Winter could provide a great opportunity for first-time buyers to secure a new property, according to one sector commentator.

Katie Tucker, technical manager at mortgageforce, made her remarks after the Council of Mortgage Lenders recently reported that gross mortgage rose in October to stand at £13.5 billion - an increase of five per cent on September.

She stated that the housing market tends to slow down slightly during the colder months of the year, which could result in a fall in values in some properties.

"Traditionally, they fall in value now for November, December and January and then it doesn't pick up again until spring, so it might be a good time for first-time buyers," the industry expert concluded.

People planning to move into a new property that is smaller than their existing home may find that self-storage allows them to keep their furniture and other possessions safe until they can figure out their next step.

Written by Graeme Pieterson