So what exactly is going on in the housing market? Last week, Nationwide said house prices had risen in June, but this week Halifax reported a drop. Estate agents and lenders say the number of would-be buyers has increased over the last few months, but figures remain low by historic standards.
Banks and building societies are coming back into the market with high loan-to-value loans, but brokers say they are reserving them for borrowers with squeaky clean credit records. The Bank of England base rate remains low, but fixed-rate deals are getting more expensive.
So are we seeing the first signs of an upturn in activity and house prices, or a dead cat bounce? If you are thinking of moving or remortgaging, or just wondering what your options are, you could be forgiven for being confused. From 1.30pm on Thursday we have a panel of experts available to answer your questions.
Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Richard Morea of mortgage broker London & Country, Andrew Montlake of mortgage broker Coreco, and David Smith of property consultancy Carter Jonas will do their best to answer your questions on mortgages, homebuying and the wider housing market.
Advice is for guidance only – if you want to take your query further use our search to find an independent financial adviser in your area. If it's just the basics you are after try our factsheets page.
Our panel will answer as many questions as they can during the hour, but unfortunately it may not be possible for them to help everyone. Answers will appear below.
