Fixes on the market

ANOTHER batch of fixed-rate mortgages has hit the market this week. TSB is offering a one-year rate of 6.49 per cent for first-time buyers. Stroud & Swindon is offering a two-year rate fixed at 6.95 per cent for loans of up to 80 per cent of the property value. Barnsley is offering a two-year fix at 7.6 per cent.

On three-year rates, Nottingham is offering 7.99 per cent and Leeds & Holbeck has fixed on a rate of 8.25 per cent.

Alliance & Leicester is offering a five-year rate of 8.5 per cent, Leek United is offering 8.8 per cent for the same period and Norwich and Peterborough is offering 8.5 per cent on loans of up to 80 per cent of the property value and 8.99 per cent for loans of between 80 and 90 per cent of the total mortgage value.

Some lenders are also launching capped rates. TSB has a two- year rate, capped at 7.5 per cent. The two-year rate from National Westminster Bank is capped at 8.75 per cent.

----------------------------------------------------------------- SIX OF THE BEST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Savings Type Account Term *0% *25% *40% Min GIB Financial Assurance 5 years 7.10 7.10 6.04 pds 5,000 B Soc North of England Instant 8.70 6.53 5.22 pds 25,000 Tessa Allied Trust Bank 5 years 9.49 9.49 9.49 pds 9,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------- *Compounded annual rate except for GIB (guaranteed income bond) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Chase De Vere 071-404 5766 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgages Type Source Deal Variable Halifax 7.80% on loans over pounds 100,000 Fixed Newcastle 7.99% for 5 yrs, fee pounds 195 Capped Woolwich 7.25% for 2 yrs, 1st time buyers only ----------------------------------------------------------------- Source: John Charcol 071-589 2626 -----------------------------------------------------------------