Should I accept lower offer for my London flat?

Skiddaw1

Have to say I'm with @ReadingTim on this.

Could there not be an 'At Your Own Risk' warning, just to get the board out of any potential liability? Surely that would cover it?

ReadySteadyPop

ReadingTim said:

MSE_ForumTeam5 said:

ReadingTim said:

If the OP wants to post a link to their own property, in the full knowledge that a publicly available advert of a property could be tied back to an random, anonymous internet user name, why does the MSE Forum Team presume to know better?  In fact, how do they even know whether the OP owns the property in the first place?  

This is a stupid rule, and the more it's enforced, the more foolish the forum moderators look.  

Keep in mind that advertising of any kind is not permitted on the forum, so sharing a link to anything you have a personal interest in the sale of (whether a house, a product or a service) wouldn't be permitted, regardless of the risk of identification. 

So are we being protected from inadvertently revealing our own addresses or identities, or from advertising? 

These seem completely unrelated issues, so we can add irrelevance to the already irrational and illogical thinking on show with this rule.  Hardly covering yourselves in glory are you?

It looks like that if you are trying to sell that address then you are advertising by posting a link.

ReadySteadyPop

ReadingTim said:

Well, apologies for derailing the thread, but this relatively recent rule change is something I feel strongly about - the board is about house buying, renting & selling and this seems to pretty effectively stifle specific discussion of the latter, and thus reduce the usefulness of this board.  

Furthermore, the number of people that fall foul of this rule suggests that it's not unreasonable to think that a board about selling houses should allow people to ask questions and post links about a house they're selling - it allows people to ask the same questions and post the same sorts of links to places they're thinking of buying.... 

Finally, the perennially popular "Have a look at this" thread has a good 1,200 pages of people posting links to properties to gawp, comment and criticise - again, how is this fundamentally different to what's being forbidden here?  

Posters clearly want to post links and get comments, and in many instances can, yet in one context can't, which the mods have patronisingly prohibited for no logical reason.  I'll get off my soapbox now, but I think it's daft, and I don't think I'm alone in thinking this.  

"Have a Look at This" is people posting random properties already in the public domain, they are not linking themselves to the property by revealing that they live there?

ReadySteadyPop

RelievedSheff said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RubySuzylondon said:

Hi everyone

I've got a converted studio flat for sale in N14 London, the suburbs. I bought it 20 years ago, I was the first to buy after it was converted from a warehouse. It's got a lovely white facade, it's unique. 

There's one main living/sleeping room 16 foot by 16ft, a separate large kitchen big enough for a table for 2,  modern bathroom and private balcony (no parking space).

It's got 10 ft high ceilings so the main room is really light and spacious, fully fitted kitchen, spacious modern bathroom, intercom. Double glazing and central heating.

 It's on a safe quiet cul-de-sac & and at the top of our road over the bridge is Marks and Spencer's foodhall. The whole high Street is literally 30 second walk away with leisure centres, tube station etc. Fab location near M25. It's perfect for the first time buyer, and it's very safe for a woman living on her own. 

Its still got a long lease (minus 20 years), the ground rent is about £150/year, the service charge is about £160 per month variable. So it's average bills. 

 There's 24 purpose built flats in the block, and mine being the smallest means I pay the smallest percentage for service charge out of everyone. 

 Its pretty cheap to run because it's small, it's only a studio flat, there's no separate bedroom. 

I planned to sell it. 

It had been rented out after I'd lived there for 10 years so I completely redecorated the whole place, got the professional painters in and put in new kitchen worktops, got the cupboards re-sprayed professionally. You name me, I updated everything I could. It now looks much better than it did when I bought it.

I had 5  valuations of between £200k and £265k. There's a lack of other comparable purpose-built studio flats in N14, hence the big range.  

 I put it up for sale in November last year for £265k,  took it off in December (because there's no traffic) put it back on in January 2025 so it's only been for sale for two and a half months.

I reduced it to £260k in January (£5k reduction) because I had to sell it quick. 

I'm a first -time Seller.

Just had my first offer from a first time buyer with cash, £240k. After 2 weeks of negotiation the highest she wants to lay out is £250k. (The estate agent says her max budget is £270k).  My minimum is £255k, having come down £10k. So we're still £5K away for me to feel comfortable about selling.

