Accord Mortgages is helping buyers get their first foot on the property ladder by launching a range of mortgages specifically for first-time buyers (FTBs).
The new two and five-year deals are for 95 per cent loan-to-value (LTV) and all have £1,000 cash back on completion, plus free standard valuation to help with the upfront costs of buying a first home.
Jemma Anderson, mortgage manager at Accord, said: "Spring is a popular time for people taking that first step onto the property ladder, so it is the ideal time for us to enhance our product range with specific options aimed to help brokers support their customers with the biggest financial decision of their lives.
"Conditions have been favourable for new borrowers lately as some barriers to first-time ownership have been removed, such as stamp duty for properties valued below £300,000.
"Research we conducted last year highlighted the main barrier to owning a first home as the upfront costs involved. This dedicated first-time buyer range has been designed with this in mind offering £1,000 cash back, free valuations and fee-free options.
"We hope the combination of competitive rates and additional features will make the process of buying your own home a little easier."
There are some fee-free options available, including a two-year fixed rate at 3.94 per cent, or a five-year fixed rate at 4.4 per cent.
Accord has also reduced rates on selected high LTV options by up to 0.05 per cent, which are available to both first-time buyers and house purchasers with small deposits.
This includes a 3.63 per cent two-year fixed rate at 95 per cent LTV with £495 product fee.
Alternatively, those with a smaller deposit looking to fix for longer can opt for a 4.19 per cent five-year fix at 95 per cent LTV, which has a £995 fee.
Both mortgages come with £500 cash back on completion and free standard valuation.
Kusal Ariyawansa, chartered financial planner at Manchester-based Appleton Gerrard, said: "These are good rates for those meeting the criteria. Lower fees and cash back are bonuses. I would encourage longer term fixes, especially with rates being lower than the 5 per cent 'efficiency threshold' I use for planning purposes."
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