Explore Halifax lending criteria, flexible mortgage features and available deals. Compare Halifax mortgage options with help from Go Direct's fee-free advisers.
If you’re considering a Halifax mortgage rate, it’s important to understand the lender’s criteria before choosing a rate. A competitive rate may not be suitable if you don’t meet the lending requirements.
We’ve summarised some of Halifax’s key criteria below, including deposit requirements, income, self-employment, age limits and property types. This is an overview rather than a complete list of Halifax mortgage lending rules. Our fee-free advisers can help you understand how they apply to your circumstances.
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Halifax mortgage lending criteria
Borrowing, income, age, credit and property eligibility
Criteria can change, and applications remain subject to the lender's assessment.
Criteria last verified:
What is the maximum Halifax mortgage LTV?
Halifax publishes purchase criteria up to 95% LTV for eligible applications, meaning a deposit of at least 5%. Higher-LTV borrowing has additional credit, property and scheme restrictions. Interest-only, additional borrowing and some new-build properties have lower limits; the maximum available on any particular product may also be lower.
How much can I borrow with Halifax?
Halifax assesses affordability as well as loan-to-income (LTI) limits. The applicable income multiple varies with income, loan size, loan-to-value and eligibility; some qualifying first-time buyers can access an LTI cap of 5.5 times income. This is a maximum cap, not a guaranteed borrowing amount.
Can I get a Halifax mortgage if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Halifax considers sole traders, partners and eligible limited-company directors. A standard two-year trading history is preferred, but applications with one completed year may be considered under its specific policy. Income evidence and the calculation used depend on the business structure and circumstances.
What is Halifax’s maximum mortgage age?
Halifax sets a minimum applicant age of 18. Its published maximum age at the end of the term is 80 for a repayment mortgage and 70 where any part is interest-only. Lending into retirement also depends on the income available to support the mortgage.
Can I get a Halifax mortgage with adverse credit?
Halifax asks applicants about recent mortgage or other debt arrears, CCJs, defaults and formal debt arrangements, generally focusing on the previous six years. A repossession must be disclosed regardless of when it occurred. Disclosure does not by itself establish eligibility: Halifax assesses the full credit profile and application.
What properties will Halifax consider?
Halifax considers a range of residential property types, subject to construction, condition, tenure and valuation. Additional restrictions can apply to new-build properties and non-standard construction. For example, its published new-build maximum is 95% LTV for houses or bungalows and 85% for flats or coach houses.
Does Halifax offer interest-only mortgages?
Yes, subject to eligibility and an acceptable repayment plan. Halifax’s published maximum is 75% LTV for interest-only borrowing, or up to 85% LTV for a part-and-part mortgage where borrowing above the interest-only limit is on repayment. Its standard minimum earned income is £50,000 and the term must end by age 70.
Can I borrow extra when remortgaging?
Potentially. Halifax’s published maximum LTV for a remortgage with additional borrowing is 85%, subject to affordability, the reason for borrowing and other criteria. Remortgage incentives such as legal services or cashback are product-specific, so check the exact deal rather than assuming both are included.
Buying a home with Halifax
From first-time buyers to home movers, the right mortgage depends on your deposit, income and property. Our advisers can help you understand the criteria and compare the available deals.
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Halifax mortgage flexibility
Overpayments, payment holidays, porting, switching and further advances
Flexible features last verified:
Can I make overpayments on a Halifax mortgage?
Many Halifax mortgages permit overpayments without an early repayment charge up to a product-specific allowance. Some eligible mortgage sub-accounts have a 10% annual allowance, but the calculation and any restrictions depend on the mortgage. Check the offer and current terms before paying extra.
Can I take a payment holiday on my Halifax mortgage?
Halifax may allow qualifying existing customers to request a payment holiday, subject to the mortgage terms, payment history and current eligibility rules. Interest generally continues to accrue and later payments may increase. This is not an automatic entitlement.
Can I take my Halifax mortgage with me when moving home?
