Fed up with halifax

fsmum

Hello all.

I'm struggling with Halifax at the moment, just wondering if I'm handling things right and if anyone has any advice.

I have a Halifax mortgage whose fixed rate is ending at the end of this month. Since early July I have been attempting to transfer to another fixed rate deal. I thought this would be easier and save time and effort compared to going with a new company. Sigh.

I was not allowed to simply complete the transfer online (not sure why) so have been trying to do it by phone. Each time I call I get a different person who can't deal with the mortgage as it's only handled by one person (call her Joan Smith). Joan Smith takes weeks to return calls yet I'm not able to discuss the account with anyone else.

Despite being existing customers we have spent hours on the phone going through detailed budgets, sent of wage slips, bank statements etc. Each time they simply ask for more information.

I am at a total loss as to how to hurry them along. We have an ltv of under 60%, no credit, no debts, will easily pass affordability so why is it taking so long. Would it be worth making a complaint?

Next time I Will definitely be using a broker!

fsmum

Today's update.

Last month I still hadn't had a mortgage offer through for the product transfer, mortgage advisor at Halifax didn't know why (?). She suggested I make a complaint, which I did and received compensation for the delay. Lovely.

However - didn't here anything since. Phoned up today and after being transferred a million times am told it looks like my advisor needs to get in touch as the minimum term may need extended.

Really??? Four months since starting the product transfer process.

Now I just have to wait for a call back. Again.

Any suggestions on how I can deal with this?

amnblog

Use a broker?

ondine

See this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4995930

or this:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5202208

fsmum

I really wish I had used a broker, but now I've come so far I feel a bit stuck!

fsmum

Thank you ondine, those links were very useful, at least it's not just me!

I have now been passed to a complaint manager who will look at it this week apparently, we'll see how it goes!

ondine

Please keep us posted on the outcome. I'm with Halifax too and investigating plan B, in case the switch to a new rate won't work (I also plan to get some extra money to do my bathroom).

Thrugelmir

fsmum wrote: »

I am at a total loss as to how to hurry them along. We have an ltv of under 60%, no credit, no debts, will easily pass affordability so why is it taking so long. Would it be worth making a complaint?

Decline in household income or additions to family since you originally applied?

60% LTV has no absolutely no bearing on affordability of a mortgage.

Can you afford interest rates of 7% on your current income levels certainly is.

Is the mortgage interest only or repayment?

fsmum

Hi thrugelmir,

Honestly, we are gold plated, mortgage advisors dream applicants (if I do say so myself!!!)

Husband's income 40k, my income only 8k. Only big expense is childcare 4k per year (1 child).

No debt, credit cards not been used for years, don't use overdrafts, have around 6k in savings.

Mortgage is repayment, amount is only 78k!


Did get a call from the complaints department today saying that it should definitely be through by Oct first. We shall see.