Fixed-rate mortgages explained
Fixed-rate mortgages are typically available for both types of repayment method: interest-only and repayment. Each UK lender will have their own array of deals across a range of different time scales.
Generally,fixed-rate mortgage terms are set for at least one year. The most common fixed terms offered tend to be either 2 or 5 years, although you can also find 3 and 7 years fixed terms. Some lenders can agree to ten-year fixed-rate terms in certain circumstances.
How does a fixed-rate mortgage work?
With a fixed-rate mortgage, both the interest rate and the term are set at the outset by the lender. Regardless of what happens to the Bank of England’s base rate or your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), your fixed-rate will not change.
The clear benefit of a fixed-rate mortgage is the comfort of knowing that your mortgage payment will remain the same for the period of the offer, regardless of any interest rate volatility the market may be experiencing.
What options do I have at the end of my fixed-rate term?
At the end of the fixed-rate period you have a number of choices:
- Move onto your lender’s SVR mortgage rates
- Choose another fixed-rate mortgage deal with your existing lender
- Choose to remortgage with another lender offering a better fixed-rate deal
- Opt for a different type of deal altogether (tracker rate, capped rate, etc) either with your existing lender or remortgage with a new lender
If you allow your current fixed-rate mortgage deal to expire and move onto your lender’s SVR mortgage rate, it’s highly likely that there will be a difference between the two, therefore, you may see an increase in your payments at this point.
Your lender will usually contact you a few months before your fixed-rate period ends to discuss their suite of products available for you. At this stage, it’s usually wise to review what other deals are available from other UK lenders.
This is where we can help. The advisors we work with have an in-depth knowledge of the offers available across the UK mortgage market. If you get in touch we can arrange for an expert to contact you and help decide which offer is the best one for your circumstances.
How is interest calculated on a fixed-rate mortgage?
When a lender is calculating the interest you’ll be charged on a fixed-rate mortgage, they look at your creditworthiness and the level of risk they think they may be taking if they lend to you.
They will look at your credit rating, your age, your income and expenditure to assess your affordability and, sometimes, the type of property you’re purchasing could also influence the interest you’ll be charged.
There are online calculators which you can use to work out what a mortgage might cost you but they won’t give you a 100% accurate figure or be tailored to your needs and circumstances.
As discussed above, many mortgage lenders promote fixed-rate deals to attract new customers. These fixed rates will last for a set period of time, after which you’ll need to look for a new deal and remortgage or negotiate a new rate with the lender.
To get an accurate view of the best mortgage rate you could qualify for, make an enquiry and we’ll connect you with one of the expert brokers we work with. All the experts are whole-of-market mortgage brokers with access to lenders across the entire market.
They have the knowledge, experience and tools to know which lenders will give you the best mortgage rates and will work to save you time, money and hassle.
Are fixed-rate mortgages available for first-time buyers?
Yes. Buying your first house can be quite a daunting prospect, therefore, one of the benefits of opting for a fixed-rate mortgage deal is the peace of mind knowing exactly what your monthly payments are without fear that they could fluctuate.
Trying to find the best fixed-rate mortgage offers, particularly when you’re a first-time buyer, can prove to be quite an arduous task. Why not let us help?
If you get in touch we can arrange for a mortgage expert to help you through the whole process and find a fixed-rate mortgage offer that best suits your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that we haven’t answered yet, or want to find out more about fixed-rate mortgages? You’ll find more information in the sections below.
Can you make overpayments on a fixed-rate mortgage?
Yes, it’s possible. However, most lenders will place a cap on the amount you can overpay, normally 10% of the outstanding balance. The overpayment can usually be either through one off lump sums or as an addition to your regular monthly payments.
If you feel that you need a mortgage that offers complete flexibility to overpay without any restrictions, a standard variable mortgage (SVR) could be one viable option, although the amount you can overpay by will be at the lender’s discretion.
What is the impact of inflation on a fixed-rate mortgage?
The impact of inflation on a fixed-rate mortgage could be good or bad depending on whether it increases or decreases.
Rising inflation can cause the Bank of England’s base rate to rise, which subsequently causes UK lenders’ variable mortgage rates to follow suit. In this event, a fixed-rate mortgage could become a safe haven as your payments will not be affected during this period.
However, if inflation falls and, therefore, the base rate is reduced the knock-on effect could be that your fixed-rate mortgage deal is more expensive than some variable rate offers that become available as a result.
Can you have a part fixed and part variable mortgage?
Yes this is possible. Splitting your mortgage between both fixed and variable will naturally give you the best of both worlds. A fixed-rate will shield your mortgage payments from any significant rises in UK base rates whereas a variable rate will give you more flexibility to overpay, if you wish.
The perfect scenario would be to have a 50/50 split (half fixed, half variable mortgage) however, some lenders will allow you to favour one type of mortgage than the other. So, for example, you could have a mortgage that is 70% fixed and 30% variable.
If you’d like to know more about which lenders offer part fixed/part variable mortgages make an enquiry and one of the advisors we work with will get in touch.
Are fixed-rate mortgages portable?
Most mortgages are portable, including fixed-rate mortgages. However, depending on the circumstances it’s likely that early exit penalties will apply particularly if you want to move your mortgage midway through your fixed term to another provider.
It’s important to weigh up the reasons for wanting to move your mortgage and whether the long-term financial benefits outweigh any fees which may apply.
Read more about porting your mortgage in our in-depth article.
Speak to a mortgage expert
Fixed-rate mortgages are an extremely popular choice for many people, however, it can be difficult to identify the best offer that suits your particular circumstances.
If you’d like to speak with someone who can help you make an informed choice call us on 0808 189 2301 or make an enquiry online.
The advisors we work with have a wealth of experience in all areas of mortgage lending and deal with customers in your situation all the time.
