The residential property market has been buoyed by the return of first-home buyers, new figures have shown.

The residential property market has been buoyed by the return of first-home buyers, new figures have shown.

The number of approvals for mortgage loans in April fell for the 12th consecutive month, according to new statistics from the Bank of England.

Those attempting to purchase their first home are increasingly looking to their family to help stump up the initial deposit needed, it has been claimed.

With widespread concerns over the stability of the housing market escalating in recent months, new statistics have shown that approval rates for mortgage loans fell by 50 per cent during March 2008.

Home loan levels have fallen, new research shows.

Taking out a cheap loan to pay for some improvements to a garden could enable potential house sellers to raise the value of their home, with the aesthetic pleasure, privacy and protection offered by a well-developed garden often an enticing proposition for those looking to buy a property.

Britons are facing more fees than they did last year on financial products and services such as personal loans, secured loans, mortgages and credit cards, as well as on savings and current accounts, according to the latest research from online comparison service moneysupermarket.

Homeowners considering taking out a fixed-rate mortgage deal are being advised to take the time to check the full terms and conditions of the product.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), British Bankers' Association (BBA) and the Building Societies Association (BSA) have all released their latest lending information today, with the CML suggesting consumer attitudes to loans are very different to those noted by the BBA and BSA.