Price comparison website Gocompare.com has urged first time buyers to think carefully before jumping into the latest phase of the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

RBS and Natwest are offering a two year, fixed rate mortgage beginning at 4.99% for those with a 5% deposit, with no fee, while Halifax will be taking applications in a few days at a rate of 5.19%, for those who have a 5% deposit, but with a fee of £995.

Other major banks and building societies such as HSBC and Virgin Money said they would join the scheme in a few months.

Steve Williams, Gocompare.com’s mortgage spokesperson, said: “It speaks volumes about Help to Buy that other major lenders haven’t signed up to the scheme yet. There is a definite sense that they are waiting to get some clarity on how the scheme will work and to see how many people apply for the mortgages.

“A 95% loan to value mortgage is very rare in the current market, but the rates on offer are still relatively high when you consider that there are other deals out there at the moment offering interest rates as low as 1.99% to 2.5% for a two-year fixed mortgage. However, to get that rate you would need a 65% to 75% deposit.

“Even if you haven’t got a large deposit you still need to shop around, examine the market, get some expert advice and make sure that this is the right mortgage for you.

“But, if you have already saved as much as you can for your deposit, and a 95% mortgage won’t stretch your monthly outgoings, then Help to Buy is definitely worth considering, but go in with your eyes open. This scheme isn’t a panacea for the housing market and it may not be for you either.”