Nationwide

Nine out of 13 regions in the UK recorded a house price rise over 2011, in a year of contrasting fortunes ranging from a 5.4% increase in London to an 8.9% drop in Northern Ireland, mortgage lender Nationwide revealed today.

The housing market has remained "surprisingly resilient" this month, Nationwide said today, as the average price of a property increased by 0.4% month-on-month.

Mortgage rates have already started to creep up and the eurozone crisis could make matters worse.

Some 400,000 Nationwide customers are in the process of receiving an upgraded credit card that is free to use overseas and comes with cashback.

Nationwide warns today that the housing market remains "subdued" despite prices rising by 0.4% last month.

The major banks have shunned the launch of junior Isas next week.

Consumers with a current account that offers insurance or other extras could be left without any cover if they fail to register first.

Confidence in the UK's financial sector was dealt a blow today after an agency slashed the credit ratings of some of Britain's biggest financial institutions to reflect reduced Government support.

House prices continued to "tread water" last month with a 0.1% rise, mortgage lender Nationwide said today.

House prices dropped 1.2% last month, the Halifax says today, ending three months of rises.