
The Bank of England's mortgage lending update is a crucial indicator of the UK's economic health. The bank's latest data shows that mortgage lending rose by 10% in the first quarter of the year.
This increase is largely driven by a surge in remortgaging, with homeowners taking advantage of low interest rates to refinance their existing mortgages. The average mortgage size has also increased, with borrowers taking out larger loans to fund home purchases.
According to the Bank of England, the total value of mortgage lending reached £43.4 billion in the first quarter, up from £39.3 billion in the same period last year. This growth is a welcome sign for the UK's housing market, which has been experiencing a slowdown in recent years.
The Bank of England's data also reveals that the majority of mortgage lending is going towards first-time buyers, who are taking advantage of government schemes to get on the property ladder.
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Mortgage Lending Trends
Mortgage lending is on the rise again, thanks to the extension of the stamp duty holiday. The latest Bank of England statistics show that net mortgage borrowing bounced back to £6.6bn in May, up from £3bn the previous month.
The extension of the stamp duty holiday is a likely factor behind this increase, as it means buyers pay no stamp duty on the first £500,000 of a residential property purchase, as long as it's completed before the end of June. This is driving an increase in activity as that date draws near.
After the end of June, the relief will be tapered until 30 September, meaning a residential property bought for up to £250,000 will be exempt from the tax until that date. This may help sustain activity over the next few months.
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Bank of England Data
The Bank of England has a significant impact on mortgage lending in the UK.
In 2020, the Bank of England's net lending to individuals was £13.6 billion, a decrease from £15.3 billion in 2019.
The Bank of England's mortgage lending data shows that the average mortgage size in the UK was £142,800 in 2020.
According to the Bank of England, the proportion of mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of 90% or more was 22.4% in 2020.
The Bank of England's data also reveals that the majority of mortgages in the UK are for house purchase, accounting for 73.4% of all mortgages in 2020.
Mortgage lending to first-time buyers increased by 12.5% in 2020 compared to the previous year, according to the Bank of England's data.
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Latest Mortgage Figures
The latest mortgage figures from the Bank of England are showing a significant increase in net mortgage borrowing, bouncing back to £6.6bn in May.
This is largely attributed to the extension of the stamp duty holiday, which has been driving an increase in activity as the deadline for the full exemption approaches. The tax relief will be tapered until 30 September, helping to sustain activity over the next few months.
Interest rates fell dramatically in January, encouraging previously hesitant buyers to enter the market, and although the "rates war" has started to tail off, a positive spring market bounce is taking shape.
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Mortgage Approvals Dip
Mortgage approvals have declined significantly, with a decrease of 11% compared to the same period last year.
This downturn can be attributed to the stricter lending criteria and higher interest rates that have made it more challenging for borrowers to secure a mortgage.
Homebuyers are now facing a more competitive market, with fewer mortgage approvals available.
The average loan amount has also decreased, from £144,000 to £133,000, indicating that borrowers are opting for smaller mortgages due to affordability concerns.
This shift in lending behavior is likely to have a ripple effect on the housing market, as fewer mortgages are being approved and home sales are slowing down.
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Lending Rises
Mortgage lending is on the rise again, according to the latest Bank of England statistics. This is a significant increase from the previous month, with net mortgage borrowing bouncing back to £6.6bn in May, up from £3bn.
The extension of the stamp duty holiday is a likely factor behind this increase. Buyers pay no stamp duty on the first £500,000 of a residential property purchase, as long as it’s completed before the end of June.
Interest rates fell dramatically in January, encouraging previously hesitant buyers back into the market. This led to a huge wave of new buyers entering the market.
The 'rates war' has started to tail off, but we're still seeing a positive spring market bounce take shape.
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Industry Response
The Bank of England's latest statistics on mortgage lending have sparked a response from industry experts.
Will North, director of core credit at TransUnion in the UK, comments on the latest data, highlighting the impact of the stamp duty holiday extension.
The extension of the stamp duty holiday is a likely factor behind the increase in net mortgage borrowing, which bounced back to £6.6bn in May, up from £3bn the previous month.
This surge in activity is expected to sustain over the next few months, as the relief will be tapered until 30 September, meaning a residential property bought for up to £250,000 will be exempt from the tax until that date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Bank of England lending rate?
The current Bank of England lending rate is 4.75%. Find out when the next decision will be announced and view our full list of upcoming dates.
Is Bank of England a mortgage broker?
No, Bank of England Mortgage is a direct lender, not a mortgage broker. They offer home loans and refinancing options directly to clients, rather than brokering loans through third-party companies.
Sources
- https://www.mortgagefinancegazette.com/market-news/mortgage-approvals-dip-gross-lending-rises-for-fourth-consecutive-month-boe-01-07-2024/
- https://propertyindustryeye.com/bank-of-england-figures-show-mortgage-lending-increasing-industry-comment/
- https://newsroom.transunion.co.uk/mortgage-lending-on-the-rise-again-according-to-latest-bank-of-england-statistics/
- https://www.financialreporter.co.uk/mortgage-lending-sees-first-quarterly-increase-in-a-year-as-approvals-jump-11-boe.html
- https://ifamagazine.com/lender-responds-to-latest-boe-mortgage-lending-figures/
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