As commentators remain concerned at the margins that are pushing up mortgage interest rates, lenders have also started sneaking in a few hidden charges. Here are four for starters:

1. You have to move your current account to your lender – and unless you pay in a specified minimum amount each month you get charged a monthly service fee a month for the account.

2. You have to buy the lenders home insurance package along with the mortgage. And don’t expect internet premiums – the lenders premium will be VERY expensive.

3. Very high redemption fees – as much as 2% - if you want to move your mortgage within a fixed number of years. This fee is charged if you move for a new deal – or if you move house.

4. Everyone is getting used to high application fees. What we now sometimes see is a lower “reservation fee” or a “booking fee” taking the place of the application fee - but watch out for sky high “completion fees”.

Our advice is if the promoted interest rate looks really keen, the lender will probably increase their income some other way – so be vigilant!

Remember the old adage – if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true!