EU mortgages poised for shake-up - 2005-02-13
The EU is preparing a radical shake-up of Europe's €4 trillion (£2.75 trillion) mortgage market this year to make it easier for consumers to get cheaper cross-border home loans.

Mr McCreevy, a former Irish finance minister, said last night that he plans to act on 48 recommendations put forward last year by a group of financial experts for opening up the mortgage market in which only 1% of loans are now cross-border - mainly for second homes abroad.
Read the full story at Guardian Unlimited

Ups and downs in housing sector - 2005-02-13
The first indication of cracks in the housing boom have appeared, though properties throughout New Zealand recorded generally good increases in value during 2004.

The mortgage war between the main banks in the latter half of last year helped increase activity, Mr Hancock said. "Agents reported good sales over the Christmas period, whereas last year it dropped off markedly."
Read the full story at Stuff