Existing homeowners grabbing bargain mortgage rates. Slower house price growth helps some younger people onto ladder.
Competition in the mortgage market remains strong, with mortgage rates falling since the turn of the year.
Number of mortgages approved up compared to June. London market continues to be dominated by those with large deposits. Other regions offer fertile ground for first-time buyers.
The Bank of Mum and Dad is becoming ever more important, with an increasing number of buyers turning to their parents to help them onto the housing ladder.
Prices creep slowly upwards on an annual basis. Transactions in May 2019 up 7% on previous month. Nottingham takes top spot in Conurbation annual house price growth league.
Activity remains strong across the country. Yorkshire continues to be first-time buyer hotspot. Competitive mortgage rates drive existing homeowners to take out new loans.
The number of first-time buyers taking out mortgages fell for the first time since September 2018 but the remortgage market has remained buoyant.
Five regions now have falling prices on an annual basis. Transactions in April 2019 up 4% on April 2018. For second month running Merseyside tops Conurbation league in annual house price growth.
Housing market slowdown yet to affect mortgages. First-time buyers benefit from increased lender focus. Strong growth in number of small deposit borrowers.