Credit crunch set to squeeze millions of British mortgage holders

Latest research from MINTEL shows that in the wake of the recent sub-prime crisis, as many as one in three (33%) or some 5.5 million British mortgage holders could now face serious financial difficulties. MINTEL estimates that of the 16.5 million mortgage holders nationwide, 1.5 million (9%) are considered sub-prime. But worryingly, a further 4 million (24%) are also seen by lenders as high risk because they are self-employed, do not have a regular income, have frequently moved house or have fallen behind with household bills. In today’s more conservative lending climate, the unconventional financial situation of these home owners means that they will now face higher repayments and increased lenders’ fees when remortgaging or moving house.