Released on = May 10, 2007, 1:45 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Millions of Britons will face financial difficulties should
the Bank of England\'s monetary policy committee (MPC) decide - as is expected - to
increase interest rates this week, says National Homebuyers.

Press Release Body = Research by online mortgage company mform suggests one in seven
Britons - or 6.5 million people - will struggle if rates are raised to 5.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, if a hike of 0.5 per cent is effectuated - upping rates to 5.75 per cent
- one in five is expected to be plunged into financial crisis.

\"A Bank of England rise from 5.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent will take interest rates
to their highest level for six years. And there is no guarantee that a 0.25 per cent
rise will be the last this year,\" commented Eamonn Rice, mform\'s chief executive.

\"Borrowers have got used to low interest rates and many haven\'t adjusted to the fact
that we may now be entering a period of higher rates. Anyone who hasn\'t acted in the
face of the three Bank of England rises since last August should start now.\"

Britons living in London and the north of England are most worried about the effects
of a rate rise of 0.25 per cent the survey revealed, while Scottish dwellers are the
least concerned.

Leading property company National Homebuyers says that these figures are
\'conservative\' to protect the consumer. \"We predict a 0.5 per cent rise in rates
this month,\" says director Julian King.

\"There is evidence to suggest that over the coming 12 months, homeowners should be
prepared for rises up to 7.5 per cent and this will prove disastrous.

\"Compounded with increasing consumer debt, stagnating property market and the
problematic introduction of Hips, we predict that many, many more people will be
seeking alternative ways of selling their property quickly before the end of the
year.\"

National Homebuyers is the UK\'s leading provider of quick sale and sell and rent
back property solutions.

Web Site = http://www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk

Contact Details = Sterling House
20 Victoria Way
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 9NF
0870 979 8118
Fax: 01444 257333