Why are current mortgage rates so low?

Despite what some commentators are describing as a flat economic and mortgage market, many of our clients are still finding ways to purchase their dream home. Whether you are a first-time buyer, home mover or buy-to-let investor, now may actually be a great time to consider your options.

This is because of the current pricing competition amongst mortgage lenders – the competition intensified at the beginning of the year with a number of lenders cutting their rates, and this trend continued into the latter stages of 2019, resulting in current mortgage interest rates being at near record lows.

But why are interest rates so low?

There are a number of reasons why current mortgage rates are so low. The Bank of England sets interest rates, also known as the base rate, in response to current events and expected economic performance. The Bank of England base rate can sometimes influence how much other banks and lenders charge you to borrow money. The base rate is currently 0.75 per cent, far lower than the base rate before the financial crisis. However, despite the base rate having increased twice since November 2017, mortgage rates have remained at near-record lows.

So, the main reason for the low mortgage rates we are currently seeing is the price war amongst mortgage providers. A number of lenders cut their rates at the beginning of 2019 and the pace of cuts has been quickening in the last quarter of the year, according to Moneyfacts. In addition new figures released from Mortgage Brain’s quarterly product data analysis, two-year fixed mortgages have seen a reduction of between 3.71 per cent and 4.30 per cent in the last three months. And although smaller, five-year fixed rate mortgages have also seen reductions, with rates down between 0.46 per cent and 1.63 per cent in the same time period.

Finding the right mortgage with the right rate for you and your personal circumstances can be confusing, which is why seeking professional advice can be invaluable.

If you want to make the most of near-record low mortgage rates, please contact your mortgage adviser today.