Spotlight On: Santander first-time mortgages

 

Simon Read
Friday 27 April 2012 23:08 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The deal

Santander is offering new three and five-year, fixed-rate loans for first-time buyers with at least 10 per cent deposit.

Good points

Rates start from 4.89 per cent while fees are at just £99 instead of the usual £495 or £995 standard fee charged. There's also free valuation and £250 cashback on completion.

Bad points

The five-year fixed-rate for those with 10 per cent deposit is at 5.99 per cent. That could very quickly seem like an expensive deal and anyone picking it will be tied in for 60 months.

Conclusion

It's good to see lenders targeting first-time buyers, but deals need to be more attractive than this to help those struggling to get on the property ladder. Better deals could emerge in the coming months as lenders become more competitive.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in