Cobalt Capital - Monty's Mortgage Blog

Andrew Montlake, Cobalt partner and ‘Mortgage Personality of the Year 2008’, gives his views — honest and no holds barred — on the latest developments within the mortgage and property markets.

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27.08.08

The London Mortgage Broker Bubble

As a London Mortgage Broker it is sometimes difficult to look at the country as whole and take our heads out of the “London Bubble”.

26.08.08

Competitive Mortgages From The Council ?

In a blaze of fireworks and intricate dancing the Olympic spectacle came to a close, but not before we saw Mr Beckham and a red London bus ! Although many will no doubt be a bit perturbed about a return to the mundane, it is important we all build on the good feeling Team GB have left us with.

22.08.08

Mortgage Rates Back Where They Were A Year Ago

According to the latest reports from Moneyfacts mortgage rates are pretty much back where they were a year ago just before the credit crunch hit.

20.08.08

The Big One

There is growing speculation amongst city analysts that another big jolt is about to hit. Talk of “The Big One” is intensifying which will involve the collapse of a big US investment Bank, a household name.

18.08.08

The Gold Standard

It’s nice to see the papers all proclaiming some good news for a change. On reportedly the most successful weekend for British Sport for 100 years, with Team GB amassing 8 Golds at the Olympics, the “Feelgood Factor” is making a comeback.

15.08.08

Mortgage Valuations Increase!

Ok so the title of this random piece of prose is not strictly correct, but artistic license is allowed and there have been some interesting little changes that have been noted where valuations are concerned which is another sign of those famous "green shoots".

14.08.08

It’s Grim Oop North !

Watching the team from my adopted spiritual city of Liverpool stutter through 90 minutes of a Belgian whirlwind last night got me thinking, and chuckling inanely to myself, about this extraordinary piece of tosh that pretends to be a serious report from the Policy Exchange.

12.08.08

Value Yourself

New research by the Post Office has revealed that the average person in the UK thinks they are worth £350,000. In London this average rises to £500,000. This takes into account everything that they own or value in their life including home, car, salary etc..

11.08.08

Come In No. 10, Your Time Is Up !

I would have thought that by now our beleaguered government would have known that before speaking it is best to engage brain! The idea of changing, either permanently or even partially, the antiquated laws of Stamp Duty, is of course a good one. Telling everyone they may offer a Stamp Duty holiday is not.

08.08.08

Bank of England Base Rate Held

It’s rare for there to be such uncertainty about the outcome of an MPC meeting as there has been with this one — it could, in theory, have gone either way. But it’s this level of uncertainty that almost certainly led to the hold.