Halifax

Taylor Wimpey is encouraging all house hunters - whether first-time buyers or existing owners - to come along to one of its developments in January to make the most of some great special offers and find out the truth about some of the myths of the affordability of new homes in Scotland.

There was a rise in the number of first-time buyers in 2011, thanks partly to the fact that mortgage borrowing rates were at their most affordable for 14 years, research shows.

The Halifax says that mortgage payments for a new borrower in the second half of 2011 were at their lowest as a proportion of disposable earnings for 14 years, due mainly to cheaper property prices and mortgage borrowing rates.

Why not get 2012 off to a great start with a new house or new apartment in Surrey? This most exclusive of counties enjoys great road links via the M25, M3 and M23, and fast rail links in to London. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are within easy reach and Surrey boasts some great schools and delightful market towns with high-quality restaurants, golf courses and shopping.

First time buyers looking to buy a new home, may be interested the learn that the Halifax has launched a new two year, fee-free, fixed rate first-time buyer mortgage at a borrowing rate of 5.99%.

The lender wants to help more first-time buyers gain a foot on the property ladder in 2012 by offering to pay the fees on their mortgage, as well as offering cashback of £500 to help cover other costs of buying their first home.

Linden Homes North is optimistic about the New Year, and has plans for further growth into and around the Yorkshire region.

Award-winning housebuilder Redrow Homes is urging house hunters to consider the benefits of buying a new-build home at one of its developments over an older, second-hand property, citing research that shows that residents in new homes pay much less for their energy bills than those in old properties.

While West Yorkshire encompasses a number of major towns and cities such as Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Halifax, creating a wide range of job opportunities, it also includes vast swathes of green countryside, including beautiful moorland and several nature reserves.

Britain will become 'a nation of renters within a generation' unless more new homes are delivered, according to a new survey by the Halifax.

Having come third in a recent national survey by Halifax to ascertain the best rural quality of life in Britain, Uttlesford has emerged as the prime area to search for new homes in Essex.

While various property price indexes continue to show that residential property prices are falling nationwide, the market in London remains strong, thanks to robust demand and a shortage of housing stock, particularly new build homes.