Over a quarter of people have said that interest rates rising is their biggest concern for 2014.
This figure (27 per cent) is higher than it was three months ago, which reflects concerns about the rising cost of living and an increase in energy bills, according to the Building Societies Association (BSA).
Nearly half of those surveyed (46 per cent) say that the affordability of mortgage repayments is a barrier to property purchase, which is an increase of 11 per cent from September.
However, first-time buyers are reported to be feeling more positive about the housing market. The number of people who consider raising a deposit to be the largest barrier has dropped considerably from 66 per cent to 44 per cent.
Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage policy at the BSA, reckoned that the Bank of England was unlikely to increase interest rates in 2014; and if there were to be a rise, it would be gradual.
“Mortgage rates are also far lower today than they were ten or 20 years ago, which is good news as household budgets are still under considerable pressure,” he added.
