Woolwich Mortgage

If you've looked at the mortgages from Barclays, you've looked at the Woolwich's portfolio: when you buy a mortgage from Barclays, you're buying a Woolwich mortgage. The site is easy to use but feels unfriendly, and first time buyers requiring a 100% mortgage will need to look elsewhere.

Choosing a mortgage can be scary, and the Woolwich mortgage site doesn't make things any less so; while it's easy enough to use, the site is very impersonal and doesn't go out of its way to help you choose the right product. However if you know what you're looking for, rates are decent – as low as 4.5% APR on an offset mortgage – and the application process is reasonably straightforward.

If you've got unusual requirements, a Woolwich mortgage probably isn't for you: first time buyers can't borrow 100%, and the type of borrowing is limited to just two things: buying your main home, or remortgaging your home. It's a similar story if you're trapped in negative equity; there's a minimum 5% deposit on all mortgages and you can't borrow more than your home is worth. The site doesn't cater for buy to let customers either.

• Woolwich Mortgage Website