Mortgage activity picked up in August according to UK Finance

The latest UK Finance data published 12th October 2017 shows that lending for house purchase was higher in August 2017 than in both the preceding month and a year earlier.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, borrowing by first-time buyers and movers increased by both value and volume, according to UK Finance. First-time buyers borrowed £5 billion, taking out  30,400 mortgages, home movers borrowed £7.1 billion, equating to 32,800 loans.

UK Finance state: The value of buy-to-let lending was unchanged but there was a small decrease in the number of buy-to-let borrowers remortgaging.

Commenting on the data, UK Finance’s Head of Mortgages Policy June Deasy said:

“Activity picked up in August, and recent resilience ensured that borrowing by home movers was at its highest since March 2016, when transactions were boosted by an imminent increase in stamp duty. Over the last 12 months, the number of people remortaging has been higher than in any period since late 2009. With mortgage rates close to historic lows and the likelihood of a rise in official rates moving closer, the popularity of remortgaging looks set to continue.”

Read the UK Finance report 12th October 2017 with data in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Top tips to make your home winter-ready for a successful sale

Following the festive period, many people turn their thoughts and attention to potential new year property aspirations. Traditionally, record numbers of people jump onto property-related websites after Christmas and into the New Year, so it’s a great time to consider marketing your home, knowing there are tens of thousands of extra people seriously considering a…
Read More
Breaking News

Propertymark Annual Sales Price Report 2025

With housing being a fundamental need and playing a vital role in the UK economy, a strong housing market is a vital factor, this report examines the strength of the housing market and looks at average prices year on year. Headline figures The entire of 2024 vs 2025 The number of properties placed for sale…
Read More
Breaking News

Lloyds reveals its 2025 housing hot spots

Plymouth property prices up +12.6% over the past year   Hull joins the top 10, up +6.5%, and fresh from being named a 2026 ‘Best of the World’ destination by National Geographic   Value of a London home dipped slightly (-0.1%) but remain the most expensive overall, averaging £574,514   Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages…
Read More
Breaking News

2025: A landmark year for UK renters and homebuyers – what consumers need to know

From major rental reforms to new powers tackling unsafe or empty buildings, 2025 has become one of the most transformative years for housing across the UK. Whether renting, buying, or managing a property, millions of people will feel the effects of the changes rolling out nation by nation. Propertymark has broken down what these changes…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Are ‘for sale’ boards becoming obsolete?

Earlier this year, Westminster Council announced that it would apply to ban estate agents from displaying sales boards outside residential properties in the local area; now, Epping Forest Council is the latest to follow suit. With this in mind, Jack Malnick, Property Expert and Managing Director at Sell House Fast has shared his thoughts on…
Read More
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Breaking News

A More Affordable Christmas for Homebuyers

The latest research from award-winning mortgage adviser, Alexander Hall, has revealed that – despite the government failing to leave any affordability-focused initiatives under the tree in the recent Autumn Budget – this Christmas is shaping up to be a far more positive one for the nation’s homebuyers, as borrowers entering the market today are benefitting…
Read More