UK mortgage approvals jump by most since November, Bank of England says

UK mortgage lending picked up in February, with approvals rising to their highest level in three months, even as signs emerge that higher borrowing costs are beginning to weigh on demand.

Data from the Bank of England showed net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased to 62,600 in February, up from 60,200 in January. The figure marked the strongest reading since November, though it remained slightly below the six-month average of 63,500.

Borrowing volumes also strengthened. Individuals took out £4.8bn in mortgage debt during the month, up from £4.2bn in January and above the recent average of £4.5bn, pointing to a modest rebound in activity at the start of the year.

However, the outlook for the housing market is becoming more uncertain. Expectations that borrowing costs will rise further, as inflation pressures intensify on the back of higher energy prices, have led investors to anticipate at least two further interest rate increases from the central bank this year.

Consumer credit growth also accelerated, with individuals borrowing £1.9bn in February, up from £1.8bn a month earlier and marking the fastest pace of expansion in nearly two years. Within that, credit card borrowing eased to £800m from £900m, while other forms of lending, including car finance and personal loans, rose to £1.2bn from £900m.

More recent indicators suggest momentum may already be fading. Buyer demand fell 13% in March compared with the same period a year earlier, reflecting the impact of rising mortgage rates and increased economic uncertainty on household confidence.

According to the latest Zoopla index, annual house price growth held steady at 1.3% in March, unchanged from February. But agreed sales declined by 2% year on year, with activity supported largely by buyers who had already secured financing.

There are also signs that prospective movers are becoming more cautious, with some delaying decisions amid higher borrowing costs. Mortgage rates have risen sharply in recent weeks, with the average two-year fixed deal increasing by 92 basis points since the outbreak of war, adding to concerns that affordability pressures will curb demand in the months ahead.

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How rising fuel costs could impact UK small businesses
Rising fuel prices are hitting UK small businesses hard, with more than a third of sole traders warning that high diesel and petrol costs could push them to the brink of collapse. An online survey by FairFuelUK of 3,678 sole traders, including bricklayers, plumbers, and electricians, found over a third (36.4%) are struggling to manage rising pump prices.

Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, says the organisation and its 1.8 million supporters want the government to freeze fuel duty for the rest of this Parliament. “Cutting fuel duty, removing VAT on fuel duty, and making pump pricing fair and transparent are crucial to protect businesses and the economy,” he adds.

A wider poll of 78,933 motorists and small businesses shows 95% support immediate action, including reducing fuel duty and introducing a PumpWatch body to monitor prices. The organisation said that while chancellor Rachel Reeves blames rising costs on “global turbulence”, other countries like France, India, and Italy are actively supporting drivers through fuel caps and tax reductions.

FairFuelUK warns that the government’s current approach risks putting jobs, consumer spending, and GDP growth under pressure. Cox says: “Freezing fuel duty is essential, but cutting it now, removing VAT, and introducing PumpWatch would give businesses relief and help the UK economy thrive.”
What you need to know about deposits and Help to Buy schemes
Looking to buy a home in 2026? Many UK buyers are still confused about deposits, shared ownership, and government schemes. New research reveals thousands may be basing their plans on outdated or incorrect information, potentially costing them time and money.

Research by David Wilson Homes surveyed 1,000 UK adults and analysed Google search trends to reveal common misconceptions.

Although England’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme ended in October 2022, some 32% of respondents still think it is available, and search volumes remain high. In Wales, where the scheme is still live, buyers can secure a new-build home worth up to £300,000 with just a 5% deposit, supported by a government equity loan of up to 20%, interest-free for five years.

15% of people incorrectly believe a 20% deposit is required, while 37% think shared ownership is only for first-time buyers. Terry Higgins, mortgage expert at The New Homes Group (TNHG) Mortgage Services, explains that deposits as low as 5% are achievable, and that shared ownership is open to anyone who meets income and affordability criteria.

