Mehrdad Yousefi, Head of Intermediary Mortgages at Alliance & Leicester: "It was widely anticipated that rates would remain unchanged this month.
Activity in the housing market remains stable and swap rates have remained in a tight range in the last few weeks.
"There has been evidence of mortgage lending volumes increasing at the end of last year and commentators predict that the housing market will continue to remain broadly stable in 2006, with house prices rising modestly throughout the year.
"Brokers, homeowners and first time buyers can look at this year in a positive light with the possibility of future rate cuts bringing more favourable housing market conditions."
