Head on over to the Nationwide Media Centre for some very useful advice. "FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF MORTGAGE DAY SEES CONSUMERS STILL BEING "RIPPED OFF"... reads the headline. But don't worry, because "Nationwide gives tips on how to avoid unnecessary mortgage fees and charges".

One of the important ones is: "Don't use a lender that keeps its best deals for 'brand new customers only'."

But we all know that, don't we? Because we're endlessly reminded, by this gentleman, off the telly:

So it's with more than a little surprise that the Rat and Mouse learns that, from December, Nationwide's best-deal 4.84% two-year fixed-rate deal will be available to, err, brand new customers only.

Rat and Mouse readers - we love you! [November 2, 2006]