HBOS to raise Halifax mortgage rates

LONDON, April 4 (Reuters) - Britain's biggest mortgage provider HBOS Plc (HBOS.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is to raise mortgage rates on Monday and introduce a new pricing band that will raise rates for customers with small deposits.

The new pricing band will provide cheaper loans for customers with a deposit of over 25 percent, however.

HBOS, owner of the Halifax brand and provider of one in five UK mortgages, said on Friday mortgage rates will also rise. "There is some pricing upwards but it's very much in line with the market," a spokesman said.

(Reporting by Steve Slater)