Small increase in lending to first-time buyers in March according to UK Finance

May 17, 2018

Latest UK Finance Mortgage Trends Update for March 2018 headlined ‘Remortgaging Market Softens In March After Busy Start To The Year.’

UK Finance’s Mortgage Trends Update for March 2018 has revealed a small increase in lending to first-time buyers compared to a year earlier, while remortgaging levels softened slightly after a busy start to the year.

The £5.6bn of remortgaging in the month was 9.7 per cent down year-on-year. There were 32,400 new homeowner remortgages completed in the month, some 12 per cent fewer than in the same month a year earlier, according to UK Finance.

Commenting on the data, Jackie Bennett, Director of Mortgages at UK Finance, said:

““Remortgaging levels softened in March, after a busier than usual start to the year saw customers locking into attractive deals ahead of a potential interest rate rise.

“There has been relatively flat growth in lending to first-time buyers, reflecting recent Bank of England figures showing a fall in mortgage approvals.

“Meanwhile the buy-to-let market remains subdued, as recent tax and regulatory changes continue to have an impact on demand.”

Read the UK Finance Mortgage Trends Update March for March 2018 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

Kerb appeal
Estate Agent Talk

Why November and December are the best and most affordable months to buy

Buyers and sellers looking for the right time to move can consider top reasons from property experts to start the process this November and December. The autumn and winter months may not be the first that come to mind when considering a move, but potential buyers and sellers can be reassured by the experts that…
Read More →
Breaking News

Farmers protest outside Westminster today in anger at the IHT ongoing debate – expert legal view

With today’s news about farmers set to protest outside Westminster in anger at the IHT ongoing debate, Tom Gauterin, Director at national law firm Freeths, said: “Although it is good to hear Mr Reed last week suggest that the Government is listening to farmers, today’s protests would suggest otherwise with the extent of their concerns…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Bank Rate cuts boost optimism for 2025 despite Budget pause

Average new seller asking prices drop by 1.4% (-£5,366) this month to £366,592, a bigger fall than the usual, seasonal 0.8% drop seen at this time of year, likely due to pre- and post-Budget jitters However, despite the dampening effect of the Budget, market activity remains stronger than last year as Bank Rate falls: The…
Read More →
Breaking News

How to market to Estate Agents UK

The UK’s property sales and letting industry is quite sizable in both volume of work and those employed within. Some 25 million dwellings in England alone exist and there were estimated to be approximately 55,500 estate agents working in the United Kingdom as of the second quarter of 2024. Up and down the country, in…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Preventative Measures to Reduce the Risk of Emergencies in a Rental Home

Ensuring that a rental home is safe and well-maintained is essential for both landlords and tenants. Emergencies in a rental property can lead to significant stress, financial loss, and potential damage. However, by implementing preventative measures, landlords and tenants alike can reduce the risk of emergencies and create a safer living environment. This guide provides…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Understanding the Metrics Used by Estate Agents to Determine Your Home’s Worth

Determining the value of a property can sometimes feel like a complex process shrouded in mystery. However, understanding the various metrics and considerations that estate agents use to assess your home’s worth can demystify the process and empower you as a homeowner. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to the key factors estate agents…
Read More →