Moneyfacts Weekly Product News – 18.02.21

The Moneyfacts.co.uk Pick of the Week showcases the best of the latest products or rate changes to hit the consumer finance market.

HSBC – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 85% loan-to-value

This week, HSBC made a number of amendments across its range, including reducing selected rates by up to 0.15%. The two-year fixed rate offering at 85% loan-to-value saw a cut of 0.10% and is now priced at 2.84%. Coupled with the reduced rate, this deal also benefits from there being no fee to pay, and those hoping to keep any mortgage set-up costs to a minimum may be further pleased to note that there is also an incentive package available of a free valuation, while those remortgaging can also benefit from free legal fees. On balance, this product achieves a place in our top rate tables and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Rate: 2.84% fixed rate to 31.5.23
• Product fee: None
• Maximum loan-to-value: 85%
• Available to: All borrowers
• Incentives: Free valuation, and for those remortgaging free legal fees
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Nottingham Building Society – Two-year fixed rate remortgage, 80% loan-to-value

Nottingham Building Society launched a number of new products in its update this week, including a deal for remortgage customers with 20% equity available. Offered via intermediaries, this option is priced at a competitive 1.95% to 31.5.23. With no fee payable and a comprehensive incentive package of free valuation and free legal fees, this may be an attractive proposition for those looking to refinance their home while keeping any outlay to a minimum. This combination of features secures this product an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Rate: 1.95% fixed rate to 31.5.23
• Product fee: None
• Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
• Available to: Remortgage customers
• Incentives: Free valuation and free legal fees
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: England and Wales. Available via intermediaries only.

NatWest Intermediary Solutions – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

In addition to launching new products for those remortgaging at 90% loan-to-value, NatWest Intermediary Solutions has made selected rate reductions to some of its fixed rate products as well. Receiving a cut of 0.23%, the 75% loan-to-value five-year fixed rate option is now priced at 1.63% to 30.6.26. Available via intermediaries, the rate cut sees this become one of the lowest available in this sector of the market, and the overall appeal of the deal is further enhanced by a reasonable £995 fee (which borrowers can opt to pay upfront or add to their mortgage borrowing) and free valuation is also available. Overall the deal receives an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Rate: 1.63% fixed rate to 30.6.26
• Product fee: £995
• Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Available via intermediaries only.

first direct – 1st Account

This week sees first direct launch a new £100 incentive on its 1st Account for those who switch via the Current Account Switching Service (CASS) and who credit their account with a minimum of £1,000 within the first three months. This addition has likely further increased the appeal of this particular account to those looking to switch, as not only does this carry no monthly fee, but another feature that may be of interest is that there is a highly competitive £250 interest-free buffer on the arranged overdraft facility. This account earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Credit interest / reward: £100 for accounts switched using CASS
• Cashback on debit card purchases: None
• Account fee: None
• Credit interest: None
• Arranged overdraft: £250 interest-free buffer, reverting to 39.9% EAR thereafter
• Opening account: Online and by phone
• Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone, via mobile app, post office and text alerts
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.