- and if you believe these myths, it could leave you homeless.

Use This Mortgage To Crack The Credit Crunch

by Christina Jordan | Could an offset mortgage put a smile on your face this summer?

Take The Money And Run!

by Cliff D'Arcy | One mortgage lender is bribing borrowers to take their business elsewhere. Will other lenders jump on the bandwagon?

How To Handle Lease Disputes

by Neil Faulkner | If you have a problem with service or admin charges, service management or any other leaseholder’s complaint, here’s how to tackle the problem.

Bag A Bargain Property At Auction

by Szu Ping Chan | With the property market proving turbulent in recent times, is it the perfect time to bag a bargain at auction? We revisit the auction room to find out...

Why Lenders Are Cutting Their Mortgage Rates

by Christina Jordan | A clutch of high street lenders have cut their mortgage rates over the last couple of weeks. Is the mortgage misery beginning to end?

Six Super Mortgages

by Christina Jordan | Here’s a selection of appealing deals to help you fight the mortgage blues.

Is Buy-To-Let Just Too Much Hassle?

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan remains upbeat about buy-to-let investing in spite of all the regulatory hoops facing landlords.

The Free Service That Could Save Your Life

by Serena Cowdy | When it comes to fire safety in the home, you don’t need to spend a fortune.

Meet Fannie And Freddie

by Padraig O'Hannelly | What are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and what's all the fuss about?

Get A Sub-5% Mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Discounted rates look extremely competitive compared to fixed rate deals as long as you can stomach the current rate insecurity.

Equity Release Escapes Mortgage Meltdown

by Harvey Jones | The credit crunch has savaged almost every corner of the mortgage market with one notable exception -- equity release.

Watch Out For This Mortgage Blunder

by Jane Baker | Early repayment charges can be a huge price to pay for changing your mind. Here's what to look out for.

This Mortgage Could Save You Thousands

by Laura Starkey | If you want to cut thousands and thousands of pounds off your mortgage costs, this is the way to do it....

More Doom And Gloom

by Ed Bowsher | The Halifax says house prices have fallen 6.1% over the last year. Things are probably going to get worse before they get better.

Turning Back The Property Clock

by Cliff D'Arcy | With house prices falling steadily for the first time since 1995, how far could the property market reverse?

Are 95% Mortgages Next For The Chop?

by Jane Baker | With mortgage lenders cherry-picking borrowers, can you still get a good deal with a small deposit?

Watch Out For This Fee!

by Harvey Jones | If you're thinking of taking out a mortgage in the next year, you need to be careful...

Why Longer Fixed Rate Mortgages Make Sense

by Jane Baker | If you’re remortgaging now, which deal should you go for next and for how long?

Protect Against Mortgage Rate Rises

by Stuart J Watson | A new insurance product has just been launched that gives homeowners the chance to protect themselves against rises in their mortgage payments. We run the numbers.

The Death Of The 100% Mortgage

by Cliff D'Arcy | In February, thirteen different mortgage lenders offered 100% home loans. Today, these loans have died out. This will have a nasty effect on house prices.

Published in June 2008

HSBC 'Rescue' Mortgage Is Now A Rip-Off

by Jane Baker | Sadly, for fixed-rate borrowers, HSBC's Rate Matcher Mortgage is no longer a lifeline.

This Mortgage Deal Will Tempt You

by Kate O’Raghallaigh | This looks like a fantastic mortgage deal... on the surface...

HSBC 'Rescue' Mortgage Is Now A Rip-Off

by Jane Baker | Sadly, for fixed-rate borrowers, HSBC's Rate Matcher Mortgage is no longer a lifeline.

Profit From Property Price Falls

by Laura Starkey | Are we right to fear falling house prices... Or would some of us do well from a decline?

The Rising Costs Of Fixing Your Mortgage

by Christina Jordan | Fixed rate mortgages are at their highest level for ten years...should that put you off?

Last Chance For HSBC 'Rescue' Mortgage

by Jane Baker | HSBC's 'Rate Matcher' mortgage fights back against payment shock...but not for much longer.

The Mortgage Seeker's Checklist

by Neil Faulkner | We list 15 criteria that you can use to help you choose between different mortgages.

Self-Employed Borrowers: Watch Out!

by Christina Jordan | If you can’t prove your income, expect to pay over 7% for your mortgage – and a whopping fee.

