Mortgage Schemes Drop But Long Term Comparisons Are Still On The Up

The number of live mortgage schemes available to intermediaries has dropped for the first time in nine months, according to figures released today from Mortgage Brain’s Monthly Product Analysis.

The total number of live mortgage schemes listed on its market leading sourcing system dropped by four per cent during March, down from 4,876 (as of 1st March 2010) to 4,665 on 5th April 2010.

The slight decline, however, is easily overshadowed by the longer term analysis, which still paints a positive picture of the current UK mortgage market. Current figures are showing a healthy 51% uplift in overall product availability compared to this time last year, and a 63% increase compared to six months ago.

Mixed movement was seen during March for the industry’s three main product types – Fixed, Trackers and Variable.

Variable rate products fared the best, increasing for the fourth month in a row (4%), with current figures listing 384 products – up from 369 on 1st March 2010.

The number of Fixed rate products fell slightly for the first time in six months (1%), with current figures listing 2,840 of all available products.

Trackers were the worst hit in the past month; down 11% from 1,623 (as of 1st March 2010) to now stand at 1,441.

The 12 month analysis for all three, however, also makes for favourable reading with current figures showing increases of 28% (Variable), 33% (Fixed) and an impressive 121% for Trackers.

Mark Lofthouse, CEO of Mortgage Brain, comments, “The UK mortgage market, like the current economy as a whole, is still fluctuating so it’s no real surprise that we’re seeing these slight dips in product availability.

“It’s important in instances like this, therefore, that close attention is paid to the six and 12 month comparisons, which really help to paint a clearer picture of market movement and the progress that’s been made.”

Notes to editors:
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