The problems that have beset Northern Rock may well prove to be atypical as far as the mortgage industry at large is concerned. However, one factor that applies across the board is attitude to risk. With rapid house price inflation Lenders can afford to be relaxed about Valuations, as they know that if they have to repossess a property then it is likely that its value will have appreciated since the loan was made. In the current market Lenders are becoming more circumspect and an increasing number of Sellers and Buyers may find that the price they have struck is not supported by the Lenders Valuation.