Money: Self-employed vs ordinary borrowers

Headline variable rates (before discounts)

Self-employed (self-certified) borrowers: Bank of Scotland Banking Direct 8.69 per cent (pounds 250 arrangement fee, can be added to loan).

Standard borrowers: Nationwide 8.1 per cent (no fee); Halifax 8.7 per cent (no fee)

Fixed-rate loans

Self-employed (self-certified) borrowers: UCB 6.69 per cent fixed for two years (pounds 295 fee, can be added to loan)

Standard borrowers: Bristol & West 4.99 per cent, fixed for two years (pounds 295 fee); Woolwich 5.29 per cent, fixed until 1 April 2000 (pounds 295 fee)

Source: John Charcol mortgage brokers