Loan rates on hold...but for how much longer?

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Bank of England ruled out increasing the base rate - currently 5.25 per cent - this month.

City analysts believe, however, that a report revealing that house prices are rising faster than expected means the Bank is likely to act in May.

Figures from the Halifax show property prices prices rose by an average of 1 per cent in March alone, taking the annual rate of increase to 11.1 per cent.

Northern Ireland, which has seen dramatic economic benefits from the peace process, continued to lead the market with a staggering annual increase of 37 per cent.

Investec economist David Page said: "We think rates will rise next month, but it's prudent for the Bank not to rush ahead with a rate rise this month."

Business leaders welcomed the decision to delay an increase in the base rate.

David Kern, economic adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "The cumulative impact of three Bank rate increases announced since August has not yet been fully felt."