内容摘要：That was partially a reflection of the weakness of activity a year ago. The value of a typical property value has risen by about £13,000 over the past year, but was a rebound from falling value over the previous 12 months.

That was partially a reflection of the weakness of activity a year ago. The value of a typical property value has risen by about £13,000 over the past year, but was a rebound from falling value over the previous 12 months.

But it would only be available for those taking out a five or 10-year fixed-rate deal.With rates expected to fall, some may only want a loan with interest fixed for a shorter term. The uptake is expected to be concentrated in London and south east England.

Applicants will still have to meet relatively strict affordability criteria, which is assessed individually.Lenders also face their own regulated controls on lending to riskier borrowers, brought in after the financial crisis of nearly 20 years ago which saw certain banks - which many accused of unnecessarily risky lending - being bailed out.Competition between mortgage providers has intensified in recent months.

Brokers say that lenders have been offering the best deals to new, house-purchasing customers, rather than those who are remortgaging.With relatively few buyers, providers are trying to get a piece of a small pie.

First-time buyers are seen as a key battleground, and the Nationwide has been offering among the largest so-called income multiple for home loans.

While the standard level of borrowing for first-time buyers is a loan of up to 4.5 times' income, the Nationwide has allowed some to borrow 5.5 times - a move followed by some other major providers.He said that Rutland Water and Grafham Water already showed the positive impact sites could have on the surrounding community and economy.

The reservoir would allow excess river water in winter to be collected and stored for use in dry summers.The companies said it would reduce reliance on sensitive ground water sources such as chalk streams, helping to protect and restore the environment.

Over an eight-week consultation period, the companies will ask for feedback on the proposed designs.Natalie Akroyd, director of quality and environment at Cambridge Water, said: "These events are a great opportunity for the public to engage with the project team and we look forward to welcoming further feedback on our emerging design.”