Also offered to chuck in the 4 white goods - fridge, separate freezer, washing machine and dishwasher for free. Hence It's move-in ready. 

She won't budge, she won't compromise anymore. I feel I've bent over backwards and if it's not appreciated I should move on.

Also, My circumstances have changed and I'm not in a rush to sell anymore. 

Ive attached my flat link on Rightmove. It's actually larger than many one-beds due to the separate large kitchen, so it's comparable size-wise and cheaper than some 1-beds. 

Do you think I should accept the £250k even though I could get more for it if I wait for another buyer? Maybe £260k. (And advertise it for £275k, IE increase it by £10k). 

The increase in stamp duty rules in April don't affect me because I'm selling below £300k. £300k being the new amount to pay tax stamp duty on (for first time buyers only). There's a lack of investors around who would pay stamp duty from £125k. 

That's why I thought I might wait for another first time buyer who wants to buy a studio flat like mine, below £300k after April. To save on the hike in stamp duty spending over £300k. 

I'm torn, so let me know your thoughts, what would you do? very appreciated. 

Thanks 👍🏼 

Take the offer before they grab something else, cash buyer is gold in a rising mortgage rate environment.

Mortgage rates are falling at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e43dqv271o

The headline grabbing deals won`t be available to most borrowers and may have big fees or deposits attached ( I have heard of 40% deposit being the norm now to snag a good rate) and as the article states...

"Across the whole market the average rate on a two-year fixed deal is 5.48%"

As bond yields are now rising most of these deals won`t last long.

jimbog

RelievedSheff said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RubySuzylondon said:

Hi everyone

I've got a converted studio flat for sale in N14 London, the suburbs. I bought it 20 years ago, I was the first to buy after it was converted from a warehouse. It's got a lovely white facade, it's unique. 

There's one main living/sleeping room 16 foot by 16ft, a separate large kitchen big enough for a table for 2,  modern bathroom and private balcony (no parking space).

It's got 10 ft high ceilings so the main room is really light and spacious, fully fitted kitchen, spacious modern bathroom, intercom. Double glazing and central heating.

 It's on a safe quiet cul-de-sac & and at the top of our road over the bridge is Marks and Spencer's foodhall. The whole high Street is literally 30 second walk away with leisure centres, tube station etc. Fab location near M25. It's perfect for the first time buyer, and it's very safe for a woman living on her own. 

Its still got a long lease (minus 20 years), the ground rent is about £150/year, the service charge is about £160 per month variable. So it's average bills. 

 There's 24 purpose built flats in the block, and mine being the smallest means I pay the smallest percentage for service charge out of everyone. 

 Its pretty cheap to run because it's small, it's only a studio flat, there's no separate bedroom. 

I planned to sell it. 

It had been rented out after I'd lived there for 10 years so I completely redecorated the whole place, got the professional painters in and put in new kitchen worktops, got the cupboards re-sprayed professionally. You name me, I updated everything I could. It now looks much better than it did when I bought it.

I had 5  valuations of between £200k and £265k. There's a lack of other comparable purpose-built studio flats in N14, hence the big range.  

 I put it up for sale in November last year for £265k,  took it off in December (because there's no traffic) put it back on in January 2025 so it's only been for sale for two and a half months.

I reduced it to £260k in January (£5k reduction) because I had to sell it quick. 

I'm a first -time Seller.

Just had my first offer from a first time buyer with cash, £240k. After 2 weeks of negotiation the highest she wants to lay out is £250k. (The estate agent says her max budget is £270k).  My minimum is £255k, having come down £10k. So we're still £5K away for me to feel comfortable about selling.

Also offered to chuck in the 4 white goods - fridge, separate freezer, washing machine and dishwasher for free. Hence It's move-in ready. 

She won't budge, she won't compromise anymore. I feel I've bent over backwards and if it's not appreciated I should move on.

Also, My circumstances have changed and I'm not in a rush to sell anymore. 

Ive attached my flat link on Rightmove. It's actually larger than many one-beds due to the separate large kitchen, so it's comparable size-wise and cheaper than some 1-beds. 

Do you think I should accept the £250k even though I could get more for it if I wait for another buyer? Maybe £260k. (And advertise it for £275k, IE increase it by £10k). 

