Halifax is set to use a property’s energy performance certificate (EPC) rating in its affordability calculations. The lender said that this will allow it to better reflect the impact of home energy costs and some of the financial benefits of more energy efficient homes. For properties with a higher EPC rating (between A and B), the lender has said that it expects to see a small increase in the maximum loan amount available, while those with lower EPC ratings (between F and G) seeing a small decrease. However, Halifax has said that there is now change to the maximum loan available for properties with a C, D or E EPC rating or where the EPC is unknown.

Barclays has reduced rates across its five-year residential purchase and remortgage range. On its 60% LTV purchase products, rates have been cut by 14 bps to 4.20% with no fee and by 5 bps to 4.11% with a £899 fee. On the 75% LTV products, rates have been reduced to 4.22% and 4.30% with a £899 fee and no fee respectively. On remortgage products, rates now start from 4.11% at 60% LTV on the premier product, while the standard product now starts from 4.12%. Both come with a £999 fee. The lender has also reduced rates on the 75% LTV product, with rates starting from 4.25% with a £999 fee.

Investec Bank has introduced a new 60% LTV buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage offering aimed at high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). The new BTL product follows the launch of the lender's new 60% LTV residential mortgage product in September. In its 60% LTV range, two- and five-year trackers are available at 0.95% and 1.48% plus Investec's base rate respectively. Two-year fixes start at 4.87%, while three, four- and five-year products start at 4.84%, 4.89% and 5.03% respectively.

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