Released on = May 11, 2007, 1:19 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = The Bank of England\'s monetary policy committee has opted to
increase interest rates by 0.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent, it has been confirmed says
National Homebuyers.

Press Release Body = According to the bank, the decision was in order to protect the
economy from further inflation.

In March, consumer price index (CPI) inflation was recorded at 3.1 per cent -
towering above the two per cent target imposed by the chancellor of the exchequer
for the first time.

However, while the Bank predicts that CPI inflation will return to its two per cent
target in the medium term, there are concerns that the rate rise will lead to a
number of families facing financial difficulties.

The move is also expected to create uncertainty in the UK housing market.

\"Today\'s rate rise will reinforce the slowdown that is already underway in the UK
housing market,\" commented David Stubbs, senior economist at the Royal Institution
of Chartered Surveyors.

Julian King from the UK\'s leading quick sale property company, National Homebuyers
adds: \"We anticipated a 0.5 per cent rise, but regardless, the housing market will
weaken as homeowners are still hit with a further rise in their mortgage bills.

\"First time buyers will also not be able to borrow as much as before and with the
introduction of Hips less than a month away and less available purchasers \'in the
market\', we anticipate a further rise in the volume of people contacting us to find
a quick solution to the property sale.\"

National Homebuyers purchases properties quickly and without the need for Hips packs.

For further information on a quick house sale or to release equity in your home,
please contact National Homebuyers on 0870 979 8118 or visit
www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk.

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