The lender has also increased the threshold for communications and utilities account defaults in the last three years from £300 to £500.

David Binney, head of sales at Norton Home Loans, argues that all individuals, regardless of their background or income, should have access to useful and affordable financial products...

Each product comes with a reduced £595 product fee.

The Society has introduced lower rates and smaller deposits for first-time buyers, withenhanced criteria and 40-year terms available.

851 potential homebuyers were fined over £5,000.

New sales agreed are 25% higher than a year ago as buyers return to the market.

The latest reductions cover Virgin's residential purchase and remortgage ranges.

Rates now start from 3.59%.

The short-term property finance provider is looking to expand its presence in the South East.

Saffron has reduced rates by up to 0.60% and launched an 85% LTV range, improving affordability for contractors and self-employed borrowers.