- Fixed Rate
- Discounted Rate
- Tracker Rate
- Adverse Credit
- Capped Rate
- Variable Rate
- Buy to Let
- Offset Mortgages
- Flexible Mortgages
- Cash Back Mortgages
- Libor Mortgages
- First Time Buyer
- 100 % Mortgages
- Best Remortgage
- Mortgage Top 10
- Mortgage Tables
- Mortgage Rates
- Mortgage Calculators
- Types of Mortgage Explained
- Which Mortgage Type Is Right For Me ?
- Mortgage Repayment Guide
- Remortgage Guide
- First Time Buyer Mortgages
- House Price Comparison
- How Much Can I Borrow
- Joint Ownership
Specialist UK Mortgages...
Long term fixed rates – Do they have a place in today’s market?
Julia Harris, mortgage analyst at moneyfacts.co.uk looks at the pros and cons of long term fixed rate mortgage deals.
“Since the Treasury’s call for more long term mortgage deals back in 2003, the market has been very slow to respond, until recently. The last few weeks have seen a flurry of new providers and products enter this market, offering what appear to be very competitive deals.
“Today still less than 20% of providers offer fixed rates greater than 10 years, offering 77 products in total. With over 15 times more short term products available, it is clear that the long term fixed rate market is still a relatively unpopular choice with the general public.
“Recent research by Mortgages Direct confirms 92% of all mortgages taken out this year have been on a fixed interest rate. But, as short term fixed rates become increasingly expensive and with fears of a further rate rise due shortly, long term fixed rate deals may become more appealing.
“With longer term swap rates sitting around 0.70 points below their short term counterparts, the cost to lenders is greatly reduced, but of course the risk is far greater. Today very similar interest rates can be found over two, five, 10 and even up to 25-year fixed rate deals.
“But the cost saving for the consumer lies with the fees; with short term deals you will frequently pay fees, both administration and exit, which are likely to continue to increase.
“From the consumer’s perspective it is good to see that over half of the long term fixed rates offer fully flexible features, which include the ability to over or under pay, to apply for payment holidays, and to have interest charged either daily or monthly. Cheshire BS products also provide repayment windows, within which you are free to repay lump sums without penalty.
“But fixing your rate over such a long period of time can be considered a gamble. A lot can happen within the economy and within your household over this time. While it is unlikely the economy can sustain lower rates for the longer term, macroeconomic influences, global changes and policy amendments could paint a different picture in the long term.
“Also should you need to redeem the mortgage, in most cases the redemption fees are ongoing throughout the whole of the fixed rate term. The only exception comes from Cheshire BS, whereby for the last four years are penalty free.
“For consumers looking for long term security, with the peace of mind that their mortgage repayments will remain at a level that they know they can afford, having this additional choice of products is welcomed. Undertaking a long term fixed rate mortgage commitment should be considered carefully, making use of independent professional advice to ensure you are fully aware of any product restrictions and fees. However, if long term rates do suit your circumstances, the current deals are very competitive.”
|
Lender |
Rate |
Period |
LTV |
Fee |
2 year deals |
Alliance & Leicester |
4.64% |
31.10.08 |
95% |
£799 |
Yorkshire BS |
4.74% |
31.1.09 |
95% |
£595 |
|
3 years deals |
Britannia BS |
4.99% |
For 3 years |
95% |
£399 |
Yorkshire BS |
4.98% |
31.1.10 |
95% |
£595 |
|
5 year deals |
Portman BS |
4.99% |
31.10.11 |
95% |
£499 |
Leeds BS |
4.99% |
31.12.11 |
90% |
£595 |
|
10 year deals |
Leeds BS |
4.97% |
30.11.16 |
90% |
£649 |
Woolwich |
4.98% |
31.1.17 |
80% |
£595 |
|
15 year deals |
Northern Rock |
5.29% |
30.11.21 |
85% |
£795 |
20 year deal |
Newcastle BS |
5.49% |
30.11.26 |
90% |
£499 |
25 year deal |
Kent Reliance BS |
5.15% |
25 years |
75% |
£495 |
www.moneyfacts.co.uk Figures correct at 12.10.06
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Moneyfacts Group
Moneyfacts is the UK’s leading independent provider of personal financial information and our data is used and trusted throughout the financial industry.
Regular Charts
We can supply you with regular weekly or one-off selection charts on many financial products including savings, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans. Our charts are independent, impartial, totally accurate and up to date.
Please call Andrew Hagger on 0870 2250 512 for further information.
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home, your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Go Direct.co.uk is a trading style for website purposes of Go Direct UK Ltd.
Go Financial Services is a trading style of Go Direct UK Ltd which is an appointed representative of Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales Company 5703224. FCA Number 456600
We normally do not charge a fee for mortgage advice, however this is dependent on your circumstances. Our typical fee would be £349