If you didn't already know, what you might find shocking is that for the last decade or so people have borrowed more on their mortgages in 'equity withdrawal' to buy cars, holidays, build extensions, finance deposits on buy-to-let flats, and so on, than they have paid back. If you did already know that, you might be pleased / shocked / terrified / amused to discover that the trend is at an end, at least for now.

See here.

From here

17/10/2005 £170,000 Flat 4, 243 Southwark Park Road, Southwark, London, Greater London, SE16 3TS

15/02/2006 £210,000 Flat 4, 243 Southwark Park Road, Southwark, London, Greater London, SE16 3TS

From here

02/10/2008 Flat 4, 243 Southwark Park Road, Southwark, London, Greater London, SE16 3TS

First Bid: £110,000
Last Bid: £113,000
Reserve: £140,000

Status: Unsold.

Ho hum. The Bank of England have just announced that they're extending their lending programme to banks and will accept as collateral car loans, a bridge, some beans, and chocolate coins (any denomination).