Designed to help with the costs of buying a new home, the unique offer will pay half of the first year's council tax bill, up to a maximum of £1,000.
The average council tax bill in Great Britain has increased by 120% over the past 13 years, from £529 in 1996-97 to £1,161 for the current financial year (2009-10). This is significantly higher than either the 39% rise in the headline rate of the Retail Price Index, or the 63% growth in average earnings, over the same period.
The council tax offer is available from 20th April 2009.
The key features of the offer are:
Halifax will pay half (50%) of the first annual council tax bill, up to a maximum of £1,000
The offer is available on all Halifax Homemover Mortgages and within the FTB Choices range
Available from 20th April 2009 until 23rd May 2009
Council tax will be paid directly to the customer's local council
3 year fixed rates in Halifax HomeBuyer Mortgages start from 4.15%
Available through Halifax directly in branch, online or by phone
Free purchase conveyancing with all Homemover Mortgages
All homemovers can continue to benefit from free purchasing conveyancing when the customer holds a current account with Halifax. This could lead to an average saving of £400.
Jaedon Green, head of mortgage development at Halifax, said: "We are committed to helping make moving easier for both homemovers and first time buyers. Council tax is one the largest monthly outgoings from a household budget and our new offer has been specifically designed to give a helping hand."
