06/02/2025
Hi all...
Today the Bank of England reduced the base rate from 4.75% down to 4.50%, a reduction of 0.25%
How could this affect your mortgage?
If you are now on a fixed rate mortgage there will be no effect because your rate remains the same
If you are on a tracker rate, your interest rate will also reduce by 0.25% because a tracker rate follows changes in the base rate. Your payment should reduce swiftly.
If you are on a lenders variable rate, it is up to the lender whether to follow any changes in the base rate. They are not obliged to.
If you are on a LIBOR rate (quite rare), there will be no direct consequence
If you are considering a new mortgage, whether to purchase or remortgage...
New fixed rates will not necessarily reduce; they are not directly linked to current interest rates. They are priced more in line with what expected future interest rates could be. At present, some lenders are reducing their fixed rates whilst others are increasing theirs. It's a topsy turvy world out there!!
New tracker mortgage interest rates will continue to follow the base rate. They will now reduce by 0.25% meaning a reduced mortgage payment
New variable rate mortgages will continue to be at the discretion of the lender because that is what they do
New LIBOR mortgages will not be directly influenced by changes in the base rate
IMPORTANT: if you have applied for a mortgage (or Product Switch) and it has not yet started, and if that lender has now reduced its interest rates, you may be able to apply for that new rate to replace the rate you've already applied for.
At RAW MORTGAGES we do our utmost to be proactive by checking the rates we have applied for on behalf of our clients, and if they reduce, we'll act accordingly. We do though ask our clients to contact us because with the amount of clients we have and the number of applications being submitted, we can't always do this, so if we have arranged a mortgage for you, to be on the safe side, be in touch and ask us to review. Well do this immediately.
If you are reading this, and have applied for a mortgage or Product Switch, but not with RAW MORTGAGES, speak with whomever advised your mortgage.
Hope this may help to clarify.
Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.