A Handful Of Housing Horrors!

by Cliff D'Arcy | When things get tough in the housing market, homeowners should worry about these five shocks.

This Is The Way To Sell Your Home

by Donna Ferguson | House-hunters are few and far between at the moment. How can you increase the saleability of your home and ensure it attracts an offer?

Beware Of Sneaky Mortgage Fees

by Jane Baker | As mortgages get even more costly, this crafty fee could leave you out of pocket.

UK Property Crash Is Under Way

by Cliff D'Arcy | The UK property market is in a bad way. Just take a look at the huge falls among housing-related firms...

Four Steps To A Cheaper Mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | Want a cheaper mortgage? Here's how to get one!

UK Property Crash Is Under Way

by Cliff D'Arcy | The UK property market is in a bad way. Just take a look at the huge falls among housing-related firms...

The Ups And Downs Of Renting

by Cliff D'Arcy | Around three in ten adults don't own their own home. However, this can sometimes be a good thing, especially when house prices fall...

Times Get Tough For Landlords

by Christina Jordan | Existing buy-to-letters are starting to feel the bite with a combination of payment shock, falling prices and diminishing returns.

Take A Break With A Mortgage Holiday

by Christina Jordan | Flexibility in your mortgage means you can have the summer off your repayments.

Forget Fixing And Take A Tracker

by Christina Jordan | Tracker rates are a no-brainer for Foolish borrowers.

The Time To Buy Property Is Now

by Neil Faulkner | Ignore all property-price predictions. The time to buy property is now. Neil Faulkner explains why.

Northern Rock Borrowers Rescued?

by Laura Starkey | Is there hope in sight for Northern Rock's beleaguered borrowers? A new deal from Lloyds TSB appears to be the answer to their prayers...

House Price Fall Biggest In 15 Years

by Ed Bowsher | The price of the average UK home fell by £4600 in May. Today's 'no change' base rate decision means that further falls look very likely.

House Price Fall Biggest In 15 Years

by Ed Bowsher | The price of the average UK home fell by £4600 in May. Today's 'no change' base rate decision means that further falls look very likely.

The Cost Of Home Improvements

by Christina Jordan | How much do home improvements actually cost? Christina Jordan investigates.

How To Guarantee A Great Remortgage

by Jane Baker | As mortgage lenders become even more choosy, here's how to turn yourself into the ideal borrower.

Published in May 2008

Remortgage In Haste, Repent At Leisure?

by Christina Jordan | Good mortgage deals are not around for long in today's market, but should you make a snap decision over your homeloan?

Why Home Improving Beats Moving

by Christina Jordan | Falling property prices make home improvements a good bet - but do it properly.

Free Yourself From Mortgage Fees

by Donna Ferguson | Summer's an expensive time of year. So the last thing any of us want to spend our hard-earned cash on is a mortgage fee...

An Easy Way To Buy Your First Home?

by Jane Baker | Getting on the property ladder these days is no mean feat. But is there a helping hand?

How To Pay For Home Improvements

by Ed Bowsher | So you'd like to carry out some home improvements - but you're not sure where the money's going to come from. Here's a step-by-step guide to all your borrowing options.

Rental Market Bounces Back

by Jane Baker | Times are tough for buyers and sellers, but landlords appear to be thriving.

Save £962 On Your Mortgage

by Christina Jordan | There's an easy way to save £962 on your mortgage, apparently -- but do the figures still stack up in today's tough economic climate?

Help Is At Hand For First-Time Buyers!

by Laura Starkey | Now that the government has expanded shared ownership and equity schemes, is there a glimmer of hope on the horizon for struggling first time-buyers?

Help Is At Hand For First-Time Buyers!

by Laura Starkey | Now that the government has expanded shared ownership and equity schemes, is there a glimmer of hope on the horizon for struggling first time-buyers?

House Price Falls: The Winners And Losers

by Donna Ferguson | Who are the real winners and losers when house prices fall?

Mortgage Lenders Are Still Ripping You Off

by Jane Baker | Times are tough for borrowers, but unfair mortgage fees are making matters even worse.

How To Cope With Negative Equity

by Jane Baker | What can you do to protect yourself from a 1990s-style negative equity crisis?

The Mortgage Mythbuster

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan reckons you shouldn't listen to the mortgage doom-mongers.