The increase in stamp duty rules in April don't affect me because I'm selling below £300k. £300k being the new amount to pay tax stamp duty on (for first time buyers only). There's a lack of investors around who would pay stamp duty from £125k. 

That's why I thought I might wait for another first time buyer who wants to buy a studio flat like mine, below £300k after April. To save on the hike in stamp duty spending over £300k. 

I'm torn, so let me know your thoughts, what would you do? very appreciated. 

Thanks 👍🏼 

Take the offer before they grab something else, cash buyer is gold in a rising mortgage rate environment.

Mortgage rates are falling at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e43dqv271o

Just been reading about that.

However, regardless, studios are more difficult to shift so I wouldn’t negotiate too hard to be fair 

EssexHebridean

ReadySteadyPop said:

RelievedSheff said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RubySuzylondon said:

Hi everyone

I've got a converted studio flat for sale in N14 London, the suburbs. I bought it 20 years ago, I was the first to buy after it was converted from a warehouse. It's got a lovely white facade, it's unique. 

There's one main living/sleeping room 16 foot by 16ft, a separate large kitchen big enough for a table for 2,  modern bathroom and private balcony (no parking space).

It's got 10 ft high ceilings so the main room is really light and spacious, fully fitted kitchen, spacious modern bathroom, intercom. Double glazing and central heating.

 It's on a safe quiet cul-de-sac & and at the top of our road over the bridge is Marks and Spencer's foodhall. The whole high Street is literally 30 second walk away with leisure centres, tube station etc. Fab location near M25. It's perfect for the first time buyer, and it's very safe for a woman living on her own. 

Its still got a long lease (minus 20 years), the ground rent is about £150/year, the service charge is about £160 per month variable. So it's average bills. 

 There's 24 purpose built flats in the block, and mine being the smallest means I pay the smallest percentage for service charge out of everyone. 

 Its pretty cheap to run because it's small, it's only a studio flat, there's no separate bedroom. 

I planned to sell it. 

It had been rented out after I'd lived there for 10 years so I completely redecorated the whole place, got the professional painters in and put in new kitchen worktops, got the cupboards re-sprayed professionally. You name me, I updated everything I could. It now looks much better than it did when I bought it.

I had 5  valuations of between £200k and £265k. There's a lack of other comparable purpose-built studio flats in N14, hence the big range.  

 I put it up for sale in November last year for £265k,  took it off in December (because there's no traffic) put it back on in January 2025 so it's only been for sale for two and a half months.

I reduced it to £260k in January (£5k reduction) because I had to sell it quick. 

I'm a first -time Seller.

Just had my first offer from a first time buyer with cash, £240k. After 2 weeks of negotiation the highest she wants to lay out is £250k. (The estate agent says her max budget is £270k).  My minimum is £255k, having come down £10k. So we're still £5K away for me to feel comfortable about selling.

Also offered to chuck in the 4 white goods - fridge, separate freezer, washing machine and dishwasher for free. Hence It's move-in ready. 

She won't budge, she won't compromise anymore. I feel I've bent over backwards and if it's not appreciated I should move on.

Also, My circumstances have changed and I'm not in a rush to sell anymore. 

Ive attached my flat link on Rightmove. It's actually larger than many one-beds due to the separate large kitchen, so it's comparable size-wise and cheaper than some 1-beds. 

Do you think I should accept the £250k even though I could get more for it if I wait for another buyer? Maybe £260k. (And advertise it for £275k, IE increase it by £10k). 

The increase in stamp duty rules in April don't affect me because I'm selling below £300k. £300k being the new amount to pay tax stamp duty on (for first time buyers only). There's a lack of investors around who would pay stamp duty from £125k. 

That's why I thought I might wait for another first time buyer who wants to buy a studio flat like mine, below £300k after April. To save on the hike in stamp duty spending over £300k. 

I'm torn, so let me know your thoughts, what would you do? very appreciated. 

Thanks 👍🏼 

Take the offer before they grab something else, cash buyer is gold in a rising mortgage rate environment.

Mortgage rates are falling at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e43dqv271o

The headline grabbing deals won`t be available to most borrowers and may have big fees or deposits attached ( I have heard of 40% deposit being the norm now to snag a good rate) and as the article states...

