The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries said despite the positive approach to lending from many providers all markets remain challenging, with new buyer registrations slipping back and estate agents blaming a lack of quality properties on their books.”
With the economy firmly in recession, the positive news on inflation, balance of trade and both employment and unemployment are making policy decisions difficult, said the broker trade body.
Robert Sinclair, chief executive of AMI (pictured) said: “The improving unemployment figures and the strengthening balance of trade indicates a healthier economy than the GDP figures and most commentators will acknowledge.
“[However] Barclays’ recent study indicating that owning a home rather than renting will save £194,000 over a 50 year period, shows why the housing ladder is still attractive. Being credit-worthy and gathering a deposit given current rental levels is the big challenge.”
