Property news: Rising optimism among house buyers

Santander detects greater optimism about buying
A survey by Santander says one in 12 of us (eight per cent) are likely to buy a new home this year.

The proportion is highest among younger people, with 12 per cent of those aged 18-34 likely to buy, but that falls to seven per cent of 35-54 year olds and 5 per cent of the over-55s. Read more on this story

Winter spurt in mortgage lending, says BBA
Gross mortgage lending by the major UK banks reached its highest monthly level of the year in December, industry figures show.

Lending of £9bn was 12% higher than in December 2010, the British Bankers’ Association (BBA) said. Read more on this story

Empty government buildings to be offered to small firms for business
Government office premises and buildings that are under-used or empty will be offered as business space to entrepreneurs, David Cameron will announce.

The plan will be launched during a visit to the north-east where the PM is due to address a group of entrepreneurs on Monday. Read more on this story