Housing market 'remains uncertain'

The housing market remains in a period of uncertainty, it has been suggested by one expert.

Paul Samter, the Council of Mortgage Lenders' (CML's) chief economist, noted that although the sector finished 2009 well, he expects to see a larger than usual drop-off in seasonal activity.

He stated, however, that the Bank of England would more than likely keep rates at a low level in order to lessen mortgage payment problems - helping borrowers avoid bearing the brunt of the recession.

The CML announced that gross mortgage lending declined by £9.1 billion in January from the previous month, representing a 32% fall from December - and a 21% decrease from the same month last year.

Indeed, the group reported that it was the lowest monthly total for the beginning of a year since 2000, which had figures of £7.4 billion.

Bernard Clarke, a spokesperson for the body, recently revealed that there is likely to be a slow start to the year.