Some Halifax products are portable, meaning you may apply to transfer an existing rate to a new property. The new borrowing is subject to a fresh application, affordability checks and property criteria. Early repayment charges may apply if the move does not meet the porting conditions.
Can I borrow more on my existing Halifax mortgage?
Existing Halifax borrowers may be able to apply for a further advance. Availability, loan-to-value, affordability, loan purpose and the interest rate for additional borrowing must be assessed separately from the original mortgage.
Can I change my mortgage term or repayment method?
You may be able to request a term or repayment-method change, depending on your mortgage, affordability and Halifax’s current rules. Changing the term can affect both monthly payments and total interest; switching to interest-only requires additional eligibility checks.
Can I switch to a new Halifax mortgage rate?
Existing Halifax customers may be eligible for a product transfer when their current deal is approaching its end. The available rates, timing, fees and whether further borrowing is needed will affect the options. Check the current offer rather than assuming a particular rate is available.
Will I pay a charge if I repay my Halifax mortgage early?
An early repayment charge may apply during an initial fixed or tracker deal, depending on its terms and the amount repaid. Other exit or administration charges may also apply. The exact charges should be checked against the mortgage offer and redemption statement.
This is general guidance, not a lending decision. Check current lender terms and the individual mortgage offer before applying.
Choosing between Halifax fixed, tracker and remortgage options
The right Halifax mortgage is not necessarily the one with the lowest initial interest rate. Consider how long you want payment certainty, any product fee, early repayment charges, and what the mortgage could cost over the initial deal period. Our Halifax comparison pages let you explore each option using your own property value and borrowing requirements.
Halifax tracker mortgages have a variable interest rate that follows a specified benchmark under the product terms. Payments may rise or fall, so consider whether your budget could accommodate increases as well as any early repayment charges.
Remortgaging to Halifax
If you already own your home, compare Halifax remortgage rates separately from purchase mortgages. The overall cost can depend on arrangement fees, valuation and legal costs, cashback or other incentives, and any charges for leaving your existing deal. If you already have a Halifax mortgage, also ask about a product transfer before deciding whether to remortgage.
Explore Halifax mortgage options
Choose a comparison below to see Halifax mortgages by initial rate type or borrowing purpose. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances.
Looking for a buy-to-let mortgage rather than a mortgage for your own home? BM Solutions, the intermediary brand associated with Birmingham Midshires, operates within Lloyds Banking Group, the same banking group as Halifax. Buy-to-let lending has different criteria from residential mortgages.
Typical points to check include the rental income assessment, deposit and loan-to-value, landlord experience, property type and whether the mortgage is for an individual or a limited company. The applicable rules and products must be checked with the relevant buy-to-let lender; the residential Halifax criteria above should not be used to assess a buy-to-let application.
Use our Halifax mortgage calculator to explore available deals for your property value, deposit and borrowing requirements. You can refine your search and compare interest rates, product fees, estimated monthly repayments and the true cost over the initial deal period.
Full mortgage search – compare Halifax with other lenders
Halifax may be a good fit, but comparing mortgages across our lender panel can help you find a deal that better suits your circumstances. Use the full mortgage search to explore other lenders alongside Halifax, compare rates, fees and monthly repayments, and assess the true cost over the initial deal period.
Search results depend on your circumstances and the lenders available through our comparison service. The lowest advertised rate is not always the lowest overall cost or the most suitable mortgage.
Check Halifax eligibility before choosing a deal
Halifax assesses applications using factors such as income, regular commitments, credit history, deposit or equity, property type and the applicant's circumstances. The lending-criteria information above is a guide, not a guarantee of acceptance. Criteria and individual product availability can change, so check the current requirements before applying.
If you are self-employed, buying a non-standard property, or unsure how much you may be able to borrow, speak to an adviser before selecting a rate. You can also compare the current Halifax mortgage options once you have a clearer idea of your borrowing needs.
Need help choosing a Halifax mortgage?
Our advisers can help you compare options and discuss lender criteria before you apply. Go Direct does not charge a broker fee. Arrange a free 10-minute call to discuss your options.
