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Choosing Between a 2 or 5 Year Fixed Mortgage

Key Highlights

  • UK homeowners are starting to see some good news as mortgage rates continue to drop. As of this month, the average rate for a two-year fixed mortgage is now 4.93%, which is slightly lower than last week’s rate of 4.98%. For a five-year fixed mortgage, the lowest rate available has fallen to 3.70%, down from 3.77%.
  • Fixed-rate mortgages give you financial stability by keeping your monthly payments the same, which helps protect you from any future changes to the Bank of England base rate. But, like most things, fixed-rate mortgages have downsides too. They may come with higher interest rates than variable-rate mortgages and offer less flexibility if you want to switch to a more suitable deal.
  • In this blog, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of 2-year and 5-year fixed mortgages, helping you determine which option could be the right choice for you as we head towards 2025. We’ll also look at how the current trends in the UK housing market and the economy are shaping mortgage decisions.
bank of england

Current Mortgage Market: Interest Rate Trends for October 2024

As of October 2024, we’re seeing a steady decrease in mortgage rates, which is good news for anyone thinking about getting a new mortgage. The average rate for a two-year fixed mortgage has dropped to 4.93%, and some lenders are offering rates as low as 3.94%. This shows the market is getting more competitive.

For those considering long-term options, the lowest available five-year fixed mortgage rate is now 3.70%, which is slightly lower than last months 3.77%. If you’re looking for long-term financial security, it could be a suitable time to explore a five-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Looking Ahead to 2025: What to Expect

As we head into 2025, many experts predict that the Bank of England base rate could remain steady or even decrease slightly if inflation continues to ease. This makes it a good time to consider a longer-term mortgage, as fixed-rate deals are currently offering better rates.

A fixed-rate mortgage can provide peace of mind by helping protect you from any potential rate increases down the line.

Whether you’re looking for a new mortgage deal or thinking about remortgaging, these rate changes suggest that now might be a suitable time to explore fixed-rate options.

Why Fix Your Mortgage Rate?

Fixing your mortgage rate is all about stability and peace of mind. When you fix your mortgage rate, you’re locking in a specific interest rate for a set period—whether it’s for a few years or even longer. This means you’ll know exactly what your monthly mortgage payments will be, no matter what happens with the Bank of England base rate or broader market conditions.

variable mortgage vs fixed mortgage

Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right type of mortgage is crucial for your financial stability. A fixed-rate mortgage means your monthly repayments will stay the same for a set period, giving you protection from interest rate rises. This is beneficial if you prefer predictable payments and want to avoid any surprises.

On the other hand, a variable rate mortgage works differently. It’s tied to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), which can fluctuate based on market conditions. This means your payments could go up or down depending on how the lender adjusts their rates in line with the Bank of England base rate.

With a standard variable rate mortgage, you might enjoy lower monthly repayments when rates drop, but the trade-off is the risk of higher payments if rates rise. Some homeowners choose this type of mortgage when they think rates will fall, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.

A tracker mortgage is another type of variable rate deal that tracks the Bank of England base rate plus a small percentage. While these deals can start with lower interest rates than fixed ones, they carry the same risk of rising payments if the base rate increases. The choice between a fixed or variable mortgage depends on how much risk you’re comfortable taking and what your long-term financial goals are.

The Pros and Cons of 2-Year Fixed Mortgages

A 2-year fixed mortgage gives you some flexibility over the short term. After two years, you have the option to remortgage, but this deal doesn’t offer the same security as a longer-term fix.

Pros of 2-Year Fixed Mortgages

  • Lower initial rates: Right now, the average rate for a 2-year fix is 4.93%, with the lowest available rate at 3.94%. This means you can enjoy lower monthly repayments for a couple of years and reassess your options later.
  • Chance to remortgage sooner: A 2-year fixed rate lets you remortgage relatively soon, which is handy if interest rates continue to fall by 2025. You can either switch to a new lender with a better rate or stay with your current one on a new deal, potentially reducing the amount of interest you’re paying.
  • Lower early repayment charges: Most 2-year fixed mortgages come with smaller penalties for early repayment, so if you want to pay off your mortgage early or switch to a better deal, you won’t face hefty charges.

