Kiwibank has given notice that the six-month home special of 5.40% p.a. will end on Monday May 9, 2011. The rate will return to the pre-special rate of 5.75% p.a.

Kiwibank launched the special on 14 April, the lowest fixed rate it had offered since it was launched more than nine years ago.

Kiwibank Communications Manager Bruce Thompson said the introduction of short-term rate specials had proved very effective in attracting new business.

"When the six-month special was launched, we promised to hold it until the end of the month. We'll keep it open for the first week of May because we are still getting a big response from the home loan market."

Kiwibank is maintaining its floating rate on 5.65% p.a.