First direct experienced its busiest weekend so far this year following the introduction of its simplified £99 fee for all mortgages.

The new flat structure, introduced as part of the bank’s Summer Sale, has eliminated much of the confusion caused by varying fees on many mortgage products in the market, the HSBC brand has claimed.

Richard Tolchard, senior product manager for first direct, said: “It’s a challenge for consumers looking at all the hundreds of mortgages available and we know we offer some of the cheapest mortgages in the market. Customers clearly like the clarity of our low rate low fee deals.”””