Campaigners are demanding a windfall tax on UK banks, estimated to raise £19bn, following HSBC's $10.1bn second-quarter profits. The funds could support cost of living initiatives, while banks face scrutiny over profit distribution and lending.
New condo-lending policies from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, effective Aug. 3, require closer scrutiny of condo associations' finances and maintenance, potentially causing mortgage delays or denials, especially for buildings failing to meet new standards.
Kelisto.es ha publicado su ranking de las mejores hipotecas fijas, mixtas y variables para julio de 2026. El análisis compara ofertas bancarias basándose en criterios como el interés, las vinculaciones y las comisiones, destacando las opciones más económicas para los compradores de vivienda.
Fears of negative equity for first-time buyers in Sydney and Melbourne are easing as falling house prices are concentrated in the top end of the market. Data shows the cheapest properties have seen modest gains or slight declines, unlike the upper quartiles. Experts suggest low unemployment and low arrears rates mitigate mortgage payment risks, though negative equity can limit options for selling or refinancing.
New data suggests falling house prices in Sydney and Melbourne are concentrated in the upper market segments, potentially assuaging fears for first-time buyers with small deposits who typically purchase in the lower end.
Coinbase and Better Home & Finance will allow qualified borrowers to use Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for down payments on Fannie Mae-backed mortgages starting summer 2026. This initiative follows a 2025 FHFA directive to consider crypto in mortgage risk assessments.
Total mortgage application volume fell 2.5% last week as demand for home purchases slowed to its lowest pace since April, despite a slight decrease in the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to 6.57%. Refinance applications also declined.
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte, lacking intelligence experience, will also continue his FHFA role. The move drew immediate condemnation from Democrats and some Republicans.
The Bank of England's latest report reveals some interesting details on how our finances will be affected due to the Iran war.
Shares in UK buy-to-let lenders Paragon and OSB Group fell 2.4% and 3.6% respectively on Tuesday after speculation that chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a one-year rent freeze for private landlords in England to protect households from rising costs linked to the Middle East conflict. The education secretary later said the measure is not actively being pursued, while the Renters' Rights Act comes into force on Friday bringing significant sector changes.
The US-Israel conflict with Iran is impacting UK finances, leading to higher fuel prices, increased mortgage rates, and potential rises in energy bills. The overall cost of living is expected to increase, with households potentially hundreds of pounds worse off.