Equity loans are also often misunderstood. Unlike a mortgage, no monthly payments or interest are charged on the equity portion. The loan is repaid as a percentage of the property’s value when it is sold or remortgaged, reducing monthly mortgage costs and making homeownership more accessible.

Many current equity loan schemes are focused on new builds, which come with warranties and higher energy efficiency, helping to reduce running costs.
Savers urged to act now as UK savings rates could fall and cost you hundreds
Savers in the UK are being urged to review their accounts now as current market conditions mean today’s top rates may not last.

Savings platform Raisin UK reports that rates are currently as high as 4.5% AER, around 1.5% above inflation. Ongoing economic uncertainty, including rising fuel costs and market volatility, could push rates lower in the near future.

Kevin Mountford, co-founder of Raisin UK, warns that delaying could cost savers both interest and the value of their money. He says: “Current market volatility means the Bank of England will make cautious moves… As a result, interest rates on savings accounts will fall. This is why it is critical to act now.”

Raisin UK research shows the average Brit puts aside £335.17 a month in savings. Locking that into a three-year fixed rate account with RCi Bank could earn an extra £542.98 in interest, equivalent to more than an extra month and a half of savings.

Despite this, many people are hesitant. Nearly half of consumers (48%) are willing to lock their money away for a year or more, yet 17% worry about choosing the wrong account and 16% say too many options make the decision difficult.

Mountford points to signals from the Bank of England that base rates could fall as policymakers aim to support the economy. Savings providers typically follow, meaning savers’ returns could drop.

At the same time, inflation remains uncertain. While Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, suggested the UK could reach 2% inflation by spring 2026, more recent forecasts indicate it could rise from 3% to 4% before the end of the year.

Mountford says waiting could mean losing out twice, both on higher interest now and on the value of money if inflation rises. He adds: “You not only lose the opportunity to benefit from the extra savings, your money will also lose value if inflation rises.”

The key advice is to check current savings rates and compare deals. Acting sooner rather than later could help boost returns and protect the value of your money while rates remain relatively strong.
Chart: Latest fuel prices
Fuel prices surge: Petrol hits 28-month high as diesel tops 180p
Drivers are facing a rise in fuel costs, with petrol and diesel prices climbing sharply in recent weeks.

According to the RAC, the average price of petrol has now reached 152p per litre, the highest level in 28 months. Diesel has risen even more steeply, passing 180p to hit 181.2p per litre, a price not seen since December 2022.

The increases mean motorists are paying more at the pump. Filling up a typical family petrol car now costs £10.55 more than it did at the start of the Iran conflict, while diesel drivers are seeing an even bigger jump of £21.35.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the pressure on households is continuing to grow.

He said “average petrol prices have now reached 152p a litre… while diesel has exceeded the 180p mark”, adding that costs have risen sharply in a short space of time.

Williams warned that the “financial strain on the eight in 10 motorists that tell us they depend on their cars continues to build”, with diesel drivers being hit hardest.

Despite the increases, he urged drivers not to change their behaviour drastically, saying they should “continue to fill up as normal” but try to find the cheapest prices using tools such as the myRAC app.

At the end of February, petrol averaged 132.83p per litre, while diesel stood at 142.38p.

By 30 March, petrol had risen to 152.01p, an increase of 19.2p or 14.4%. Diesel jumped even further to 181.20p, up 38.8p or 27.3%.

Daily increases have also picked up pace, with petrol rising by 0.6p on the latest reading and diesel up by 1.3p.

For drivers, it’s another sign that fuel costs can change quickly, making it more important to shop around and keep an eye on prices.
Chart: Where buyers get the most bang for their buck on space
Where £100,000 will buy you the most space in the UK
House hunters may finally be getting a better deal on space, as new research reveals where buyers can get the most room for their money.

Analysis from property firm Sell House Fast, using the latest Government data, shows the UK postcodes where £100,000 stretches the furthest in terms of floor space.

At the top of the list is DN32 in North East Lincolnshire, where £100,000 buys an average of 78.4 m². Close behind are NE17 in Northumberland with 72.6 m² and LA18 in Cumberland with 71.5 m².

