In past articles, we’ve written about the Bank of England’s Base Rate and LIBOR.

Here we look at what might happen to mortgages if the Bank of England take the unprecedented step of reducing mortgage rates below zero!

First of all, considering existing fixed rate deals, we are unlikely to see fixed rate mortgage rates fall, even if the Bank of England Base Rate goes negative. The clue is in the title. The rate agreed is fixed for an agreed term. Thereafter, most fixed rate deals revert either to the mortgage lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR) or to a rate linked to the Bank of England’s Base Rate or some other datum, plus a percentage.

Unfortunately, for borrowers, many mortgages have a collar below which the loan rate cannot fall, meaning that a negative Bank of England Base Rate would not affect the Borrower’s Rate.

Where there is no collar, loan rates might fall lower still, but it’s unlikely that they will fall much given the already historically low lending rates available today in the market.

In order to better establish if you are currently enjoying the best terms on your home loan, contact Mortgage Required for a free evaluation of the options open to you.

Related articles:

 

Recent posts

Many households are still being affected by the high cost of living, with several people worrying about how they can make ends meet on a monthly-basis. Unfortunately, the cost of bills including, water, council tax, and energy are still rising. Here are some things you can do.

The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant milestone designed to enhance the rights and protections of tenants in the rental market. This comprehensive bill aims to foster a more balanced and fair rental sector, ensuring that tenants can enjoy greater security and equitable treatment. It is likely to become law in late 2025.

Owning a buy-to-let property in your sole name versus through a limited company each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Data from Rightmove shows that Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey was the number one house price hotspot in 2024. The prices in this area climbed an impressive 12.5% - increasing from an average price of £527,005 in 2023 to £592,926 in 2024.

On the 31st October 2024 stamp duty for those purchasing additional properties increased by 2% from 3% to 5%.

From 1st April 2025 the threshold will be reducing from £250,000 to £125,000

Research from Metro shows that those who chose to move home didn’t actually move that far away. With a 430g pack of chicken costing on average almost double in London than the rest of the UK, it's no wonder some people are choosing a change of scenery to save a few pennies.

Following recent changes in the Buy to Let market, some investors may find this product less appealing. However, if done correctly, building a buy to let portfolio can be very profitable.

Helping you understand the upcoming changes in stamp duty (SDLT) from April 2025.