Rightmove’s first-time buyer forecast for the final quarter of 2012 reveals that 25 per cent of those who intend to purchase in the next 12 months will do so for the first time, still well adrift of the 40 per cent level traditionally seen prior to the recession.

Over two-thirds of people would consider using housing equity as part of their later life finance according to The Equity Release Council.                                                                                                

Research from the Building Societies Association, has shown some positive improvements with gross mortgage lending by building societies and other mutual lenders rising 23 per cent in April 2012 compared to the same month last year.