"Across the whole market the average rate on a two-year fixed deal is 5.48%"

As bond yields are now rising most of these deals won`t last long.

Could you clarify where you have heard of 40% deposits being “the norm” now - and who that would apply to? Older buyers have for years frequently had that sort of level of deposit anyway - it’s nothing new that the lower the LTV the better the rate. I can honestly say that I haven’t seen a single instance of FTB - or even second timers other than in very niche, and entirely voluntary circumstances “having to get” a 40% deposit together in order to secure a reasonable rate. 

That average rate is a bit misleading too - there are plenty of mainstream lender 2 year fixed deals out there for well under that, based on a 10% deposit - which is in fact the ACTUAL norm… (for anyone wanting to check, the MSE main site’s mortgage finder will give you the results in seconds. 

Honestly Crashy - the constant need for someone to call out these constant nonsense claims of yours really is getting very wearing - could you not go and do your fearmongering on MumsNet or somewhere instead for a change? 

ReadySteadyPop

Skiddaw1 said:

Have to say I'm with @ReadingTim on this.

Could there not be an 'At Your Own Risk' warning, just to get the board out of any potential liability? Surely that would cover it?

How does it work on other forums?

silvercar

ReadySteadyPop said:

RelievedSheff said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RubySuzylondon said:

Hi everyone

I've got a converted studio flat for sale in N14 London, the suburbs. I bought it 20 years ago, I was the first to buy after it was converted from a warehouse. It's got a lovely white facade, it's unique. 

There's one main living/sleeping room 16 foot by 16ft, a separate large kitchen big enough for a table for 2,  modern bathroom and private balcony (no parking space).

It's got 10 ft high ceilings so the main room is really light and spacious, fully fitted kitchen, spacious modern bathroom, intercom. Double glazing and central heating.

 It's on a safe quiet cul-de-sac & and at the top of our road over the bridge is Marks and Spencer's foodhall. The whole high Street is literally 30 second walk away with leisure centres, tube station etc. Fab location near M25. It's perfect for the first time buyer, and it's very safe for a woman living on her own. 

Its still got a long lease (minus 20 years), the ground rent is about £150/year, the service charge is about £160 per month variable. So it's average bills. 

 There's 24 purpose built flats in the block, and mine being the smallest means I pay the smallest percentage for service charge out of everyone. 

 Its pretty cheap to run because it's small, it's only a studio flat, there's no separate bedroom. 

I planned to sell it. 

It had been rented out after I'd lived there for 10 years so I completely redecorated the whole place, got the professional painters in and put in new kitchen worktops, got the cupboards re-sprayed professionally. You name me, I updated everything I could. It now looks much better than it did when I bought it.

I had 5  valuations of between £200k and £265k. There's a lack of other comparable purpose-built studio flats in N14, hence the big range.  

 I put it up for sale in November last year for £265k,  took it off in December (because there's no traffic) put it back on in January 2025 so it's only been for sale for two and a half months.

I reduced it to £260k in January (£5k reduction) because I had to sell it quick. 

I'm a first -time Seller.

Just had my first offer from a first time buyer with cash, £240k. After 2 weeks of negotiation the highest she wants to lay out is £250k. (The estate agent says her max budget is £270k).  My minimum is £255k, having come down £10k. So we're still £5K away for me to feel comfortable about selling.

Also offered to chuck in the 4 white goods - fridge, separate freezer, washing machine and dishwasher for free. Hence It's move-in ready. 

She won't budge, she won't compromise anymore. I feel I've bent over backwards and if it's not appreciated I should move on.

Also, My circumstances have changed and I'm not in a rush to sell anymore. 

Ive attached my flat link on Rightmove. It's actually larger than many one-beds due to the separate large kitchen, so it's comparable size-wise and cheaper than some 1-beds. 

Do you think I should accept the £250k even though I could get more for it if I wait for another buyer? Maybe £260k. (And advertise it for £275k, IE increase it by £10k). 

The increase in stamp duty rules in April don't affect me because I'm selling below £300k. £300k being the new amount to pay tax stamp duty on (for first time buyers only). There's a lack of investors around who would pay stamp duty from £125k. 