Several areas in the North of England dominate the rankings, particularly in the North East, where buyers consistently get more space for their cash. Across the top three locations, £100,000 secures between 70 and 78 m², above the UK average of 28.6 m².

This comes as affordability remains stretched. Separate research suggests 52% of first-time buyers now rely on at least two incomes to get on the property ladder.

Grimsby stands out as one of the most budget-friendly places to buy. The average home costs just over £112,000, making it one of the cheapest areas in the UK and significantly below the national average.

Nearby, Chopwell and Blackhall Mill, close to Newcastle upon Tyne, also offer strong value, with buyers getting 72.6 m² per £100,000, more than double the national average.

Sunderland is another top performer, where £100,000 buys around 65.3 m², placing it among the best locations for value in a city setting.

In South Wales, Caerphilly also ranks highly. With an average house price of £117,533, buyers get roughly 71 m² for their money, making it one of the most affordable options outside northern England.
Easter bank holiday set to be UK’s busiest on roads in four years despite high fuel prices
The Easter bank holiday weekend is expected to be the busiest on UK roads since 2022, with nearly 21 million leisure trips planned between Thursday and Easter Monday, according to the RAC and traffic analysts Inrix.

This represents more than 1 million extra journeys compared with last year. Warmer weather could prompt even more ad hoc trips, the RAC said.

The AA expects traffic to peak on Thursday, as many schools break up. Just over half of drivers plan to travel less than 50 miles, while one in five plan to visit friends and family. Around 10% intend to go outdoors for walking or cycling, and 5% are planning trips to DIY stores or garden centres.

Lee Morley, an AA patrol expert, said: “After what feels like a very long, wet winter, lots of families are looking forward to the Easter break. People appear undaunted by petrol prices rising above 150p a litre last Friday, when the Asda boss warned of temporary shortages.”

The RAC added that filling a 55-litre family car with diesel this Easter will cost at least £19 more than last year, while a petrol tank will be nearly £8 more, with further increases possible.
Gold has tumbled despite Middle East conflict – what you need to know
Gold has traditionally been a safe haven during times of geopolitical uncertainty, but the current Middle East conflict has bucked that trend. Prices have fallen sharply even as oil surges and inflation worries mount, leaving investors wondering whether now is the right time to buy. Rick Kanda from The Gold Bullion Company explains what’s driving the drop and what it means for long-term investors.

“Gold is usually seen as a safe haven during times of uncertainty, so the decline has caught many people off guard. The war has pushed oil prices higher, with Brent Crude up around 75% this year. Because the US is a net oil exporter, that has strengthened the dollar, and a stronger dollar puts downward pressure on gold.”

He adds: “Higher oil prices are feeding into inflation expectations. The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% in March when a cut had been expected, and the US Federal Reserve is signalling just one rate cut this year.”

Should investors buy gold now? Kanda advises a long-term view: “Gold investment should not depend on short-term market moves. It’s about whether your financial situation allows it. If you are stable and looking for a long-term store of value, the time is right. Short-term fluctuations should not drive decisions.”

On future trends, he says: “We’ll continue to see ups and downs. Stronger dollars and high oil prices are headwinds, even as gold remains near record highs. How long these pressures last depends on the conflict and its impact on inflation and interest rates.”

“Gold should not be treated as a reactive trade. If you’ve invested for the right reasons, short-term declines shouldn’t affect your confidence,” Kanda concludes.

Read more about gold here
Chart: Best mortgage rates on the market
UK mortgage approvals hit three-month high in February
Mortgage approvals for home buyers rose to a three-month high in February, according to the Bank of England. Some 62,584 mortgages were approved, up from 60,200 in January, marking the highest monthly total since November 2025.

Remortgaging to a new lender also increased to around 41,200, up from 38,500 in January.

The market has been volatile, with lenders hiking rates and pulling deals as the Middle East conflict pushed swap rates higher.

