Company Overview
Halifax is the UK's largest mortgage lender and a subsidiary of Lloyds Banking Group. With over 160 years of history, Halifax has established itself as a trusted name in UK banking and mortgages, serving over 19 million customers nationwide.
Key Highlights
- Founded in 1853 as Halifax Permanent Benefit Building Society
- Part of Lloyds Banking Group since 2009 HBOS acquisition
- UK's largest mortgage lender with significant market share
- Comprehensive range of financial products and services
- Strong digital banking platform with mobile app innovation
Market Leadership
Halifax consistently ranks as the UK's number one mortgage lender, providing mortgages to over 2 million customers. Their scale allows them to offer competitive rates and comprehensive support throughout the home buying journey.
Mortgage Products
Residential Mortgages
- Fixed-rate mortgages (2, 3, 5, and 10-year terms)
- Tracker mortgages linked to Bank of England base rate
- Standard variable rate mortgages
- First-time buyer mortgages with low deposit options
- Remortgage products with competitive rates
- Help to Buy equity loan mortgages
- Shared ownership mortgages
Buy-to-Let Mortgages
- Standard buy-to-let products
- Portfolio landlord mortgages
- Limited company buy-to-let
- Holiday let mortgages
- HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) lending
Competitive Rates
Market-leading rates across all product categories
Cashback Offers
Up to £1,000 cashback on selected mortgage products
Green Mortgages
Rate discounts for energy-efficient properties
Fee-Free Options
No arrangement fee mortgages available
Key Features & Benefits
Unique Selling Points
- UK's largest mortgage lender with extensive experience
- Comprehensive range of mortgage products
- Award-winning customer service and support
- Strong digital banking platform and mobile app
- Extensive branch network across the UK
- Integration with Lloyds Banking Group services
Mortgage Features
- Competitive interest rates across all product ranges
- Flexible overpayment facilities up to 10% annually
- Payment holidays available (subject to criteria)
- Porting options for moving home
- Fee-free mortgage options available
- Cashback incentives on selected products
Advantages
- Market-leading position and expertise
- Comprehensive product range
- Competitive rates and fees
- Strong customer service reputation
- Extensive branch and digital presence
- Reliable lender with long track record
Considerations
- High street bank with standard criteria
- May not suit specialist circumstances
- Arrangement fees on some products
- Limited flexibility for complex cases
- Popular lender may have busy periods
Lending Criteria
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 18-75 years at application, maximum age 75 at end of term
- Income: Minimum £15,000 per annum for residential mortgages
- Employment: Employed, self-employed, or retired (with proof of income)
- Residency: UK residents with at least 3 years UK address history
- Deposit: Minimum 5% for residential, 25% for buy-to-let
Assessment Criteria
- Maximum loan-to-income ratio of 4.5 times annual income
- Comprehensive affordability assessment including expenditure
- Credit score and history evaluation
- Stress testing at current rate plus 3%
- Property valuation and location assessment
- Consideration of existing financial commitments