Finance

Top 20 housebuilder Hill is looking to significantly expand its land bank across London and the South East after securing a major financing deal. Hill's 'Woodstock House' project in Esher

The Council of Mortgage Lenders estimates that gross mortgage lending reached £19.9bn in December. That's is 3% lower than November's £20.5bn, but 23% higher than December 2014's £16.2 bn.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has ruled out an imminent interest rate rise.

Strawberry Star has closed its debut property investment fund after securing £75m to splash on "some of the best property investments in London".

Shawbrook Bank and development finance outfit Urban Exposure have teamed up to provide resi developers with a whole gamut of loan options. The pitch to developers is all about streamlining;

Buying agency Black Brick has reported a "flurry of activity" from investors since George Osborne announced the new stamp duty surcharge on buy-to-let and second homes.

LaSalle Investment Management has completed the first two direct investments for its UK Private Residential Fund, buying-up 270 purpose-built residential units in Leeds and London for £55m.

A "groundbreaking" new insurance product has been launched for developers undertaking prime and large-scale projects, which could have a big impact on the way such schemes are covered.

London has tumbled out of the top ten European cities for real estate investment prospects, according to a new report from PwC and the Urban Land Institute.

A luxury £40m residence is to be created in the midst of Mayfair after a BVI-based company secured a multi-million pound bridging loan in double-quick time.

Mortgage broker SPF Private Clients is launching a new division to specialise in mortgages for high-value new-build homes.

Most of the big estate agents have had their say on what's in the tea leaves for 2016, but here's how independent broker Private Finance sees the UK mortgage market panning out over the next twelve…