Cons of 2-Year Fixed Mortgages

  • Frequent remortgaging costs: Since you’re only fixed for two years, you’ll need to remortgage more often, which can lead to extra costs like valuation fees, setup fees, and legal fees. These costs can add up, potentially eroding the savings you made from the lower interest rate.
  • Risk of rate increases: While rates are currently falling, there’s always the chance that interest rates could rise after your fixed-rate period ends. If you can’t lock in a new deal quickly, your mortgage payments could go up.
  • Budgeting challenges: After the 2-year period, your payments may change depending on the new rate you secure, making it a bit harder to plan your finances in the long term.

Expert mortgage advice

The Pros and Cons of 5-Year Fixed Mortgages

A 5-year fixed mortgage provides long-term stability, offering peace of mind with consistent payments over five years. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners who want to avoid frequent remortgaging.

Pros of 5-Year Fixed Mortgages

  • Stability in payments: By locking in at 3.70% for five years, you’ll know exactly what your monthly mortgage payments will be for the next half-decade. This makes it easier to plan your budget and achieve your financial goals.
  • Protection from future rate increases: If rates rise within the next five years, having a 5-year fix means you won’t feel the impact of those increases.
  • Fewer remortgaging costs: With a longer fixed term, you won’t have to worry about remortgaging as often. This means fewer arrangement fees and less hassle, potentially saving you time and money.

Cons of 5-Year Fixed Mortgages

  • Higher interest rates: While the gap between 2-year and 5-year rates is narrowing, 5-year fixed rates can still be higher than shorter-term deals. This means you might pay more in interest over the five-year period.
  • Less flexibility: A longer-term deal can make it harder to switch to a new mortgage deal if interest rates continue to fall. You could also face early repayment charges if you decide to exit your mortgage early.
  • Missed opportunities for lower rates: If rates keep falling over the next few years, you could miss out on a lower interest rate while locked into your 5-year fix.

Expert mortgage advice

How to Decide Between a 2 or 5-Year Fixed Mortgage

The decision between a 2-year fixed mortgage or a 5-year fixed mortgage depends on your personal situation. Consider your risk tolerance, your financial situation, and your future plans.

Longer-Term Options: Considering a 10-Year Fixed Mortgage

If you’re looking for maximum stability, you might want to consider a 10-year fixed mortgage. While the initial rates for longer-term mortgages can be higher, locking in for a decade gives you peace of mind in a changing market.

This type of mortgage is ideal for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for a long time and want to protect themselves from interest rate rises beyond 2025.

woman checking credit score

How to Find the Best 2, 5, or 10-Year Fixed Mortgage Deal

  • Compare Different Lenders and Products: Different mortgage lenders offer different rates. Speaking with one of our mortgage brokers can help you navigate the offers and find the most suitable deal for your situation.
  • Consider Fees and Charges: It’s important to consider all the fees and charges that come with your mortgage, such as arrangement fees, valuation fees, and early repayment charges. A slightly higher interest rate but lower fees could potentially end up saving you more in the long run, especially for shorter-term mortgages.
  • Check Your Eligibility and Affordability: Before applying for a mortgage, check your credit score, income, and spending habits. Use our online mortgage calculators to see how much you can borrow and what your monthly repayments will look like.

Fixed Mortgages in 2025

Fixed-rate mortgages remain a popular choice as we head into 2025, offering financial stability and protection from market volatility. With rates falling, now could be a good time to explore options for a 2-year or 5-year fixed deal.

For those seeking long-term peace of mind, a 10-year fixed mortgage might be a suitable choice.

When deciding between a short-term or long-term deal, we will compare 75 lenders, explain any fees involved, and carefully assess your financial situation. Our mortgage advisers are here to help you find the right option for your financial future.

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