It's just before Christmas and everyone in the finance sector I'm sure will be glad to gather with friends and family and forget the last few months, if only for a just few days.

So what will 2009 bring?

As Spring arrives next year the property market will be starting move forward again, increasing demand in the mortgage markets, although lenders will continue to be very selective in who they lend to.

The Bank of England Base Rate is likely to remain low for the whole of 2009, hopefully with a small rise towards the end of the year, indicating some economic growth.

Through the downturn mortgage lenders will not be able to lower rates in line with the Bank of England's Base Rate. Excellent mortgage products will be few and far between with the best fixed rates arriving in summer. Until then we should all enjoy the low interest rates, save energy and try to buy British!

Best wishes