Some Britons 'may still find it hard to buy home'

Continuing difficulties in accessing mortgage finance are likely to constrain some Britons when it comes to buying a property, despite a recent decline in house prices, one sector commentator has claimed.

Bernard Clarke, a spokesperson for the Council of Mortgage Lenders, said the decrease in property prices reflected the fact that some buyers were still finding it difficult to secure a mortgage, while there continued to be concerns over the recession and job security.

"The simple truth is that lower prices will encourage buyers but they will be constrained by things [such as] some of the difficulties in obtaining a mortgage [and] coming up with some of the sizeable deposits that first-time buyers are paying," he added.

Those in the fortunate position to buy a new home are offered some advice by the Energy Saving Trust.

According to the group, a home with double glazing ( http://www.force8.co.uk/index.php ) could be worth a look as exterior noise levels are likely to be kept to a minimum, along with the possible build-up of condensation, while heat loss can be reduced by 50 per cent.

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Written by Ted Powell