Money talks: the property market feels the pinch

Mortgage lending figures suggest the property market is returning to normal. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

Hello and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.

Money news

Housing enforcement officers inspecting rental premises. Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Mortgage lending slows to ‘healthy’ level

Database names landlords convicted under Housing Act

Shoppers ‘still receiving misleading advice on faulty goods’

Harrington Brooks agrees to compensate customers

One in three property sellers cut asking prices, says Zoopla

Pension scheme savers facing 3% charges

Lowest-ever 10-year mortgage deals launched

Feature

The contents of the lastest mailshot from the British Red Cross. Photograph: James Drew Turner

Are gifts from charities the best use of your donations?

Consumer champions

Slow broadband speeds. Photograph: Getty Images

Safe bet you won’t get through to William Hill Casino Club

Virgin Media not up to speed

Norwegian Air’s weighty baggage bill of £400

In pictures

Lammerlaws, Burntisland, Fife Photograph: CKD Galbraith

Houses with chimneys fit for Santa

In the spotlight

Savers aged 65 and over are expected to rush to get a three-year savings bond paying 4%, and a one-year version paying 2.8%. Photograph: Brian Harris/Rex Features

The government has finally released details of the much-anticipated pensioner bonds for older savers. Rupert Jones look at whether they were worth the wait, and the options for those who don’t qualify

Work advice

Career cares? Work woes? Out of love with the office? Our expert is on hand to help. Put your questions to Jeremy, and help other readers with their worries.

Money deals

• It’s your last chance to enter the Money Deals competition to win £100 of John Lewis vouchers, enter by midnight tonight.

• Alternatively you can pick up a £100 M&S gift card just for switching your current account to M&S with the current account switching service.