The average interest rate for two-year and five-year fixed rate mortgages has dropped to the lowest levels since records began in 2007 according to the latest figures from Moneyfacts. That makes it a great time to remortgage.
We are currently averaging lower rates than last month’s record low rate following two emergency cuts made to the basic rate in response to COVID-19 – this is the interest rate that the bank sets for lending to other banks. The fall in the official cost of borrowing impacts swap rates upon which fixed-rates mortgages are based – and lenders have passed on the reduction in borrowing costs to their customers.
However, some banks and building societies have reviewed the level of risk they take in lending – this is due to the impact that COVID-19 is having on the UK economy.
With these record-breaking fixed rate deals, now is a great time to remortgage, especially if your deal is coming to the end. In addition, if you’re still sitting on your lenders’ SVR, you could save thousands per year by switching to an average two-year fixed rate deal. The gap between the cost of a two-year and a five-year fixed-rate deal has also narrowed so you could pay a lower premium for the peace of mind knowing what your mortgage repayment will be for the next five years.
However, the number of mortgage products to choose from has more than halved – from over 5,200 products to 2,500.
There are currently less products available to borrowers with a low amount of equity or small deposit – those with 5% can choose from 22 products compared to 279 previously available and the choice for those with a 10% has dropped from 563 to 50. That’s why it’s essential to talk to a mortgage broker to find the right deal.
Although lenders have increased rates on loans for people borrowing 95% of their home’s value, this is only a small rise of 0.04% for a five-year fixed rate and 0.1% for a two-year fixed rate and they are still open for business for this sector of the market.
Because lenders have cut rates for people borrowing 90% of their property’s value this shows that competition is still strong in this area even though there are fewer products available.
At The Mortgage Hub we can scour the whole market on your behalf and help you find the best deal and find out if your application will be accepted. Talk to us for advice – we are currently closed but still working remotely until it is safe to open.