Average interest rates on new mortgages fell in December for the first time in more than two years.
Figures from the Bank of England show the effective interest rate on new mortgages fell to 5.28% in December, from 5.35% the month before, the first decline in borrowing costs since November 2021.
The value of outstanding mortgage debt fell from an all-time high of £1.455tn at the end of August to £1.452tn at the end of December.