Money Box Live: Mortgages

Katie Tucker, Melanie Bien and Paula John

BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live

Wednesday, 24 March 2010 at 1502 GMT On Radio 4 and Online

Listen to the programme

Programme transcript (21 pages)

Paul Lewis put your questions about mortgages to a panel of experts guests

The number of mortgage products on offer has increased by 70% since hitting a low last April say financial information service Moneyfacts.

According to The Bank of England's latest Trends in Lending report, this increasing competition between lenders is putting a downward pressure on mortgage pricing.

If you are a first time buyer or have limited equity you may be pleased to hear that many of these new products offer a higher loan to value (LTV). Moneyfacts say the number of deals with an 85% LTV has increased to 345, up from 186 last April.

For buyers with a 5% deposit there are 13 products to choose from and interest rates may be higher.

Whatever your question, Paul Lewis and guests were ready to help.

How much can you borrow and what sort of deposit will be required?

What are the likely fees and is it unwise to add these to the mortgage product?

Are mortgage rates going to rise or fall?

Is now a good time to buy a fixed rate mortgage or a tracker?

Should you remain on a Standard Variable Rate?

What is the situation for self employed people or those on short term contracts?

Where can you find advice and help?

Paul Lewis was joined by:

• Katie Tucker, chief operating officer, Private Finance

• Paula John, editor in chief, Your Mortgage