The Mortgage Mythbuster

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan reckons you shouldn't listen to the mortgage doom-mongers.

More Relief For Mortgage Payment Shock

by Stuart J Watson | There some good news for homeowners - at last! HSBC is to extend its Rate Matcher mortgage offer for a little while longer.

Is There Still Hope For House Prices?

by Laura Starkey | As property prices slide, should we fear a return to the dark days of the 1990s -- or could we still be saved from house price hell? Laura Starkey investigates.

Why Rate Doesn't Rule For Mortgages

by Christina Jordan | Things are changing in the mortgage market. The much maligned Standard Variable Rate is making a comeback.

Get Airmiles With Your Mortgage

by Jane Baker | Lloyds TSB has launched an 'airmiles mortgage.' Is it a gimmick or a genuinely good deal?

How Saving Hurts House Prices

by Cliff D'Arcy | When house prices are rising strongly, we tend to save less. But something painful happens when we start to save more...

How I saved £230 when renting

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner explains how renters can save hundreds of pounds in seven easy ways.

Shame On Northern Rock!

by Donna Ferguson | Alistair Darling wants lenders to help struggling borrowers and pass the benefits of Base Rate cuts. But what about Northern Rock? Is it treating its customers fairly?

House Prices, Burgers And Buffett

by Cliff D'Arcy | When it comes to price rises and falls, houses are much the same as burgers. We explain why, with the help of a billionaire investor!

Published in April 2008

Has The Buy-To-Let Bubble Burst?

by Laura Starkey | The credit crunch means buy-to-let mortgages are becoming more expensive and harder to qualify for. But does this mean the buy-to-let bubble has burst?

Has The Buy-To-Let Bubble Burst?

by Laura Starkey | The credit crunch means buy-to-let mortgages are becoming more expensive and harder to qualify for. But does this mean the buy-to-let bubble has burst?

Six Top Long-Term Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | A five or 10-year fixed rate should ensure you see out the credit crunch. But would you be better off with a lifetime tracker, instead?

Why House Prices Must Fall

by Cliff D'Arcy | Speculation about the future direction of house prices dominates the media, but this simple explanation shows why they will drop.

Six Top Long-Term Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | A five or 10-year fixed rate should ensure you see out the credit crunch. But would you be better off with a lifetime tracker, instead?

This Mistake Could Cost You Thousands

by Donna Ferguson | If you don't know about this mistake, you could potentially lose thousands of pounds.

Five Tips For Struggling First Time Buyers

by Jane Baker | Do you want to buy your first home but feel the odds are stacked against you? Take a look at these five tips.

Fool News: House Prices Still Falling

by Serena Cowdy | As house prices continue to fall, we reckon that homeowners who bought a house after spring 2004 may be sitting on a capital loss by the end of the year.

Fool News: House Prices Still Falling

by Serena Cowdy | As house prices continue to fall, we reckon that homeowners who bought a house after spring 2004 may be sitting on a capital loss by the end of the year.

Five Top Two-Year Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | If you're looking for a two-year fixed rate, tracker or discount, this should help you figure out which one to go for.

Five Top Two-Year Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | If you're looking for a two-year fixed rate, tracker or discount, this should help you figure out which one to go for.

Six smart rules for renters

by Donna Ferguson | As many of us are forced to play the waiting game when it comes to property, what can you do to make sure you get renting right?

Stop Buyers From Gazundering You

by Donna Ferguson | House prices are falling and gazundering is coming back into fashion. If you're selling your home, how can you ensure you get the price you wanted?

Why Homebuyers Can Afford To Be Patient

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner explains why first-timers could afford to be patient even if property prices were rising!

Why Homebuyers Can Afford To Be Patient

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner explains why first-timers could afford to be patient even if property prices were rising!

Fool News: First Time Buyers Put Off Purchasing

by Laura Starkey | A new survey from Equifax shows that almost half of potential homeowners will now wait to buy.

Why You Shouldn't Take Out A Fixed Rate Mortgage

by Jane Baker | If you're on the verge of remortgaging, a tracker may prove a better deal right now than a fixed rate.

Fool News: First Time Buyers Put Off Purchasing

by Laura Starkey | A new survey from Equifax shows that almost half of potential homeowners will now wait to buy.

