Should I go for a two-year or five-year fixed rate?

Choosing which fixed rate to go for has been a dilemma for many of our clients so far this year. There really isn’t a right or wrong answer, but below we look into the pros and cons of a two-year and a five-year fixed rate to help make the right decision for you.

Two-year fixed rate

Pros

  • Greater flexibility - this could be suitable for those who are expecting changes in their financial situation, or looking to move in the short term
  • Opportunity to benefit if rates go down

Cons

  • Frequently having to remortgage - it is likely you will pay a lender fee to secure the product each time which will add up
  • Uncertainty - you will have less protection against changes in mortgage rates

Five-year fixed rate

Pros

  • Long-term stability which could provide peace of mind
  • Ability to financially plan and budget your monthly mortgage costs are going to be each month irrespective to any changes in the mortgage market

Cons

  • Less flexibility
  • Not ideal for those expecting changes in their financial situation, or those planning to move
  • Potentially higher penalties for overpayments or ending your mortgage term early

You could even hedge your bets and consider going for a three-year fixed rate. Make sure you look at the differences between the current fixed rates to help you make an informed decision about which rate suits you best.

Remember to contact the friendly team at Mortgage Required who have access to whole of market, therefore, we can help to find you the best available rate: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com

Recent posts

A mortgage ‘stress test’ revolves around predicting future ‘affordability’. It is seen by many borrowers as just another hurdle to overcome, but it’s important to understand why it was introduced and who it is meant to protect.

There are several scenarios for a landlord where standard buy-to-let lending isn’t enough for their investment. For more complex properties, ownership structures, or borrowing circumstances, a specialist buy-to-let mortgage may provide options that are not available through mainstream lenders.

Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.

Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has announced a new measure to protect leaseholders in England and Wales from high fees and poorly regulated property management companies.

Saturday 26th September, Andy Burnham announced a new equity loan scheme called “Your First Home”. The scheme, which will be confirmed at next month’s budget, is aimed at first-time buyers looking to purchase a new-build property from a developer signed up to the scheme.

Losing your job or finding yourself ‘between jobs’ is, unsurprisingly, a stressful place to be. Keeping a cool head and taking action is important.

This price gap between the cost of houses and flats is the biggest it has ever been. Houses are now costing 1.7 times more than a flat, which is 0.4 times higher than 10 years ago

Take a look at our list of houses vs. flats per area.

We have seen several lenders increase their mortgage rates over the last couple of weeks. This suggests mortgage rates are likely to rise.

Although nothing is set in stone, lender repricing, rising swap rates, and continued economic uncertainty suggest borrowers should prepare for higher mortgage costs.