Leeds is overtaken

A tiered-rate offer from National Counties Building Society has overtaken Leeds Permanent's 9.85 per cent rate as the most attractive fixed rate in the market this week.

The National Counties offer is available on loans of pounds 15,000 or more up to a maximum of 90 per cent of the purchase price. Borrowers will have to pay a pounds 200 arrangement fee and will have to take out either buildings, contents or payment protection insurance with the company. The Leeds Permanent fixed rate still remains a good deal but borrowers have to take out two insurance policies rather than just one.

Halifax and Nationwide Anglia are offering the most attractive variable-rate mortgages. Abbey National has become less attractive following its decision to take away some of its first-time buyer discounts.