Halifax Mortgages Reviewed

This guide will offer you an extensive evaluation of one of the leading mortgage lenders in the UK, which is a part of the Lloyds Group. Halifax is a well-known and reputable mortgage lender that caters to a diverse range of customers, including first-time buyers, home movers, landlords, and those seeking to remortgage.

If you are currently in the market for a mortgage, Halifax may be a suitable lender for you to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we will offer an in-depth analysis of Halifax mortgages, providing you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

To ensure you have access to the most up-to-date information on mortgage deals offered by this popular high-street bank, do not hesitate to contact mortgage our team.

About Halifax

Halifax is one of the largest mortgage lenders in the UK, offering a range of mortgage products to both first-time buyers and existing homeowners. The bank offers fixed-rate, tracker, and variable-rate mortgages, as well as Help to Buy and shared ownership mortgages for those who need assistance with getting on the property ladder.

Halifax also provides mortgage advice through its network of branches and over the phone. The bank’s mortgage advisers can help customers understand their options and choose the right mortgage product for their needs.

Halifax is a subsidiary of Lloyds Banking Group, which is one of the largest banking and financial services companies in the UK. Lloyds Banking Group acquired Halifax in 2009 as part of a merger between Lloyds TSB and HBOS, the parent company of Halifax.

Lloyds Banking Group, which includes Halifax, reported having approximately 30 million customers across all its brands.

Comparison of types of mortgages Halifax offers

Fixed-rate mortgages

Halifax typically provides fixed-rate mortgages with terms ranging from 2 to 5 years, allowing customers to lock in a set interest rate for a specific period of time. In some cases, Halifax may also offer other fixed-rate options beyond the standard 2, 3 and 5-year terms.

For instance, customers may be able to choose a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage if it is available at the time of application. The specific range of fixed-rate products offered by Halifax may vary over time and will depend on market conditions and customer demand.

Tracker rate mortgage

Halifax provides customers with tracker mortgages that allow them to take advantage of changes in the Bank of England base rate.

Typically, Halifax offers tracker mortgages with a 2-year term, meaning that the interest rate paid by the customer will track the Bank of England base rate for that period of time.

It’s important to note that the rates available on Halifax’s tracker mortgages will vary depending on market conditions and demand at the time of application.

Cash back mortgages

One of the benefits that they offer is a cashback option, which can provide customers with a lump sum of money after the completion of their mortgage.

The amount of cashback offered by Halifax typically ranges from £100 to £500, depending on the specific mortgage product and the amount borrowed. This cashback can be a useful financial boost for customers who may need to cover moving costs or other expenses related to purchasing a property.

Buy-to-let mortgages

Halifax offers a range of mortgage products to customers who meet their eligibility criteria. In general, customers looking to take out a mortgage with Halifax will need to have a minimum deposit of 25% of the property’s value.

Customers can choose between capital repayment and interest-only mortgages, depending on their individual needs and circumstances.

90% & 95% mortgages

Halifax offers a range of mortgage products with varying deposit requirements, including products that allow customers to purchase a property with a deposit as little as 5% of the property’s value.

Other options include mortgages with a 90% loan-to-value ratio (LTV) where customers can put down a 10% deposit. The required deposit for a Halifax mortgage will depend on a number of factors, including the property value, the customer’s credit history, income and outgoings, and the affordability of the mortgage.

In some cases, customers may need a larger deposit in order to secure a mortgage, such as when buying a newly built property or if they have certain residency statuses.

Remortgaging with Halifax

Halifax offers a range of remortgage products with several benefits:

• Free Valuations. One of the advantages of choosing a Halifax remortgage is that they offer free valuations on properties valued up to one million pounds. This can help you save money on the upfront costs of remortgaging.
• Free Conveyancing. Halifax also provides customers with the option of free legal or cashback on remortgages, depending on the product selected. This can provide further financial flexibility and support for customers looking to switch to a new mortgage deal.
• Halifax remortgages can be used for a variety of reasons, such as consolidating debt, making home improvements, or simply getting a better rate on your existing mortgage.

Whatever your reason for remortgaging, Halifax offers a range of flexible repayment options and competitive rates to help you achieve your goals.

Find the best mortgage deals on mortgage rates

Halifax typically offers competitive mortgage rates that are often among the best in the market, making them an attractive option for customers seeking a mortgage.

They cater to a wide range of customers with various mortgage products. Halifax has a range of criteria that can cater to different needs, including those with adverse credit or self-employed individuals.

They also have various options for borrowers with different deposit amounts, ranging from 5% to 40%. Overall, Halifax’s mortgage offerings are designed to provide options for customers with varying financial situations and preferences.

Is Halifax a good mortgage lender?

Halifax has generally received positive customer feedback for its mortgage services in the UK. In a recent survey conducted by Which?, Halifax ranked 10th out of 23 mortgage lenders in terms of overall customer satisfaction.

As for the services and benefits of taking a mortgage with Halifax, some of the key features include:

• Competitive interest rates: Halifax offers a range of mortgage products with competitive interest rates, which can help customers save money over the life of their mortgage.
• Flexible repayment options: Customers can choose from different repayment options, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and tracker mortgages, to suit their needs.
• Help to Buy and shared ownership schemes: Halifax offers mortgages specifically designed for customers who need assistance with getting on the property ladder, including Help to Buy and shared ownership mortgages.
• Online and mobile banking: Halifax has a strong online and mobile banking platform that makes it easy for customers to manage their mortgage accounts and make payments.
• Mortgage advice: Halifax has a network of mortgage advisers who can provide advice and support to customers throughout the mortgage application process.
• Cashback rewards: Depending on the product, Halifax may offer cashback rewards for taking out a mortgage with them.

