Cashpoints: House prices in record fall

This week's top stories • Halifax reveals biggest fall in house prices – a massive 3.6% – since its records began, but says this probably does not herald a crash. • David Cameron ran into a storm over Tory plans to cut child benefit , said sorry but defended George Osborne's move to unpick the idea of universal benefits. • Ofgem, the industry regulator, warns that consumers face a doubling of energy bills over the next decade, to help pay for a £32bn upgrade to the network. • Do you have any feedback on any of these issues that you want to get off your chest? Email us at [email protected] Feature A working life: the animal adoption agent You have to like Staffordshire bull terriers to work at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: the vast majority of the canine inhabitants are pure or part-bred staffies. An animal adoption agent describes the joys and trauma of rehousing the capital's unwanted pets. Read the full article here Ask the experts: Homebuying Question of the week: My husband and I have a timber-frame and walled home and would like to raise a loan to fund an extension. I haven't found anyone who will lend on this type of property. Where can I find a mortgage? Our homebuying expert Virginia Wallis says: If your property isn't of the standard brick-and-tile construction, a lot of lenders won't look at it, largely because unconventional properties are seen as harder to sell. http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/oct/06/mortgage-timber-home-where • Any questions? Email our panel of experts on financial concerns, consumer gripes, legal wrangles, debt worries and career-related problems at [email protected] Tools Find your mortgage Search the market and find the best deal with the Guardian and L&C's mortgage tool