Two new lenders have joined the government’s flagship Help to Buy housing policy.

Mortgages were made available yesterday (January 9th) by Santander, while the Post Office has announced its intention to offer such products in the near future.

Santander will offer a rate of 4.99 per cent fixed or variable over two years and a five-year fixed rate set at 5.49 per cent. All its mortgages come without a fee and borrowers are entitled to a valuation free of charge and £250 cashback on completion.

Miguel Sard, head of Santander Mortgages, said that Help to Buy had already helped improve the flow of credit to good quality customers and had played a key role in enabling aspirant first-time buyers to purchase their dream home.

The Post Office has not yet confirmed a date for it to join the scheme, or the rates of its mortgages.

John Willcock, head of mortgages at the Post Office, said: “Joining the Help to Buy scheme is the latest in a series of steps to affirm Post Office as the go-to mortgage provider for those wanting to get their first foot on the property ladder.”