First-time buyers' costs rise

Tuesday 17 April 2012 00:54 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mortgage costs for first-time buyers increased in February for the first time in nearly a year. With many lenders increasing their rates, the proportion of income spent on mortgage interest payments rose to 12.5 from 12.1 per cent the previous month.

It marked the first rise since April last year, but the Council of Mortgage Lenders said the percentage still compared favourably with 2008's average of 19.6 per cent.

The CML added that home movers took out 22,500 loans worth £3.7bn in February, up 2 per cent in volume and 3 per cent in value from January.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in