Mortgage Rate

When looking for a mortgage, it's essential to understand the different products that are available so you can be sure you get the right one for you. Lenders offer different interest rate options and this will affect your monthly payments. So choosing the right deal could save you money.

With so many product choices available it is essential you get professional indepenedent advice.

Types of mortgage products available:

Standard Variable Rate Mortgage

With this mortgage, your payments will go up and down as the lender's standard variable rate goes up or down. Usually any changes in the lenders variable rate will be in line with movements in the Bank of England base rate. The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee reviews this rate on a monthly basis.

Is it right for me?

Yes - if you can afford to pay more when mortgage interest rates go up and want to take advantage of lower payments if rates fall.

No - if during the early years you would be unable to cope if repayments increased because of rising interest rates.

Base Rate Tracker Mortgage

This is similar to a variable rate mortgage. But the interest rate will go up and down exactly in line with any changes in the Bank of England base rate. Your mortgage payments will go up and down too as the interest rate changes. The tracker period is usually for a specified time, which can be from one year up to the lifetime of the mortgage loan. At the end of the tracker period, your mortgage interest rate will change to the lenders standard variable rate. This product may carry an early repayment charge.

Is it right for me?

Yes - if you want to be sure your mortgage rate falls by the same amount as the Bank of England base rate falls, but the drawback is the mortgage rate also rises in step when the base rate increases.

No - if you find yourself locked into a rate above the base rate, which may be higher than the standard variable rate.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

Your mortgage interest rate is fixed for a set period only, during which your mortgage payments will stay the same. At the end of the fixed rate period, your mortgage interest rate will change to the lender's standard variable rate. Fixed rate mortgages are usually available for between one and ten years, however they can be available for longer periods depending on market conditions. This product may carry an early repayment charge.