Housebuyers’ boost
HIGH street giants returned to ultra-low deposit mortgage lending yesterday, in a boost to borrowers who have found themselves “shut out” of the property market over the past year. Halifax, Lloyds Bank, HSBC UK, Barclays and NatWest were among those launching 5% deposit deals for first-time buyers and existing home owners under the UK Government’s new mortgage guarantee scheme. Santander will offer three new mortgages under the scheme today.