CML: Further weakening of UK mortgage market

Mortgage lending across the UK remains in the doldrums, according to statistics released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) today.

Gross lending increased by eight per cent in April, to £26.1 billion, after two consecutive months of decline - down five per cent from April 2007.

However, this annual rate of decline was lower than in recent months; gross lending in March 2008 was 24 per cent lower than March 2007 – suggesting a slight return in confidence.

"Monthly house purchase lending volumes continue to be lower than last year’s levels and there will be a further weakening in coming months as recent approvals data has shown," said CML director general, Michael Coogan.

Remortgaging has continued to grow as a percentage of the market, accounting for 42 per cent of the market in April. This is up from 38 per cent in April 2007.

In total there were 83,000 loans for remortgage worth £11 billion during April, up 14 per cent in volume and 11 per cent in value from March.

Correspondingly, loans for home purchases have continued to decline.

There were 50,700 loans for house purchase, worth £7.7 billion in April, up nine per cent in volume and ten per cent in value from March.

Loans for home purchase now account for just 30 per cent of the market, down from 44 per cent a year ago.

There were also 18,500 loans to first-time buyers, up four per cent from March but 36 per cent lower than April last year.

Finally there were 32,300 loans to home movers, up 13 per cent from March and 38 per cent lower than April last year.

"The squeeze on mortgage funding has led many lenders to tighten their lending criteria," explained Mr Coogan.

"While tighter criteria make it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain a mortgage, they also reduce risk in a slower housing market.

Finally, fixed-rate lending appears to be experiencing a resurgence.

The proportion of borrowers taking out fixed-rate products increased to 59 per cent in April, from 54 per cent in March.

This is the largest proportion since December last year, but still well below the record of 77 per cent recorded last summer.

"There has been a resurgence of fixed-rate lending as borrowers are seeking certainty. This trend is likely to continue as the anticipation of future Bank base rate cuts has diminished," concluded Mr Coogan.

Chris O'Toole