UK banks have issued fewer mortgage loans in December compared with November, Reuters reports. The total amount of loans dropped to 1.235 billion pounds. This is the lowest value since 2016. Banks issued 6% more loans than a year ago, but less than in November. In December, 38779 loans were approved, in November - 39205 loans. December financial indicators signal a downturn in the UK housing market before leaving the EU. British companies are creating a cash “safety cushion” for fear of an uncertain future. Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors gave the most negative outlook since 1999 regarding real estate sales in the next three months.