020 7538 0102
2nd March 2018
The percentage of first-time buyers getting their mortgage applications approved via brokers shot up at the end of 2017, following improved access to mortgage finance, according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association. Mortgage approvals for debut homeowners lifted from 53% at the end of 2016 to 74% in the final quarter of last year.
Daily Mail
23rd February 2018
Newham Council has given unanimous approval for a 4,000-home development at Stephenson Street, Canning Town, on the 29-acre former Parcelforce site. The Berkeley Homes project will be one of the densest housebuilding schemes in the capital, with 356 homes per two-and-a-half acres – well above the 260 maximum recommended in the Mayor’s London Plan. The first phase of the development will have 1,020 homes in towers up to 377ft tall, with a further 2,790 to be added later. Around 2,500 of the properties will be available for private sale or rent.
Evening Standard (21/02.2018)
23rd February 2018
Lenders are introducing a raft of deals and incentives to lure first-time buyers, as buy-to-let lending drops. Research by Moneyfacts also shows that first-time-buyer interest rates are getting lower. David Hollingworth of L&C Mortgages, says: “You can’t ignore that first-time buyers have benefited from reduced competition from landlords. Lenders will look at where there is demand”.
The Times (16/02.2018)
23rd February 2018
A survey from Which? mortgage advisers suggests almost a fifth of first-time buyers have sold possessions to raise funds for a deposit. Meanwhile, the survey also shows 37% worked overtime and 22% avoided rent by moving back in or continuing to live with their parents. Which? principal mortgage adviser David Blake, commenting on the survey's findings, noted the "various options out there for first-time buyers, from Help to Buy ISAs to equity loans, and even shared ownership."
Evening Standard (22/02/2018)
23rd February 2018
Consumers expecting another jump in the Bank of England's interest rates are rushing to lock in fixed-rate mortgages, new data reveals. The proportion of customers searching for fixed-rate mortgages on data firm Experian's comparison site arm rose to over 67.4% in February, compared to 60.3% in December. The Bank this month said it expects to hike rates in May. Demand for fixed rates also jumped to 67.1% in November after the first rate hike.
City AM (19/02/2018)
16th February 2018
Five new apartments at Berkeley Homes’ South Quay Plaza, near Canary Wharf have been placed on the market. The quintet is based on the 57th floor of the UK’s tallest residential scheme, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline. The development will stand at 68 floors when complete, and includes a 20m residents’ swimming pool high up on the 56th floor, looking onto The Thames, with cafés, shops restaurants and open public space set around its base. Completion on the five homes is expected in 2021, with prices starting at £890,000.
East London Advertiser (15/02/2018)