Overview

• Moneyfacts counted 1,360 mortgage products requiring 5% or 10% deposits in September, the highest tally since March 2008.
• These low-deposit deals now account for about 19% of the homeowner mortgage market, with overall product choice at its strongest since October 2007.
• The average mortgage product "shelf life" fell to 17 days from 21 a year earlier, pointing to faster turnover and repricing.
• Lenders have recently eased stress testing by lifting loan-to-income multiples, which could help some first-time buyers qualify.
• Property professionals warn higher stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland adds strain, even as Newcastle Building Society launches a £5,000-deposit "first step" mortgage with a £350,000 maximum loan.