Tag : fixed rate mortgages

Interest Rates

Interest Rate Rise

Interest Rate Rise

In 2007 Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union, Lewis Hamilton got his first drive in Formula 1 partnering with Fernando Alonso at McLaren, the final book in the Harry Potter series was published and England played their first match at the new Wembley Stadium.

It was also the year in which the Bank of England last raised interest rates, when they went up by 0.25%.

That all changed on 2 November 2017 when The Bank of England voted to raise UK interest rates for the first time in over a decade, to 0.5%.

So how could an interest rate rise of 0.25% affect you?
In the short term, both borrowers and savers could see a modest effect on finances. Savers are likely to be pleased with the welcome boost even if the increase is small. Borrowers however will be less pleased as they could see their mortgage repayments rise.

Impact on borrowers
Higher interest will mean that those on Standard Variable Rates (SVR) or Trackers Rates will see their mortgage repayments rise. On a mortgage of £125,000 an increase of 0.25% would result in payments increasing by £15 a month (£185 a year).

Those with larger mortgages will in turn see a larger payment increase. Those with a mortgage balance of £250,000 will see their monthly payments increased by £31 (£369 a year). However, the 57% of borrowers on a fixed rate deal will be unaffected during their fixed term.

These figures might not seem much in isolation, but borrowers should also be aware that higher interest rates could impact other borrowing, like credit cards, car credit or unsecured loans.

There’s also the prospect that rates could continue to rise over the long-term. If we hit 1%, the monthly repayments on a £125,000 mortgage would go up by £78.48, and £161.69 if the rate doubled to 2%.

If you’re concerned about the impact of higher interest rates on your mortgage repayments you may want to consider a fixed-rate deal, especially if you’re currently on SVR. Remember, if you’re already on a fixed-rate deal you may face higher repayments when the term ends. Make sure you diarise when that’s due to happen and get in touch so that we can discuss whether the best option is to remortgage.

Impact on savers
According to research there’s no standard savings account on the market that can outpace inflation, in fact the average easy-access savings account is currently paying 0.35% interest.

If the Bank of England increases the base rate savers may be able to find better returns to keep up with rising inflation. However, as with mortgages, those already on a fixed rate will not see higher rates until the term ends.

Whether you’re a saver or a borrower, we’d love to help you make more of your money. Get in touch to find out how.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Mortgages

Mortgage-savvy millennials

Mortgage-savvy millennials

When it comes to their mortgage, are younger people making better financial decisions than their older counterparts?

The term ‘millennial generation’ applies to people born somewhere between 1980 and 2000, a 20-year span which also saw a huge rise in property prices. At the start of 1980, the average house price was £22,677, but by the end of 2000 this had risen to £81,628. Today the figure stands at £209,971.

A recent study shows the dramatic rise in property prices means just one in five 25-year-olds can afford to buy a property, and the average age of a first-time buyer in the UK has been pushed up to 30. Despite the financial challenges, almost three quarters of UK millennials intend to buy their first home in the next five years.

Repayment vs interest-only
The millennials who’ve bucked the trend and already made the first rung of the housing ladder obviously prefer the concept of reducing their loan month by month, with the vast majority (92%) of 18-34 year olds choosing a repayment mortgage, compared with 68% of those aged 55 and over.

Fixed rate
Younger borrowers also seem to prefer to know what their mortgage repayments are going to be, with nearly 70% opting for a fixed-rate deal compared with 35% of their older counterparts. They also seem happy to shop around, with a quarter remortgaging to potentially reduce their monthly payments, whereas 82% of those aged 55 and over have stuck with the same mortgage.

Offset mortgages also appear to be more attractive to younger generations with one third of 18-34 year olds taking out an offset mortgage (where they will use their savings to either reduce the term or repayments on their mortgage) compared to just 11% of over 55s.

If there is a conclusion to be made from these statistics it could be that millennials are more savvy when it comes to their mortgage, but remember, interest rates have remained at record lows for nearly ten years; something that’s very much in their favour.

Figures correct as at September 2017

Whatever age you are, whether you’re looking to buy for the first time, remortgage or move up the housing ladder, please get in touch to see how we can find the right mortgage for you.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

conveyancing

How to choose a good conveyancer

Conveyancing is an important part of the home buying process, and it’s important to note it’s required when both buying and selling a property.

So what should you consider when choosing a property solicitor to carry out your conveyancing? It’s important to use a qualified property solicitor who’ll be able to take care of a range of issues on your behalf, including:

Read More
fixed rate mortgage

Thinking of fixing your mortgage?

Thinking of fixing your mortgage?

If you think an increase in your mortgage repayments could have a negative impact on your lifestyle or financial wellbeing, you may want to consider fixing your mortgage.

With a fixed rate mortgage, your payments are set at a certain level for an agreed period, regardless of whether your lender changes its Standard Variable Rate (SVR). Such an increase typically occurs when the Bank of England Base Rate starts to climb.

Fixed rate mortgages can offer protection from rate rises for an agreed period, but there are several considerations you’ll need to think about before making your decision.

Predictable repayments – but you won’t benefit from rate cuts
With a tracker mortgage, your monthly payment fluctuates in line with a rate that’s equal to, higher, or lower than a chosen Base Rate (usually the Bank of England Base Rate). The rate charged on the mortgage ‘tracks’ that rate, usually for a set period of two to three years.

Tracker rates might be more appealing if you don’t have a fixed budget and can tolerate higher mortgage payments if rates rise, whilst being able to benefit from reduced monthly mortgage payments if rates go down.

But with a fixed rate mortgage, the rate (and therefore your repayments) will stay the same for an agreed period. A fixed rate mortgage makes budgeting much easier because your payments will not change – even if interest rates go up. However, it also means you won’t benefit if rates go down.

Longer fixed terms will be more expensive

If you choose a fixed rate mortgage, you’ll need to decide how long you want your fixed rate to last. Two-year fixed rate mortgages typically offer the lowest initial interest rate. If you want to fix your interest rate for longer, you will probably pay more
for that longer-term security. This may be worthwhile in return for predictable repayments, or you might choose to take the lower rate for a shorter timeframe if you expect that your financial position will improve by the time the deal ends.

A change in circumstances could cost you
Do you have any known changes on the horizon that will have an impact on your mortgage?

With a fixed rate mortgage, you could face an early repayment charge if you repay all or a certain percentage of the mortgage during the fixed rate period.

If you have no known changes and want to benefit from a longer period of security, then a longer term fixed rate of five years may appeal. It might cost more initially, but you’ll benefit from knowing that your budget is fixed for that period.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Don’t be drawn into trying to second guess what will happen with interest rates over the coming years. We can help you come to the most appropriate decision for your next mortgage.