That's why I thought I might wait for another first time buyer who wants to buy a studio flat like mine, below £300k after April. To save on the hike in stamp duty spending over £300k. 

I'm torn, so let me know your thoughts, what would you do? very appreciated. 

Thanks 👍🏼 

Take the offer before they grab something else, cash buyer is gold in a rising mortgage rate environment.

Mortgage rates are falling at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e43dqv271o

The headline grabbing deals won`t be available to most borrowers and may have big fees or deposits attached ( I have heard of 40% deposit being the norm now to snag a good rate) and as the article states...

"Across the whole market the average rate on a two-year fixed deal is 5.48%"

As bond yields are now rising most of these deals won`t last long.

As today the government announces 5% deposits for FTBs and a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme as well as reducing affordability rules. (Page 16 of The Times for those that get their news in print).

ReadySteadyPop

silvercar said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RelievedSheff said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RubySuzylondon said:

Hi everyone

I've got a converted studio flat for sale in N14 London, the suburbs. I bought it 20 years ago, I was the first to buy after it was converted from a warehouse. It's got a lovely white facade, it's unique. 

There's one main living/sleeping room 16 foot by 16ft, a separate large kitchen big enough for a table for 2,  modern bathroom and private balcony (no parking space).

It's got 10 ft high ceilings so the main room is really light and spacious, fully fitted kitchen, spacious modern bathroom, intercom. Double glazing and central heating.

 It's on a safe quiet cul-de-sac & and at the top of our road over the bridge is Marks and Spencer's foodhall. The whole high Street is literally 30 second walk away with leisure centres, tube station etc. Fab location near M25. It's perfect for the first time buyer, and it's very safe for a woman living on her own. 

Its still got a long lease (minus 20 years), the ground rent is about £150/year, the service charge is about £160 per month variable. So it's average bills. 

 There's 24 purpose built flats in the block, and mine being the smallest means I pay the smallest percentage for service charge out of everyone. 

 Its pretty cheap to run because it's small, it's only a studio flat, there's no separate bedroom. 

I planned to sell it. 

It had been rented out after I'd lived there for 10 years so I completely redecorated the whole place, got the professional painters in and put in new kitchen worktops, got the cupboards re-sprayed professionally. You name me, I updated everything I could. It now looks much better than it did when I bought it.

I had 5  valuations of between £200k and £265k. There's a lack of other comparable purpose-built studio flats in N14, hence the big range.  

 I put it up for sale in November last year for £265k,  took it off in December (because there's no traffic) put it back on in January 2025 so it's only been for sale for two and a half months.

I reduced it to £260k in January (£5k reduction) because I had to sell it quick. 

I'm a first -time Seller.

Just had my first offer from a first time buyer with cash, £240k. After 2 weeks of negotiation the highest she wants to lay out is £250k. (The estate agent says her max budget is £270k).  My minimum is £255k, having come down £10k. So we're still £5K away for me to feel comfortable about selling.

Also offered to chuck in the 4 white goods - fridge, separate freezer, washing machine and dishwasher for free. Hence It's move-in ready. 

She won't budge, she won't compromise anymore. I feel I've bent over backwards and if it's not appreciated I should move on.

Also, My circumstances have changed and I'm not in a rush to sell anymore. 

Ive attached my flat link on Rightmove. It's actually larger than many one-beds due to the separate large kitchen, so it's comparable size-wise and cheaper than some 1-beds. 

Do you think I should accept the £250k even though I could get more for it if I wait for another buyer? Maybe £260k. (And advertise it for £275k, IE increase it by £10k). 

The increase in stamp duty rules in April don't affect me because I'm selling below £300k. £300k being the new amount to pay tax stamp duty on (for first time buyers only). There's a lack of investors around who would pay stamp duty from £125k. 

That's why I thought I might wait for another first time buyer who wants to buy a studio flat like mine, below £300k after April. To save on the hike in stamp duty spending over £300k. 

I'm torn, so let me know your thoughts, what would you do? very appreciated. 

Thanks 👍🏼 

Take the offer before they grab something else, cash buyer is gold in a rising mortgage rate environment.

Mortgage rates are falling at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e43dqv271o

The headline grabbing deals won`t be available to most borrowers and may have big fees or deposits attached ( I have heard of 40% deposit being the norm now to snag a good rate) and as the article states...

