Property and mortgages

Value of July’s home loans is the highest for seven years

Mortgage-arrears figures are also at a new low

Warning that borrowers might need to act fast to secure the best deals

Government warned it needs to take action to boost supply of new homes

London giants dominate the table when it comes to house prices

The industry aims to make the process clearer, and outline the responsibilities of both parties

Increased competition amongst lenders is thought to be behind drop to less than 3%

But estate agents report falling demand and supply as the election approaches

Low interest rates and a more positive employment outlook likely to be behind figures

But industry body insists that the market is still far from ‘normal’