THE UK has seen 14 executive base rate rises since 2021, we have entered a cost-of-living crisis and seen the housing market fluctuate more than ever causing homeowners across the country facing the daunting decision of whether to fix their mortgage or not.
The prospect of a mortgage rate increase can be alarming, causing many to ponder the best course of action to secure their financial stability.
In this blog, we will delve into the current state of the UK housing market, the impact of changing base rates on mortgages, and the pros and cons of fixing your mortgage to help you make an informed decision.
The Current Market and Base Rate Rises:
Let’s start with the base rate, the base rate is the interest rate set by the Bank of England for lending to other banks and is generally used by banks to benchmark their interest rates.
Since 2021 the Bank Of England have increased the base rate 14 times in a row, now peaking (so far) at 5.25%.
Despite the increase of the base rate keeping the UK out of a recession, the UK are still facing a cost of living crisis. For many the increase of monthly mortgage repayments are meaning they are having to rethink they’re budget and ‘shop savvy’ for new mortgage deals.
The average fixed rate deal is set to remain above 4% until 2026.
Should You Fix?
A fixed-rate mortgage is a mortgage loan where the interest rate on the note remains the same through the term of the loan, as opposed to loans where the interest rate may adjust.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re mortgage repayments are facing a £500 increase, this can be a cause for concern and this may prompt you to look at fixing your mortgage deal and securing a better date.
Lets take a look at some of the pros and cons of a fixed rate mortgage to help you decide!
Pros of Fixing Your Mortgage:
- Certainty and Stability: By fixing your mortgage, you gain peace of mind knowing that your monthly repayments will remain constant for the fixed term. This stability can help you budget and plan your finances more effectively.
- Protection Against Rate Increases: As the base rate fluctuates, your fixed mortgage rate remains unaffected, safeguarding you from potential payment shocks.
- Long-term Planning: If you intend to stay in your current property for several years, fixing your mortgage can provide financial security over an extended period.
Cons of Fixing Your Mortgage:
- Limited Flexibility: Fixing your mortgage ties you to a specific interest rate and term, making it challenging to benefit from potential rate reductions during the fixed period.
- Early Repayment Charges: If you choose to sell your property or refinance before the fixed term expires, you may incur early repayment charges, which can be substantial
How We Can Support and Help You Find A Solution:
Our team are experts at what they do.
At first we’ll take some basic information from you and assign a dedicated adviser and case manager to you. Our team will understand your financial position if you feel like your mortgage is increasing, work out your affordability and let you know the most suitable deals for you.
Our friendly team will support you step by step, making sure you understand what’s going on at all times.
The last thing you need is to start searching online late at night for which deal might be the best for your next mortgage, or if your income still stacks up the way it should in the affordability calculators.
That’s why we’re here, to do all the heavy lifting for you and see you comfortably through the process
For further information or to secure your mortgage in principle give us a call on 01925 573 328 or fill out the form and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
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