Capitalise On House Price Falls

by Donna Ferguson | House prices are falling at their fastest rate since 1978 - but if you've already put in an offer, what should you do? Here are our five top tips to successful gazundering.

HSBC Withdraws Market-Leading Mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | HSBC is about to withdraw its market-leading mortgage deal for borrowers who have less than a 20% deposit.

Be Careful With Offset Mortgages

by Laura Starkey | There's a small chance that using an offset mortgage could put your savings at risk.

HSBC Withdraws Market-Leading Mortgage

by Donna Ferguson | HSBC is about to withdraw its market-leading mortgage deal for borrowers who have less than a 20% deposit.

Your Mortgage Lender Is Going To Rip You Off

by Cliff D'Arcy | If your fixed or discounted mortgage is coming to an end, then your rate is sure to go up. We reveal how high it could rise!

HSBC Rides To Homeowners' Rescue!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The UK's biggest bank is offering to match existing interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages. But this offer lasts for five weeks only...

There's Still Hope In The Mortgage Market

by Serena Cowdy | If you're about to take out a mortgage - or remortgage from your existing deal - don't panic. There are still some great deals around - and we've found them for you.

Halifax Axes More Mortgages

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you want to borrow from the UK's largest mortgage lender, then bring a big deposit. From Monday, only good risks get good rates!

Your Money Or Your Home!

by Cliff D'Arcy | You can lose your home if you don't keep up your mortgage repayments. However, other loans can also put you at great risk.

Buying Your First Home: A Complete Guide

by Donna Ferguson | Is now a good time to take your first step onto the housing ladder? How has the credit crunch affected mortgage rates for first-time buyers? What's going on with house prices? Donna Werbner has the answers.

First Direct Signals More Mortgage Meltdown

by Laura Starkey | Laura Starkey explains why the stop on First Direct mortgages suggests more trouble ahead.

Published in March 2008

Sixth Time Unlucky - House Prices Drop Again

by Laura Starkey | Get the latest news on how the credit crunch is affecting the housing market.

Sixth Time Unlucky - House Prices Drop Again

by Laura Starkey | Get the latest news on how the credit crunch is affecting the housing market.

Beat The Mortgage Rate Rises

by Donna Ferguson | No less than five mortgage lenders have hiked up their rates this week. Find out how to get your hands on the cheapest remaining deals, and follow our three easy steps to beat the rate rises.

Investing Vs. Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

by Neil Faulkner | If you have spare cash, should you invest in the stock market or pay off your mortgage early?

Investing Vs. Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

by Neil Faulkner | If you have spare cash, should you invest in the stock market or pay off your mortgage early?

Save £13,322 On Your Mortgage

by Ed Bowsher | Offset mortgages could help you pay off your mortgage debt more quickly.

The Cheapest And Most Expensive Places To Buy Property

by Donna Ferguson | What are the cheapest and most expensive places to buy property in the UK?

The Cheapest And Most Expensive Places To Buy Property

by Donna Ferguson | What are the cheapest and most expensive places to buy property in the UK?

Cash In On The Value Of Your Home

by Jane Baker | Considering an equity release scheme? Jane Baker explains how you can unlock the cash from your home, but still ensure your heirs receive a significant inheritance.

Property Prices Plunge Again

by Szu Ping Chan | House prices have fallen for the seventh consecutive month. But here at the Fool we go behind the headlines to see what the latest housing reports really suggest will happen to prices in the future.

Landlords: The Best £20 You'll Ever Spend

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner reveals how you can replace your lettings agent with an insurance policy that costs just £20 a year.

Landlords: The Best £20 You'll Ever Spend

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner reveals how you can replace your lettings agent with an insurance policy that costs just £20 a year.

How Much Will Your Mortgage Cost?

by Cliff D'Arcy | You may know what your monthly repayments are, but how much will your home loan cost over its entire life?

The Buy-To-Let Boom Isn't Over Yet

by Donna Ferguson | House prices are falling and mortgage costs are rising. But are buy-to-let landlords suffering?

The Buy-To-Let Boom Isn't Over Yet

by Donna Ferguson | House prices are falling and mortgage costs are rising. But are buy-to-let landlords suffering?

Is Your Endowment A Letdown?

by Cliff D'Arcy | We tell you your five options for dealing with your endowment mortgage. One of these ways got writer Cliff D'Arcy £4,500 in compensation!

