Santander’s cut to landlord income sources, TSB’s one day return to 90 per cent loan to value (LTV) lending and Barclays’ withdrawal of 75 per cent LTV deals made up the top three stories this week.

A warning from the deputy Bank of England governor over negative interest rates and tips on how to spot mortgage fraud were also among the most read articles.

Santander cuts landlord income sources for BTL affordability

TSB returns to 90 per cent LTV mortgages for one day only

Barclays pulls 75 per cent LTV deals

Accord and Halifax increase high LTV rates

Virgin Money launches high LTV deals and cuts rates

Bank of England deputy governor warns over negative interest rates

NatWest relaxes affordability rules for mortgage prisoners

Accord and Nationwide raise rates on low LTV deals and PTs

‘Don’t be afraid to ask probing questions’ to prevent mortgage fraud, brokers told

HSBC and Santander increase high LTV rates by up to 0.3 per cent

Lenders are changing criteria to furloughed workers ahead of the government scheme ending in October.

And mortgages rates are increasing to manage demand and service levels.

It was also revealed that around half of advisers may never return to an office after the Covid-19 crisis ends.

Metro Bank withdraws all 60, 85 and 90 per cent LTV mortgages

TSB stops accepting furlough income and increases high LTV rates

Virgin returns to 90 per cent LTV for first-timers and raises rates

Mortgage rates and fees rising, Moneyfacts warns

Remortgage values rise as homeowners cash in on base rate cut

Half of mortgage advisers set to shun the office after pandemic

Halifax and Barclays increase rates and fees – round-up

‘The extra stress and longer hours are worth the completed mortgages’ – Marketwatch

UK Finance 2019 lending league: Lloyds, NatWest, Santander and Barclays make biggest gains

NatWest only accepting guaranteed employer income for furloughed borrowers

First-time buyers were also in the news as the Mortgage Solutions poll found gifted deposits are the top means of parental support in the pandemic.

There was also a number of product updates in the biggest stories this week, as well as a solicitor who was struck off for using stamp duty to keep their business afloat.

Tipton launches 99 per cent LTV family assist mortgage

Solicitor struck off for using £300k stamp duty to keep business afloat

Nationwide ups high LTV rates by 0.5 per cent

Gifted deposits top parental support for first-time buyers in pandemic – Poll result

Landlords can take advantage of stamp duty cut with limited company moves – Cleary

Self-employed can claim second SEISS grant

Platform withdraws BTL mortgages and re-introduces 90 per cent LTV deals

Less than two thirds of mortgage offers hit completion as lenders struggle with demand – IMLA

High LTVs available on seconds as lenders halt further advances – Perry

Accord withdraws all 60 per cent LTV BTL deals

The biggest story was HSBC’s change to the assessment of furloughed workers, but there were a spate of rate and criteria changes from the big high street lenders.

Elsewhere the FCA tried to provide further help to mortgage prisoners and landlords were given a warning over capital gains tax.

HSBC no longer accepting furlough workers without return date

High LTV rates on the rise with big lender moves

Nationwide, Santander and Accord raise rates on high LTV mortgages

A significant obstacle to housing market recovery has been removed – Arena

Landlords and second homeowners have 30 days to pay capital gains tax

FCA offers mortgage prisoner help and delays interest-only capital repayments

Landlords raise rents as tenant numbers grow

Government considering Help to Buy extension – report

Accord cuts buy-to-let rates and adds deals to range

TSB toughens unsecured debt criteria for mortgage borrowers

The issue of stamp duty also featured in this week’s most read stories, as well as Help to Buy.

Another of the more popular stories was a broker’s experience of carrying out a mortgage application using virtual reality – well worth a read, if you haven’t already.

HMRC tax dodge campaign catches thousands of landlords

Brokers should maximise first charge on Help to Buy – Halifax

Homebuyers stalling purchases until after Budget hoping for stamp duty cuts

Age UK ends controversial equity release advice partnership with Just

Broker uses virtual reality to complete mortgage application

Chancellor urged to ditch stamp duty levy for landlords developing homes – RLA

Santander ups rates on low LTV mortgages

More lenders could exit tough market, Help to Buy families face negative equity – FCA

Paragon’s Richard Rowntree to open Buy to Let Market Forum

Homeowners to be given powers to contest estate management fees

FOS: London and Country told to pay compensation after broker miscalculates deal by £120k

Nationwide drops LMS as it reintroduces free legals

Purplebricks share price drops 20% in a week

Economists forecast earlier than expected Bank of England rate hikes in 2018

The future for interest-only mortgage borrowers – Marketwatch

Bank of England warns interest rates set to rise sooner and faster, as economists forecast May hike

FCA: Gopee found guilty of acting as an illegal money lender

Co-op Bank ditches retail mortgages to focus on Platform broker offering

Principality appoints first BDM for southern home counties

On free legals: ‘As helpful as a chocolate teapot’ – poll result