Earlier this month the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney hinted that interest rates could rise as early as the end of this year.
In his speech Mr Carney said that it didn’t seem unreasonable that once normalisation begins, rates will increase slowly and gradually from their current level of 0.5 per cent to around 2.25 per cent – still way way below the historical average interest rate of 4.5 per cent.
Well Mr Carney, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to me either, I remember the 90’s when rates peaked around 15.5%!
Although the Monetary Policy Committee usually consider economic activity, household debt and core inflation when adjusting interest rates. Throw the cost of oil bringing deflation down, trouble in the Eurozone and the distance between the two main parties here at home into the mix and I am not sure Mr Carney will get the normalisation he is looking for by Christmas.
In the meantime, its business as usual for the country’s major mortgage lenders, who seem to have largely ignored the warning. Fixed rates remain stubbornly low at circa 2% for 2 years and 3% for 5 years. If you are not intending on changing your house or spouse any time soon, I would personally recommend Barclay’s 10 year fixed rate which comes in at an amazing 2.99%!
However, if you are still on a variable rate, you have been warned!!
For more information or to speak to a mortgage advisor contact us on 01628 507477.
Homebuying reform to cut homebuying times by around four weeks, and save first-time buyers around £650, says the government.
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but it can also be a complex process. There are several factors a first-time buyer should consider before making an offer on a property, including understanding the difference between leasehold and freehold and checking council tax bands.
We’ve detailed some questions you can ask your estate agent to help you make an informed decision.
Yesterday
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.
3 days ago
Remortgaging means switching to a new mortgage deal. This will either be with your current lender or a new one.
Getting advice and moving to a new deal when the time is right can mean lower monthly mortgage payments, better interest rates, or releasing equity from your property.
Here are some signs it may be time to remortgage.
According to Nationwide Building Society’s latest House Price Index, house prices dropped 0.6% month on month in May – the first monthly decline this year.
19 May 2026
Research from Lloyds identifies the most affordable areas in the UK for first-time buyers to be able to get onto the property ladder.
On Wednesday, 13th May, King Charles delivered his speech at the House of Lords, outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.
Here is a summary of the housing and energy/environment points.
From 18th May 2026, Halifax (part of Lloyds Banking Group) is launching a ‘£5k Deposit mortgage’ to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder sooner.