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The new RBS products include a five year fixed rate purchase mortgage at 6.69 per cent, as well as two year and five year fixed rate deals at 6.84 per cent and 6.89 per cent respectively under the First Active brand.

RBS has also increased the rates on a number of its fixed rate purchase and remortgage deals.

However, the announcement comes as lenders face increasing criticism for raising rates and the cost of various fixed-rate deals.

Research by MoneyExpert.com has revealed that application fees for fixed rate have rocketed, with the number of fixed rate mortgage products charging application fees of more than £750 increasing by 14 times in the past 18 months. (See story.)

Meanwhile, the BBC has reported that 14 lenders have increased the cost of various fixed-rate deals this week, with the average cost of a two-year deal, for 90 per cent loan-to-value, had now risen to 6.75 per cent.

RBS director of intermediary mortgages Chris Pearson said: "Talking to our business partners, there seems to be a requirement for some longer term deals within the range so we have introduced a couple of competitively priced five year fixed rate products.

"We are also pleased to report that advisers can expect a much improved service from RBS Intermediary Partners following a period of strong focus in this critical area of the business.

"We have been able to inform mortgage advisers that it now only takes up to five working days – down from ten - for an underwriting decision to be given once we have received a fully packaged application."