Halifax
BankHalifax is the UK's largest mortgage lender by volume and a household name for home loans, operating as a division of Lloyds Banking Group. Originally founded as the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building and Investment Society, it remains one of the most recognised brands in UK mortgage lending.
About Halifax
Halifax was founded in 1853 as the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building and Investment Society in West Yorkshire. It grew to become one of the UK's largest building societies before demutualising and merging with Bank of Scotland in 2001 to form HBOS. HBOS was later acquired by Lloyds Banking Group in 2009.
Today Halifax operates as a division of Lloyds Banking Group and is the UK's largest mortgage lender by volume. The brand is synonymous with home loans and has one of the most recognised names in UK mortgage lending. Halifax offers residential, buy-to-let, shared ownership, and Help to Buy products through branches, telephone, and online.
Halifax is known for competitive rates, cashback offers, and a straightforward product range. The bank serves first-time buyers, home movers, and remortgagers across the UK. It maintains a strong presence in the intermediary market and processes a significant proportion of UK mortgage applications each year.
Lending Focus
Halifax offers mortgage products across 4 categories including Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership and 1 more.
Key Features
- UK's largest mortgage lender by volume with extensive product range
- Cashback offers on selected fixed-rate mortgage products
- Support for shared ownership and Help to Buy schemes
- Online mortgage application and tracking portal
- Free standard valuation on most mortgage products
Pros & Cons
Pros
- UK's largest mortgage lender with extensive experience and product range
- Free standard valuation on most mortgage products
- Cashback offers available on selected deals
- Strong support for first-time buyers including shared ownership
Cons
- –Maximum loan capped at £2 million — not suitable for very high-value properties
- –Does not offer offset mortgages
- –Rates not always the most competitive compared to smaller building societies
Fees & Charges
- Arrangement Fee
- £999 or fee-free options available
- Valuation Fee
- Free standard valuation on most products
- Early Repayment Charge
- 1–5% during the initial deal period
- Overpayment Allowance
- Up to 10% per year without charge
Mortgage Rates
Rate data coming soon. View rates on Halifax
| Product | Initial Rate | Type | Initial Term | Revert Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Year Fixed | TBC | Fixed | 24 months | TBC |
| 5 Year Fixed | TBC | Fixed | 60 months | TBC |
| Tracker | TBC | Variable | 24 months | TBC |
Application Process
- Processing Time
- 2–3 weeks from application to offer
- Online DIP
- Yes — available online
- Offer Valid For
- 6 months
Lending Criteria
- Maximum LTV
- 95%
- Max Loan Amount
- £2m
- Min Loan Amount
- £25k
- Rate Types
- fixed, tracker, discount
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Halifax offer 95% mortgages for first-time buyers?
Yes, Halifax offers mortgages up to 95% LTV, making it possible to buy with just a 5% deposit. This applies to first-time buyers, home movers, and some remortgage products.
Does Halifax accept gifted deposits?
Yes, Halifax accepts gifted deposits from immediate family members. The person gifting must sign a declaration confirming it is a non-repayable gift.
How long does a Halifax mortgage offer last?
Halifax mortgage offers are typically valid for six months from the date of issue, giving you time to complete your property purchase.
Can I track my Halifax mortgage application online?
Yes, Halifax provides an online mortgage application tracker where you can monitor the progress of your application from submission through to offer.
How to Apply
Direct & broker access. Apply directly or via a broker for whole-of-market access. Find a broker
Similar Lenders
View all lenders| Name | Niches | Type | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lloyds Bank | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership+1 | Bank | 95% |
| NatWest | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Commercial+2 | Bank | 95% |
| Nationwide Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership+1 | Building Soc. | 95% |
| Accord Mortgages | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership | Bank | 95% |
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Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial advice.Always verify lender details directly and seek independent advice before making financial decisions.
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