Demand for rented properties seriously outstripped supply and rent levels rose during the three months to the end of May according to the latest quarterly survey of ARLA Member Letting Agents published today, June 11. These results show the shortage of properties and the continuing need for investment in the private rented sector at all levels.

When the U.S. Federal reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke announced on Tuesday that a slowdown in housing construction would remain a drag on economic growth "somewhat longer" than expected, the dollar exchange rate dropped against the euro immediately.

Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) will redeem the principal amounts indicated for the following securities issues on the redemption dates indicated below at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption:

WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNewswire/ --

The following is being issued by Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM)

- Two out of every five adult Americans (41%) feel they cannot afford to buy a home, according to a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Of that number, just over half (51%) cite lack of money as the primary reason.

An economic forecaster says housing construction is unlikely to improve over the next year in Australia, with some states expected to experience a sharp downturn in demand.

Fixed mortgage rates moved higher across the board this week. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.25 percent. According to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders, the 30-year fixed rate mortgages had an average of 0.27 discount and origination points.

Unusual weather patterns and problems in the subprime lending marketplace are creating challenges in assessing housing market conditions, but a recovery in the housing and real estate markets is likely this year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.

Nine out of 10 Americans agree that providing affordable housing in their communities is important. Fewer than half of all Americans, however, believe that the nation's current housing policy is on the right track to meet the nation's housing needs, according to a new poll released today by a coalition of public, private and nonprofit industry groups, including the National Association of Realtors.

Existing-home sales rose strongly in February following a healthy gain in January, reaching the highest level since last April, according to the National Association of Realtors.