In a welcome turn of events, borrowers in the UK have finally received some positive news, as the average rates on new two- and five-year fixed mortgages have seen a slight decline for the first time since May. This development comes in the wake of the unexpected drop in UK inflation in June, which has led to speculation that the Bank of England may not increase interest rates as significantly as previously anticipated. The movement in fixed-rate mortgage deals is closely connected to the predictions about future interest rate hikes.
According to data provided by Moneyfacts, a reputable financial data provider, the average rate for a new two-year fixed-rate deal has now decreased from 6.81% to 6.79%, marking a modest but encouraging drop. Similarly, the typical rate on a new five-year fixed mortgage has nudged down to 6.31% from 6.33% within a day.
The continuous rise in the cost of new mortgage deals has put immense pressure on prospective homebuyers and those nearing the end of their fixed-term agreements. However, the recent data offers a glimmer of hope for some, suggesting that fixed rates may have reached their peak. It is, however, important to approach this development with caution, as it remains uncertain whether these small declines indicate the beginning of a lasting trend or are merely a temporary blip.
The pricing of fixed-rate mortgages has been on a rollercoaster ride in recent months. In late September last year, the average new two-year fixed rate hovered around 4.75%. However, by the start of November, it had surged to 6.47%. In the subsequent months, rates gradually receded as the markets stabilized. Unfortunately, they were once again jolted by the lower-than-expected drop in UK inflation at the end of May, leading to a renewed upward trajectory. Currently, the average two-year rate is inching closer to 7%.
The official data released on Wednesday revealed that the UK inflation rate eased to 7.9% in June. Had the rate remained above 8%, some economists had speculated that the Bank of England might opt for another half-point increase in interest rates next month, bringing the current level of 5% even higher. However, the latest indicators point towards a more conservative quarter-point rise.
Mortgage brokers and specialists are split over whether we have seen the peak for fixed-rates, some believe it may be a while before prices start to come down, however those on the optimistic side believe we may gave just seen the peak.
Overall, these recent developments offer a glimmer of hope for borrowers who have been grappling with high mortgage rates. As the situation unfolds in the coming months, it remains to be seen whether the declines will be sustained, providing some much-needed relief for homebuyers and mortgage holders.
Peter Austin
Peter is a writer and photographer with a great interest in property, design, and the economy.
