Halifax has told brokers it will be cutting rates on home mover and first-time buyer products by up to 19 basis points on Friday.

The lender says it will be making the reductions on two and five-year fixed rates.

John Charcol mortgage technical manager Nicholas Mendes says it is welcome news after official data today has been more of “a dampener for the mortgage market”.

He says:“Today’s inflation data unfortunately means markets will be pricing in a prolonged hold, meaning mortgage rates will remain slightly higher for a bit longer.

“It’s important to note that until an official bank rate cut happens, lenders will exhibit mixed attitudes as we are likely to see a period of rate adjustments over the coming weeks.”