About time I say!
Alistair Darling is hauling in the big bank chiefs and asking them this
basic question:
The current base rate is 0.5%. Why are most loans either inaccessible or
priced at rates in excess of 5%?
Here Here!
We need loans and we need them fast. I hope after their good telling off they
leave number 11 and change their pricing and lending criteria.
There is only so much the government can do. If commercial organisations have the power to
cripple small, medium and large sized businesses then it could be time for
banks to be properly nationalised. I hope
it does not come to that but it seems that it could be the only option if the
banks sit tight.
I have had to pull out of some purchases (which I really
hate doing as it damages my credibility) and juggle a bit of my cash reserves
so I can complete on some properties I am buying. However looking forward, if the lending
situation does not change then my purchase rate will have to slow down. Arrrgghhh!
If you are a small landlord (less than 20 properties) you
should be alright as there are BTL lenders who will look at you. If you have more than 20 then you might have
exceeded exposure limits set by banks. The only options after that are the commercial
lenders.
So I am really interested in the outcome of Darling's little
chat and see if they will act. Do you
reckon they will? No, nor do I!