Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals mortgage product choice saw its largest reduction in over a year and the average shelf-life of a mortgage plummeted to just 17 days.
Product choice overall fell month-on-month to 6,402 options, the biggest month-on-month reduction since July 2023.
Product numbers are substantially higher than two years ago, as choice was significantly impacted in the aftermath of the fiscal announcement (November 2022 – 3,117).
The average shelf-life of a mortgage product dropped to 17 days, down from 21 days a month prior.
AVERAGE MORTGAGE RATES
Meanwhile average mortgage rates on the overall 2-year fixed rate dipped by 0.01% and the 5-year fixed rate rose by 0.02% to 5.39% and 5.09% respectively.
The average 2-year fixed rate is 0.30% higher than the five-year equivalent. The two-year fixed rate has now been higher than the five-year equivalent since October 2022.
The average 2-year tracker variable mortgage rose slightly to 5.71%.
The average ‘revert to’ rate or Standard Variable Rate (SVR) fell to 7.95%. In comparison, the highest recorded was 8.19% during November and December 2023.
DISAPPOINTED BORROWERS
Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, says: “Borrowers will be disappointed to see product volatility within the mortgage market, as choice plummeted and the shelf-life of a deal plunged to 17 days, down from 21 days month-on-month.
“These moves make it essential for prospective borrowers to act quickly to secure a new deal. There will be many borrowers coming off a cheap rate in the months ahead, so it’s imperative they seek a new offer and not default onto an expensive revert rate.”
She adds: “A longer-term fixed deal may be popular for peace of mind, but borrowers may remain on the fence on fixing for longer. There are expectations that the Bank of England will bring down base rate further next year, but recent events have led to uncertainty on fixed rate pricing. Swap rates have been on the rise since the Budget and lenders will traditionally increase fixed rates in response.”
SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT
Springall says first-time buyers looking to secure a deal will find a slight improvement in the availability of products at 95% loan-to-value month-on-month with the average 2- and 5-year fixed rates at this LTV ratio falling.
But she adds: “However, the outlook for would-be buyers might not be very rosy, as fixed rates are forecasted to climb next year and the nil-rate threshold on stamp duty for first-time buyers will drop to £300,000 in March.
“It’s evident then, that new buyers will want to rush to make this window of opportunity, but this will be a hurdle if they have not accumulated a hefty deposit.”
MORTGAGE AFFODABILITY
She says: “Mortgage affordability remains a key issue for these borrowers, but their importance to keep the market moving is undeniable. It is essential lenders make every effort to support these borrowers while also encouraging their existing customers to secure a new deal.
“Lenders will no doubt be keeping a very close eye on the markets over the coming weeks and any borrowers concerned about mortgage affordability should seek independent advice with haste.
“As we have seen over the past month, mortgage deals are never guaranteed to last very long, and should this situation prolong, it poses a challenge for borrowers who are not quick off the mark.”
