Mortgage rejections up almost 400 % in 2 years

New figures have shown a dramatic rise in the number of vetted mortgage rejections over the last two years.

So far this year, 8.8 per cent of vetted applications were rejected, while in 2007 around 2.3 per cent suffered the same fate, according to moneysupermarket.com.

Each of the requests were qualified against the lenders criteria before submission and seemed to be fit – however they were still knocked back.

The apparent difficulty in obtaining finance could lead to some homeowners considering improving their homes instead of looking to move elsewhere and head of mortgages at the website Louise Cuming explained even those who would ordinarily expect to be accepted are now being rejected.

"Credit histories play an important part in the process and any blemishes will make finding a mortgage increasingly difficult," she said, advising that all debt repayments are made on time.

Those who decide to add a conservatory to help them enjoy the garden during summer should be wary of the risk of criminals, who are more likely to target outdoor areas in the warmer months, according to Saga Home Insurance.