By Charlotte Beugge

Mortgage lenders Halifax as well as Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks, which are both owned by the National Australia Bank, are all offering special fee-free mortgage deals for the start of the year.

Halifax has launched a new two-year, fee-free, fixed-rate first-time buyer mortgage at 5.99%. It is on a loan-to-value (LTV) of 85% to 90% with no fees at all and there is also £500 cashback to cover the moving costs.

Stephen Noakes, mortgages director at Halifax, says: "The total numbers of first-time buyers is currently at a low level across the UK, and it is clear that first-time buyers need more help to achieve their home-buying aspirations.

"It is therefore very important that, as an industry, we continue to offer flexible, competitive products. Our no fee, cashback product for first-time buyers will provide another option for those wanting to get onto the housing ladder."

However, first-time buyers with a 10% deposit can get a two-year fixed-rate of 4.54% from Chelsea Building Society, but with a £1,495 fee - so the Halifax deal may be cheaper thanks to the lack of fees for those with reasonably small mortgages.

Clydesdale and Yorkshire are waiving fees for customers taking new mortgages out before 25 February. The lenders say this saves typical fees of £999 and for those remortgaging there are no legal or valuation fees if they use the banks' appointed solicitors and valuers.

Their deals include a two-year fix at 3.29% on maximum 65% LTV and a five year fixed-rate of 3.79% on 65% LTV. The latter is competitive although First Direct has five years fixed at 3.28% on 65% LTV but with £1,999 fees.