Britannia's one-week special

BRITANNIA Building Society has a one-week offer of up to 5 per cent off the standard rate until January. This brings loans under 75 per cent to 2.75 per cent.

Borrowers with smaller deposits pay 3.75 per cent, but must take out payment protection as well as buildings and contents insurance.

A 10-year fixed-rate mortgage has been launched at 7.59 per cent by TSB and National Westminster Bank.

NatWest also has a five- year fix at 6.99 per cent. The pounds 250 arrangement fee is waived for existing NatWest mortgage borrowers and all first-time buyers. TSB's loan has a pounds 295 fee.

NatWest has also extended the discounts on its 7.74 per cent variable loans.