Home buyers on the hunt for better mortgage rates are increasingly likely to find them at local bank and building society branches – as lenders are putting restrictions on their agreements with brokers in a bid to tighten their lending standards.

To date, the most attractive deals on offer for both variable and fixed-rate mortgages are available through the Skipton Building Society, Natwest, Mansfield Building Society. These and other local lenders have reduced their direct rates, in order to have more control over mortgage approvals.