HSBC Mortgages help/advice wanted

DemiDee

I have been very happy indeed with HSBC. We were FTBs three years ago when house prices were high but hadn't yet gone through the roof. We had small salaries, but because we are both graduates, HSBC allowed us to have a Homestart Mortgage, especially for FTBs. Now we are just changing over to the 4.99% fixed rate. We have never had a problem with HSBC - excellent customer service too.

EMcG

I had the same experience as DemiDee. 3 years ago, when noone else would give us a mortgage due to low salaries, HSBC gave us some hope as I was a graduate. Remember that with HSBC you qualify for a graduate mortgage for 5 years after you graduate.

We got an 100% Homestart mortgage (basically interest only for the first 3 years). When the 3 years were up we changed to Nationwide's 5 year fixed deal at the time which we're very happy with. Luckily, for us due to a bit of a boom in our area our mortage is now 58% of the house value - I'd be a bit more wary of 100% mortgages nowadays.

We couldn't have got our nice house without HSBC's help. Also if you decide to move from HSBC they don't charge you a 'leaving fee' - one of the few lenders not to do this. Just look elsewhere for your insurance/payment protection etc. as HSBC's charges are pretty high.