UK mortgages: warning over big fees as homebuying season arrives

The sums lenders charge to secure the best rates have risen in the past five years - and can make a loan much more expensive

The spring months are typically the busiest of the year in the housing market as buyers mobilise and sunshine adds to a property's kerb appeal.

However, today's buyers - and those remortgaging - need deeper pockets than a few years ago. Not only does the average mortgage rate start with a 5" but borrowers face hefty arrangement fees to secure the best deals. These are the fees paid to lenders purely to secure a certain rate, and come on top of any conveyancing or broker fees.