"Borrowers will find rates are significantly lower compared to six months ago, when the average two and five-year fixed rates were 0.67% and 0.58% higher respectively."
- Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts
Average two and five-year fixed mortgage rates have risen again this month, but more modestly compared to a month prior, according to the latest figures from Moneyfacts.
Mortgage rates remain lower than in January 2024, but rose modestly between the start of March and the start of April, to 5.80% and 5.39% respectively.
The average SVR remained at 8.18%, just shy of the highest recorded (8.19%) during November and December 2023, while the average two-year tracker variable mortgage fell to 6.14%.
Product choice overall rose month-on-month, to 6,307 options, its highest level since February 2008.
The availability of deals at the 90% LTV tier increased for a second consecutive month (774) and is now at its highest point in over four years (779 – March 2020). The number of deals at 95% LTV rose for a fourth consecutive month (335) and stands at its highest count in almost two years (347 – June 2022).
The average shelf-life of a mortgage product stabilised to 22 days, up from 15 days at the start of March 2024. The lowest shelf-life average on Moneyfacts records was 12 days in July 2023.
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said: “Fixed mortgage rates have continued on an upward trajectory, but the rises to the overall average two and five-year fixed mortgage rates were much more modest. The volatility surrounding the shelf-life of mortgage products also stabilised. These are encouraging signs for borrowers concerned about rising interest rates and the short window of opportunity to secure a new deal. It is worth noting that both the average two and five-year fixed rates are lower than they were back at the start of 2024. Borrowers will find rates are significantly lower compared to six months ago, when the average two and five-year fixed rates were 0.67% and 0.58% higher respectively.
“Mortgage product availability continues to thrive, with the overall choice of residential products reaching its highest point in over 16 years. Deeper analysis shows that the number of deals available at higher loan-to-value ratios rose. Indeed, at 90% loan-to-value, the number of deals increased for a consecutive month, as did deals at 95% loan-to-value. There are now 1,109 deals at these ratios combined, positive news for borrowers with a limited deposit or equity. The growth in choice is good news for first-time buyers, who may be struggling to find an affordable property. Those with limited deposits will find the cost to borrow at higher loan-to-values across the two- and five-year fixed rates rose month-on-month, with the average two-year fixed rates at 90% and 95% breaching 6%.
“Despite rising fixed rates, the incentive to refinance with a fixed rate mortgage is a sensible option when the average Standard Variable Rate (SVR) is over 8%. However, borrowers who will come off a two or five-year fixed rate this year may be paying between 2.50% and up to 3% more in interest on their mortgage on average. Indeed, in April 2022, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.86%, and in April 2019 the average five-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.88%."
