Back to the 80s
The National Housing Federation warned that the number of people who own their own homes will slump to levels last seen in the mid-1980s, leading to an “unprecedented crisis.” MORE…
Closing loopholes
Would-be borrowers playing fast-and-loose with their mortgage applications could now face double exposure as lenders join forces with HM Revenue and Customs to launch the Mortgage Verification Scheme. MORE…
Gotcha
A financial adviser named as one of Crimestoppers ten most wanted UK fraudsters, was finally arrested last week, after allegedly submitting a number of fraudulent mortgage applications totaling £5.7m. MORE…
The paper chase
The ability to prove adequate trading history is apparently the biggest barrier to the self-employed getting a mortgage, according to 42% of brokers polled by Kensington. MORE…
Broker business share drops
The Financial Services Authority revealed that the proportion of intermediated sales in the mortgage market has fallen below half to 47% in Q1 2011, down 4% in the last year compared to an 11.9% increase in direct sales. MORE…
MAB switches to Core
Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has confirmed it will be switching all of its members from Trigold to The Core, the new mortgage sourcing and client management system from Client Data Systems (CDS) Group. MORE…
High Street scandal
Last week, a Sky News investigation uncovered evidence that High Street banks deliberately mis-sold interest rate protection, leaving hundreds of firms struggling to meet repayments. Insurance reporter Owain Thomas explores the problems within the bancassurance industry in his latest blog. MORE…
Suggestions for SHIP
With Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP) in the middle of a root and branch review of its strategy, including plans to expand its membership to advisers and legal firms, industry experts give us their wishlist for the new-look organization. MORE…
Mortgage protection
In an increasingly uncertain world, should buying protection when arranging a mortgage be made a mandatory requirement? Our three experts give us their verdict. MORE…
The long arm of the US law
A US newspaper said the federal government is set to file lawsuits against more than 12 massive financial institutions for misrepresenting the quality of mortgage-backed securities that played a role in the 2008 financial crisis. MORE…
And finally…top tweets
Follow + gain
Dear Banks, why do you have to attach your pens to the clipboard? We trust you with our money, so why don’t you trust us with your pen?
Matt Harris
S&P gives sub-prime mortgages AAA rating. Remember, you can’t spell “stupid” without S&P.
KissAccounts
Isn’t HMRC becoming more like Big Brother with its new Mortgage Verification Scheme?
Andrew Michael
Away from the hardcore economic data on the depth of the recession, depression is directly proportional to number of packed lunches in the office.
Scottish Review SRB
I see my local MP Alastair Darling has written a book. Hope it’s better than his management of the economy. I have yet to run into him in Lidl.
