We like fee-free exit

Home buyers should look for good value fixed rates with no early repayment charges (ERCs) - fees payable if you want out before the term ends.

Leeds & Holbeck has just launched a 4.99% 5 year fixed rate with no ERCs at any time. Normally, you would have to pay a significantly higher rate to avoid any ERCs but otherwise the cheapest five year fixed (Darlington BS) is just lower at 4.94% and rates from top five lenders start at 5.29%.

A slightly higher than usual arrangement fee of £399 on the Leeds & Holbeck deal is an excellent trade off for the benefit of having no ERCs.

Portman has a new cheaper five-year fixed rate mortgage at 4.99%. There is no mortgage risk fee up to 90% of the property's value.

· Ray Boulger is senior manager of mortgages at Charcol, tel: 0800 71 81 91