10/06/2026
Fixed or tracker — it is one of the most common questions we get asked. And the honest answer is: it depends. Here are the 5 questions you need to answer before you decide.
5 — How long are you planning to stay in the property?
Fixed rate deals typically run for 2, 3, or 5 years. If you are planning to move or remortgage within that window, you may face early repayment charges on a fixed deal. Tracker mortgages often come with no early repayment charges — giving you more flexibility if your plans might change.
4 — Can your budget absorb a rate rise?
Tracker mortgages follow the Bank of England base rate. When the base rate goes up, your monthly payment goes up. If your budget is already stretched and a rise of even £100 per month would cause real difficulty, a fixed rate gives you the certainty you need.
3 — Where do you think interest rates are heading?
This is the market timing question. When rates are expected to fall, a tracker can end up costing you less over time as your payments follow them down. When rates are rising or uncertain, locking in a fixed rate protects you from increases. This question alone is why speaking to a broker who watches the market daily is worth more than any online calculator.
2 — What are the early repayment charges on each option?
Fixed rate mortgages typically carry ERCs of 1–5% of the outstanding balance if you leave the deal early. On a £200,000 mortgage, that is up to £10,000. Always know your exit costs before you commit to any product.
1 — What does the current market actually favour right now?
This is the question only a broker who is actively placing mortgages every week can answer properly. The right choice between fixed and tracker shifts with the market, with your lender's specific products, and with your personal circumstances. There is no universal answer — only the right answer for you, at this moment, with the options currently available.
Comment FIXED or TRACKER below — and we will tell you what we would recommend for the current market based on your situation.
Or book a free call via the link in bio.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage