Top property news stories

This week the government announced a £20 million fund which has been set up to help avoid residential property repossession. Called, appropriately, the 'Preventing Repossessions Fund', it will give councils the opportunity to offer small, interest-free loans to struggling homeowners.
In other news, it seems many first-time buyers have decided that 2012 is the year in which they will take a step on the property ladder. That's because, in January, the number of mortgages lent to homes that cost less than £125,000, which typically attract this type of buyer, has increased by almost a third on last year. Saying that, there is still a large proportion of people who are continuing to rent, and savvy landlords certainly took advantage of this last year, as the number of buy-to-let mortgages taken out rose by six per cent.
And finally, if you're looking to raise the world's next superstar, you may want to consider where you set up home. Research by FindaProperty.com has found that, unsurprisingly, London produces the most talent with Wales, Scotland and the north west joining it in the top four. Places to avoid: east Anglia, Northern Ireland and the south west. Right, I'm moving!

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