Overall, Halifax is a well-respected mortgage lender in the UK, and customers may find its range of products and services to be attractive.

How much can you borrow for your mortgage from Halifax?

Halifax mortgages provide a range of income multiples for customers, depending on their income level. For those earning over £75,000, Halifax offers income multiples of up to 5.5 times their income. This means that customers who earn a higher income can potentially borrow more money for their mortgage.

For those on incomes below £30,000, Halifax usually offers income multiples of up to 4.5 times their income. This is in line with industry standards and is designed to ensure that customers do not borrow more than they can afford to repay.

For those on incomes above £40,000, Halifax typically offers income multiples of up to 4.5 times their income. However, this can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as credit score, existing debt, and overall financial health.

It’s important to note that income multiples are just one factor that lenders consider when determining how much to lend to a borrower. Other factors include the borrower’s credit score, employment history, and the size of the deposit they are able to put down.

Overall, Halifax’s income multiples are competitive and can be beneficial for customers who earn a higher income. However, borrowers should always carefully consider their financial situation and ensure they can comfortably afford the mortgage repayments before applying for a mortgage.

How long does Halifax mortgage approval take?

Halifax is known for its fast mortgage approval process, which is one of the quickest in the UK. The bank offers a range of services and tools to help streamline the application process, including the ability to assess documents on the same day as applications.

This can be a huge advantage for customers who are looking to move quickly on a property purchase. In some cases, Halifax can even issue mortgage offers on the same day as the application, which is a rare and highly sought-after benefit in the industry.

This rapid turnaround time can help customers secure their dream home before someone else does, and also save them time and stress throughout the application process. Halifax’s efficient mortgage approval process is supported by advanced technology and experienced staff who are committed to providing a seamless experience for customers.

The bank’s mortgage advisers are knowledgeable and can offer expert advice on the best products and services for individual customers’ needs. Overall, Halifax’s fast mortgage approval process and commitment to customer satisfaction make it an attractive option for those looking to secure a mortgage in the UK.

Are Halifax mortgages hard to get?

Halifax has a broad range of mortgage criteria that caters to many different types of customers. One of their key strengths is their flexible approach to employment criteria.

Halifax is known for its generous criteria around the length of time a customer has been in employment, which can be a significant advantage for customers who may be self-employed or have recently changed jobs.

Halifax also has a diverse range of products that cater to different types of income, including those on fixed salaries, bonuses, commission, and more. This can be a major benefit for customers who have non-traditional income streams or are self-employed.

While Halifax is reasonably understanding when it comes to adverse credit, they do have certain limits. In general, the bank does not usually consider severe cases of adverse credit.

However, for customers with more moderate adverse credit, Halifax may still be willing to lend, although this will depend on individual circumstances and credit history.

How long does Halifax mortgage underwriting take?

Halifax is known for its fast and efficient mortgage underwriting process, which is among the quickest in the UK. However, the exact timescales for mortgage approval can vary depending on individual circumstances, as well as the workload of the bank at the time of application.

One factor that can significantly impact the speed of the mortgage approval process is the valuation of the property. If a desktop valuation is conducted rather than a physical one, this can speed up the process significantly.

It’s also important to note that the time it takes to book a valuation can affect the overall offer time. In general, customers can expect to receive a mortgage offer from Halifax within two weeks of the valuation being conducted.

However, this is just an estimate and the exact timescale will depend on individual circumstances and the workload of the bank at the time. Halifax is reputed for its ability to issue mortgage offers on the same day as the application in some cases.

Can I make overpayments on my Halifax mortgage?

Halifax generally permits customers to make overpayments of up to 10% of their mortgage balance each year without incurring any penalty fees. This can be a valuable feature for customers who want to pay off their mortgage more quickly or reduce the total amount of interest they pay over the life of the loan.

However, customers should be aware that if they wish to make overpayments in excess of the 10% limit, they may be subject to an early repayment charge. The specific terms and conditions of the early repayment charge will depend on the individual mortgage product and the customer’s circumstances.

It’s important for customers to carefully review the terms and conditions of their mortgage agreement to understand their options and any potential costs associated with making overpayments.

Can I port my Halifax mortgage?

Yes, Halifax mortgages are portable, which means that customers may be able to transfer their mortgage to a new property if they move home. This can be a major benefit for customers who are looking to buy a new home but want to avoid the costs and hassle of remortgaging.

However, it’s important to note that the terms and conditions of mortgage portability can vary depending on the specific product and individual circumstances. Customers should consult with their mortgage broker and carefully review the terms and conditions of their mortgage agreement to ensure that they understand their options and any associated fees or restrictions.

Does Halifax charge mortgage fees?

While Halifax does charge fees on some of their mortgage products, they also offer a range of fee-free products for customers to choose from. This can be a significant benefit for customers who are looking to minimize their upfront costs and keep their mortgage expenses as low as possible.

The specific fees and charges associated with Halifax mortgages can vary depending on the type of product and individual circumstances. Some of the common fees that Halifax charges include arrangement fees, booking fees, valuation fees, legal fees, and early repayment fees.

At Strive Mortgages, we can help you source the right mortgage for you. From first-time buyers, to contractors and foreign nationals our mortgage team is here to help, get in touch with us today.