Published: 8/7/2010
The Bank of Scotland has a fantastic opportunity for first time buyers saving a deposit for their first home – doubled up savings.
The way this works is that savers who regularly deposit money into a Bank of Scotland savings account, up to a maximum amount saved of GBP5,000, will have the balance matched by the home builder Persimmon. The one proviso is that this only happens if the savings are used as a deposit on a new house.
A spokesman from the housebuilder saw it as making a real difference for first time buyers, though they would still need a considerable amount saved elsewhere in order to make the 25 percent minimum deposit most mortgage providers require. The Bank of Scotland are also in favour of the scheme as they want to help home buyers as much as they can.
Although we are always told that saving should be one of the first things we do the latest survey results from the Nationwide Building Society show that only a quarter of us are ranking it highly. The main reason for this at the moment has to be the cost of living, which is changing the focus of the population towards covering the rising costs of bills rather than saving. This is supported by an aspect of the Nationwide Building Society study that showed how over 60 percent of people felt they were not saving enough. In real terms this is the time when people should save even harder than usual. Looking at an uncertain future consumers really need to be building up a resource they can call upon should they face unexpected costs. The Nationwide Building Society, along with most other financial institutions, suggests having enough cash to manage for around three months.
The Halifax has just announced that the Web Saver Extra savings account it offers will have an increased rate of interest, up now to 6.35 percent gross. The increased rate offer is applicable to all customers be they new or existing ones and it is valid on balances as little as GBP1, the minimum amount needed to open the account, up to GBP100,000. Halifax Web Saver Extra account holders are able to manage their savings online and are allowed one withdrawal each year without affecting their interest payment. Any subsequent withdrawals will see thirty days loss of interest on the value of the withdrawal. This particular Halifax savings account has been very popular with customers enjoying an excellent rate of interest, payment of which is made annually and added to the account.
Tesco Finance has just announced an improved rate for its internet saver account, paying 6.25 percent AER for 12 months. The finance arm of Tesco has brought in a 12 month additional interest bonus of 1.5 percent, enabling them to bring this outstanding rate to the market. As a spokesman for the company said, this offer could not be timed any better, since consumers are now looking for the best savings rates possible as they look to make the most of their money. Customers can invest up to GBP100,000 in the Tesco Finance Savings Account, enjoying the bonus interest rate for the first 12 months, after which it will revert to its regular 4.75 percent AER.