In brief

Kensington Mortgages has announced a 50 per cent increase in online KFIs, online binding decisions and use of its mortgage application pipeline since the launch of Kensington Choices.

The lender was hoping to increase its business through the enhanced online system and product rates and it says initial responses have proved positive.

HIPs confusion still grips estate agents

Research by Quest Associates has revealed over a quarter of estate agents have not thought about how to market Home Information Packs (HIPs).

Also highlighted was a general ambivalence over the impact of HIPs, with 31 per cent saying they will damage the market place and 22 per cent thinking they would be of some benefit.

Landlords fear impact of HMOs

Research from the National Landlords Association (NLA) has found that 61 per cent of landlords will be put off buying further properties covered by the impending Home in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) regulations.

From April 2006,HMOs will be regulated by rules aimed at improving living standards in the private rented sector.

ifs launches podcast

The Institute of Financial Services (ifs) has launched podcast style revision notes for its Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP).

A demo version of the podcast is currently available free of charge to students.

Mark Roberts, head of faculty financial regulation at ifs, said the podcast notes would enable users to revise at a time best suited to them. He said: “Making use of time spent commuting or at the gym, for example, to prepare for exams can really help them to achieve that all-important pass.”

Propertyfinder.com reveals supply worries easing

The Propertyfinder.com Housing Market Confidence Monitor for February has revealed consumer confidence is returning, with the property website reporting an increase in the number of houses currently on the market.

The research revealed an increase in property supply, with both buyers and sellers expecting a stronger market. 70 per cent of house hunters believed that property prices will continue to rise during 2006.

Pink confirms Leadbay partnership

Pink Home Loans has announced a partnership with Leadbay to provide an enhanced lead generation deal for its appointed representative (AR) network.

Leadbay will allow users to purchase mortgage leads in the UK at market value, with the option of defining criteria, based on postcode, mortgage type and loan value