Metro Bank has learned ‘the hard way’ about costly branches, analysts say November 30, 2023 Metro Bank today announced a shift in strategy as it prepares to lay off 20 per cent of staff, considers cutting opening times and tries to simplify its business model to become more cost-efficient.
Mortgage approvals are up. Does this mean the housing market is finally recovering? November 29, 2023 The number of mortgage approvals ticked up in October, new data has revealed. Is this a sign the housing market is recovering?
Household borrowing dips as higher rates ‘percolate’ through UK economy November 29, 2023 Consumer borrowing fell in October in the latest indication that higher interest rates are weighing down on demand in the economy.
Metro Bank shareholders back rescue plan as lender reiterates branch commitment November 27, 2023 The deal was approved by over 90 per cent of shareholders, even though it will dilute their shareholding substantially.
Barclays reportedly in talks with Metro Bank to buy £3bn mortgage portfolio November 27, 2023 Barclays is reportedly in exclusive talks to buy a £3bn residential mortgage book from Metro Bank as the troubled lender's shareholders prepare to vote on a £925m refinancing package later today.
House prices to face pressure well into 2024 despite positive updates November 14, 2023 Recent data on the UK's housing market has pointed in contradictory directions, but analysts remain confident that house prices will remain subdued well into 2024.
Yet another housing minister? It’ll alienate young professionals November 14, 2023 The political churn of ministers is doing nothing to solve the housing crisis, and it's the young who are suffering, writes Henry Hill.
Mortgage growth set to reach decade low as high rates drive down demand November 6, 2023 The EY Item Club predicted that net mortgage loans would grow 1.5 per cent in 2023 and two per cent in 2024, representing the lowest two-year growth in a decade.
House prices: Shock month on month rise suggests property market beginning to stabilise November 1, 2023 House prices in October were 0.9 per cent higher than in September, figures from lender Nationwide showed before the Bank makes its interest rate call tomorrow. . Compared with October last year, prices were down 3.3 per cent, a less sharp fall than September’s 5.3 per cent drop, Nationwide said. This comes after the Bank [...]
Fall in bank lending adds to fears that UK recession already underway October 30, 2023 The higher cost of borrowing is weighing heavily on consumer demand for new loans in a sign that the Bank of England's interest rate hikes are slowing economic activity.