"Across the whole market the average rate on a two-year fixed deal is 5.48%"

As bond yields are now rising most of these deals won`t last long.

As today the government announces 5% deposits for FTBs and a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme as well as reducing affordability rules. (Page 16 of The Times for those that get their news in print).

Sounds more like "proposed" than "announced" to be honest, are you saying the OP shouldn`t take the lower offer?

ReadySteadyPop

silvercar said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RelievedSheff said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

RubySuzylondon said:

Hi everyone

I've got a converted studio flat for sale in N14 London, the suburbs. I bought it 20 years ago, I was the first to buy after it was converted from a warehouse. It's got a lovely white facade, it's unique. 

There's one main living/sleeping room 16 foot by 16ft, a separate large kitchen big enough for a table for 2,  modern bathroom and private balcony (no parking space).

It's got 10 ft high ceilings so the main room is really light and spacious, fully fitted kitchen, spacious modern bathroom, intercom. Double glazing and central heating.

 It's on a safe quiet cul-de-sac & and at the top of our road over the bridge is Marks and Spencer's foodhall. The whole high Street is literally 30 second walk away with leisure centres, tube station etc. Fab location near M25. It's perfect for the first time buyer, and it's very safe for a woman living on her own. 

Its still got a long lease (minus 20 years), the ground rent is about £150/year, the service charge is about £160 per month variable. So it's average bills. 

 There's 24 purpose built flats in the block, and mine being the smallest means I pay the smallest percentage for service charge out of everyone. 

 Its pretty cheap to run because it's small, it's only a studio flat, there's no separate bedroom. 

I planned to sell it. 

It had been rented out after I'd lived there for 10 years so I completely redecorated the whole place, got the professional painters in and put in new kitchen worktops, got the cupboards re-sprayed professionally. You name me, I updated everything I could. It now looks much better than it did when I bought it.

I had 5  valuations of between £200k and £265k. There's a lack of other comparable purpose-built studio flats in N14, hence the big range.  

 I put it up for sale in November last year for £265k,  took it off in December (because there's no traffic) put it back on in January 2025 so it's only been for sale for two and a half months.

I reduced it to £260k in January (£5k reduction) because I had to sell it quick. 

I'm a first -time Seller.

Just had my first offer from a first time buyer with cash, £240k. After 2 weeks of negotiation the highest she wants to lay out is £250k. (The estate agent says her max budget is £270k).  My minimum is £255k, having come down £10k. So we're still £5K away for me to feel comfortable about selling.

Also offered to chuck in the 4 white goods - fridge, separate freezer, washing machine and dishwasher for free. Hence It's move-in ready. 

She won't budge, she won't compromise anymore. I feel I've bent over backwards and if it's not appreciated I should move on.

Also, My circumstances have changed and I'm not in a rush to sell anymore. 

Ive attached my flat link on Rightmove. It's actually larger than many one-beds due to the separate large kitchen, so it's comparable size-wise and cheaper than some 1-beds. 

Do you think I should accept the £250k even though I could get more for it if I wait for another buyer? Maybe £260k. (And advertise it for £275k, IE increase it by £10k). 

The increase in stamp duty rules in April don't affect me because I'm selling below £300k. £300k being the new amount to pay tax stamp duty on (for first time buyers only). There's a lack of investors around who would pay stamp duty from £125k. 

That's why I thought I might wait for another first time buyer who wants to buy a studio flat like mine, below £300k after April. To save on the hike in stamp duty spending over £300k. 

I'm torn, so let me know your thoughts, what would you do? very appreciated. 

Thanks 👍🏼 

Take the offer before they grab something else, cash buyer is gold in a rising mortgage rate environment.

Mortgage rates are falling at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e43dqv271o

The headline grabbing deals won`t be available to most borrowers and may have big fees or deposits attached ( I have heard of 40% deposit being the norm now to snag a good rate) and as the article states...

"Across the whole market the average rate on a two-year fixed deal is 5.48%"

As bond yields are now rising most of these deals won`t last long.

As today the government announces 5% deposits for FTBs and a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme as well as reducing affordability rules. (Page 16 of The Times for those that get their news in print).

Another problem would be that people would just enter negative equity more quickly?