UK house prices rose sharply in March but Iran war expected to cause slowdown

Price of typical UK home increased by 0.9% in March but surging mortgage rates expected to put brake on activity

I nearly lost my new home because of a NatWest banking error

I transferred money to my current account for exchange of contracts, but the bank refused access to the funds

We have two choices: be paralysed by fear or just continue with what we are doing. I know what I choose, says Guardian columnist Emma Brockes

Bank of England likely to make two quarter-point increases amid sustained rise in inflation, investors believe

With major developments collapsing, pressure is growing on councils to concede on affordable housing and public amenities

Nearly 700 deals pulled in two weeks and only a few fixed-rate products below 4% are available, says Moneyfacts

Borrowers coming off fixed deals hit hard as Savills says big spike in interest payments made up half the overall rise

More than 500 lending products pulled in biggest single upheaval since Liz Truss’s mini-budget in 2022

Growing fears that elevated interest rates will continue, as Barclays finds worries that war will push up inflation

Surging energy prices and tumbling stock markets are threatening a new UK cost of living crisis

UK house price growth slowed in February as value of typical home rose 0.3% to £301,151

Experts say Iran war could cause energy price shock that pushes up UK inflation, in turn forcing up interest rates

Rachel Reeves’s upcoming spring forecast has not led to slowdown, as property tax rumours did in November

Retailer said ‘fundamental shift in economic conditions’ made it hard for financial partner Aberdeen to raise funds

Zoopla says it is on target for highest number of new listings on its site in any February in a decade