Karen Noye, mortgage expert at Quilter, said: “February provides a snapshot of what could have been. March saw a rapid reversal of any real progress on mortgage rates and buyer confidence. Prospective buyers holding out for lower rates will have had their hopes dashed.”

Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest, added: “February’s figures predate the sharp rise in energy prices. Even so, there was optimism: mortgage approvals edged up, savings increased, and consumer borrowing rose. Markets had been expecting a seventh rate cut, supported by inflation at 3.0% and weak economic growth. Those hopes are now gone.”

The effective rate on new mortgages ticked up slightly to 4.10%, and rates on existing mortgages rose to 3.95%. Rising fixed rates are now reducing mortgage choice as some lenders withdraw products.

Households deposited £5.8bn into savings accounts in February, up from £4.3bn in January, though the effective rate on new accounts slipped to 3.67%. Cash ISAs were a big focus, with £4.6bn deposited to make the most of the £20,000 annual allowance.

Haine said: “With the tax year end approaching, savers are topping up Cash ISAs to protect their money from tax on interest. Even though new caps and changes to allowances come in April 2027, acting now can help you make the most of the current tax-free limits.”
Should you fill your tank amid rising oil prices?
Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, said:
Chart: How house prices are moving across the UK
House prices across the UK are behaving very differently depending on where you live. Some cities are still seeing healthy growth, while others are slowing down or even falling slightly.

We’ve pulled together the latest figures from Zoopla for February 2026, showing the average price in each city and how much it’s changed compared with this time last year. It’s a handy snapshot if you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the property market.
UK home buyer demand dips as mortgage rates rise and uncertainty hits confidence
If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re not alone, but demand among UK buyers has slowed in March, according to property website Zoopla. Rising mortgage rates and global uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict appear to be prompting many potential buyers to adopt a “wait and see” approach.

Zoopla reports that agreed sales fell by 2% compared with the same time last year. The market is being propped up by committed movers who already have mortgages in place, but overall buyer inquiries are down 13% year-on-year.

Some regions, though, are holding up better than others. Sales agreed are flat or slightly higher in Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London compared with last year.

Despite the slowdown in buyer demand, the number of homes for sale has increased by 6% annually, suggesting that many homeowners are still keen to move, even in the current uncertain environment.

A key factor supporting sales is that a significant portion of buyers is less affected by rising mortgage rates. Around a quarter of transactions are cash purchases, and many existing homeowners have built up equity or secured borrowing in advance, which cushions them from higher interest rates.

House price growth remains steady, with UK house prices up 1.3% year-on-year. Growth is strongest in more affordable areas, with the north west seeing prices rise 3.5% annually.

Read more about mortgages: HSBC, Barclays, Nationwide and Halifax hike mortgage costs
Car finance saga: Millions of motorists to learn how they will be compensated
Millions of motorists mis-sold car loans are set to learn how they will be compensated as the finance watchdog prepares to publish its final plans for an industry-wide scheme.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will release its long-awaited decisions on Monday afternoon. Draft proposals were shared last year, but the regulator is expected to make several adjustments following more than 1,000 responses to its consultation.

The scheme will cover car finance agreements taken out between April 6 2007 and November 1 2024. The FCA estimates that around 14 million deals, equivalent to 44% of all agreements since 2007, were unfair and therefore eligible for compensation.

Consumers could receive an average of £700 per agreement, though payouts will vary depending on individual circumstances. The total cost to the industry, including both compensation and the operational costs of running the scheme, is expected to reach £11bn.
Over‑60s hold more than half of UK housing wealth, analysis shows
Owner‑occupiers aged 60 and over hold the majority (55%) of the UK’s net housing wealth in the UK, analysis from a property firm indicates.

Those aged 60 and over hold a total of £3.84 trillion of housing equity, Savills estimated – of which around £2.92 trillion is held in main residences, while other equity is in buy-to-let investments and other residential holdings.

Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, said: “Housing is clearly a massive store of wealth in the UK, especially for older homeowners who hold high proportions of both owner-occupier and buy-to-let housing wealth.