A Mortgage With No Monthly Repayments!

by Jane Baker | If you want to release equity from your home, how do you choose the right lifetime mortgage?

Published in February 2008

More Property Price Pain For First-Time Buyers

by Donna Ferguson | We're seeing conflicting messages from house price data but even if house prices fall, first-time buyers could struggle to get on the ladder.

A Mortgage With No Monthly Repayments!

by Jane Baker | If you want to release equity from your home, how do you choose the right lifetime mortgage?

More Property Price Pain For First-Time Buyers

by Donna Ferguson | We're seeing conflicting messages from house price data but even if house prices fall, first-time buyers could struggle to get on the ladder.

Two Ways To Save £2,000 On Your Mortgage!

by Neil Faulkner | 100% mortgages and above have all but died and 95% mortgages are under attack. So maybe now's the time to use these two tips and save up to £4,000 over two years!

Two Ways To Save £2,000 On Your Mortgage!

by Neil Faulkner | 100% mortgages and above have all but died and 95% mortgages are under attack. So maybe now's the time to use these two tips and save up to £4,000 over two years!

Lenders Tighten The Screws On First-Time Buyers

by Szu Ping Chan | Nationwide hit the headlines this week after announcing it was hiking up its mortgage rates for anyone with less than 25% deposit. Is this the start of things to come?

Lenders Tighten The Screws On First-Time Buyers

by Szu Ping Chan | Nationwide hit the headlines this week after announcing it was hiking up its mortgage rates for anyone with less than 25% deposit. Is this the start of things to come?

Death Of The Cheap Mortgage Deal

by Donna Ferguson | Where have all the cheap mortgage deals gone? Donna Werbner explains how to beat the credit crunch.

The Best And Worst Properties To Own

by Cliff D'Arcy | Which properties increase in value most? Which fall furthest in a crash? We crunch the numbers to find out.

The Motley Fool Prepares To Launch Fool Financial Services

by Saul Devine | It's more than ten years since Fool.co.uk began and we think the time has come to create our own financial services company!

How To Survive Mortgage Payment Shock

by Jane Baker | Is your fixed rate mortgage deal coming to an end this year? Here's how to deal with the threat of payment shock.

No More Mad Mortgages!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Major mortgage lenders are scrapping thousands of home loans. While the craziest deals are vanishing, bargains remain for the sensible.

Seven Stupendous Mortgage Deals

by Donna Ferguson | Here's our Magnificent Seven of mortgages to help you make a Foolish choice on your next mortgage deal.

Ditch Your Rip Off Mortgage

by Jane Baker | Apathetic Brits could save over £200 a month simply by switching their mortgage. Jane Baker explains how.

Beware 25 Year Fixed Rate Mortgages

by Jane Baker | Are long term fixed rate mortgages a good deal? Here we look at the pros and cons.

How To Buy Property At Auction

by Szu Ping Chan | Are you looking for a stress-free way to buy a property on the cheap? Property auctions could be the answer. Here's a guide to what to expect, together with some handy tips to help you bag that bargain.

Should You Unlock Capital From Your Home?

by Jane Baker | Does it make sense to borrow more money against your home?

The Fool Makes A Difference!

by Donna Ferguson | Thousands of you read The Fool's undercover report that warned vulnerable homeowners about a dangerous way to get out of debt. Now find out the difference it has made.

Should You Unlock Capital From Your Home?

by Jane Baker | Does it make sense to borrow more money against your home?

The Housing Boom: Part Two

by Cliff D'Arcy | Here's part two of our regional review of the property boom. These were the good times for homeowners!

How Big Was The Housing Boom?

by Cliff D'Arcy | Which parts of the UK were the biggest winners and losers in the house-price explosion? We dig up the data and find out.

How Big Was The Housing Boom?

by Cliff D'Arcy | Which parts of the UK were the biggest winners and losers in the house-price explosion? We dig up the data and find out.

Fool News: House Prices Stagnate

by Szu Ping Chan | House price inflation has fallen to its lowest levels since November 2005. What's next for the housing market?

Tasty Fixed Rate Mortgages

by Szu Ping Chan | Falling interest rates may put you off the idea of a fixed rate mortgage. However, here's three super deals which may just persuade you otherwise.