“Much of it is concentrated in London and the South East, where owner‑occupiers aged 60 (plus) alone hold just over £1 trillion in net housing wealth.
Fuel spending surges and motorists fill up after Iran war sparks price fears
Britons rushed to buy fuel at the pumps in the immediate aftermath of the Iran war, while spending on holidays also tumbled due to the uncertainty caused by the conflict, new data has revealed.

Figures from banking giant Barclays showed spending on fuel jumped 10.9% in the week after the US-Israel war on Iran first started on February 28.

Motorists hurried to fill up their tanks amid concerns over supply and prices as the cost of crude oil surged above 100 US dollars a barrel.

The average price of unleaded petrol has now risen past 150p a litre for the first time in nearly two years, having jumped over 17p since the conflict began, according to the latest RAC data.

Barclays said spending on fuel quickly returned to usual levels after the initial spike.

But there are mounting signs of motorists looking to fill up whenever possible.

Asda boss Allan Leighton said on Friday the chain had seen “temporary shortages” at some pumps, though he stressed the issues were not nationwide.

Fuel Industry UK, which represents the fuel sector, also said the supply of petrol and diesel was “stable”.
Half of Britons relied on neighbours for help in past year, survey finds
Half of Britons (50%) have turned to their neighbours for help over the past 12 months, a survey suggests.

Those in their 20s drove the surge in people asking neighbours for help, with requests increasing by 35%, followed by those in their 30s, up 32%, the poll for neighbourhood network Nextdoor found.

Overall, support among neighbours is up 19% year on year as people increasingly turn to those living closest to them for practical everyday help including childcare and household fixes.

One in four people in their 30s (25%) asked a neighbour for help and advice, while 21% in their 20s reported needing support with emergency repairs and fixes over the past 12 months.

Almost one in 10 Britons (9%) have turned to neighbours for childcare and school runs in the past year.

Across British communities, asking neighbours to check on homes was the most popular form of help required (36%), followed by help moving heavy items and furniture (24%).

Meanwhile, 19% of those who have not asked for help said it was because they did not know their neighbours well enough.

More than a third (37%) know their neighbours by name and regularly stop to talk, while nearly one in five (18%) have been for a coffee or drink with someone on their street in the past year.
UK families buying chocolate Easter eggs for four people on average
People are set to spend more than £50 typically on Easter gifts this year, buying chocolate eggs for four people on average, according to a survey.

The average expected Easter spend is £57, buy now pay later provider Clearpay said, including items such as chocolate eggs as well as children’s activity packs and beauty gifts.

More than a quarter (27%) of shoppers plan to buy at least one egg priced over £10.

Younger adults expect to spend the most typically this Easter, with Gen Zs and Millennials anticipating spending over £100 on average, the research found.

Rich Bayer, chief executive at Clearpay, said: “Easter is a great time to show appreciation for the people in your life, but it’s important to make sure that spending doesn’t creep up, especially if you’re buying multiple gifts.”

Clearpay suggested taking steps such as setting a budget, considering non-edible Easter gifts that may be appreciated for longer and taking time to compare prices.
Cost of living crisis leaves half of UK households struggling to pay for essentials, Which? says
Half of UK households are struggling with the cost of everyday essentials, a survey suggests.

The latest Which? Consumer Insight Tracker found that 49% of households are being forced to dip into savings, sell possessions or take other measures to cover the cost of essentials.

The survey found that confidence in the future of the UK economy plummeted by 13 points to minus 56 in the month to March 13, the lowest level recorded since the end of 2022.

The watchdog said the score reflected “a deep-seated pessimism across the country”, with 67% of UK adults now expecting the national economy to worsen over the next 12 months, while just 12% think it will improve.

It found that 26% of households now regularly dip into savings to bridge the gap between their income and the rising cost of essentials – in contrast with the end of 2025 when financial stress appeared to be declining.

Confidence in the future of household finances has also hit its lowest level since April last year, falling five points to minus 15.

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UK mortgage approvals jump by most since November, Bank of England says

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