Taking a deeper dive into Tracker versus Fixed Rate Mortgages
With the base rate predicted to fall, many mortgagees are asking questions such as, whether is it time to fix your mortgage, or delay a buying decision.
Should you perhaps consider the benefits of a variable, or tracker deal to allow rates to come down before fixing?
In this blog, we further explore the differences between variable, tracker and fixed rates and the pros and cons of each.
Standard variable rate mortgages
Firstly, it’s important to understand the definition of a mortgage lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). The SVR is the default interest rate set by the lender, serving as a benchmark for borrowers who have completed their fixed or discounted rate periods.
The SVR is influenced by various economic factors and decisions made by the lender, such as changes in the Bank of England base rate or the lender’s financial performance.
Borrowers on the SVR may experience fluctuations in their mortgage repayments, as this rate is subject to adjustments. Borrowers on variable rates should stay informed about market conditions and explore alternative mortgage options to potentially secure more favourable rates.
Generally, a lender’s standard variable rate will be a much higher rate than other products that are on offer, such as fixed, discounted and tracker deals.
This means, that being on a lender’s standard variable rate will generally cost more than other products that may be available. If you are on your lender’s variable rate we recommend that you review your options as soon as possible. Use the link at the end of the article, we should be able to help.
Tracker rate mortgages
A mortgage tracker deal is a type of variable rate mortgage where the interest rate is linked to a specified financial index, this is often the Bank of England base rate.
The interest rate on a tracker mortgage will move in line with changes in the index (i.e. the base rate), meaning that when the index rate moves up or down the mortgage rate will adjust accordingly.
Tracker mortgages typically have a set margin added to the index rate, determining the final interest rate charged to the borrower. These mortgage products offer transparency, as they can easily be tracked and the factors influencing changes in the interest rate can be followed and understood.
It’s important if you are considering a tracker deal to be aware that mortgage payments may fluctuate in response to changes in the underlying index. However, these mortgages can offer the potential for cost savings when interest rates are low or expected to reduce.
As with any financial decision, it’s recommended to carefully review the terms and conditions of the tracker deal and consider your financial circumstances before committing.
Fixed rate mortgages
A fixed-rate mortgage provides financial stability. With a fixed rate, you can lock in your rate at a specific interest rate for an agreed period of time. The benefit is certainty of payment for the fixed rate period and being shielded from the volatility of future rate increases, whilst in the fixed rate period.
Therefore, the advantage of fixed-rate mortgages lies in predictability. Regardless of market fluctuations, your mortgage payments will remain constant. This can be particularly advantageous in times of economic uncertainty, if interest rates are on the rise, or you prefer to know exactly what you are paying and can budget.
What’s the downside? Fixed rates will generally have Early Repayment Charges (ERC’s), these are penalties built into the terms and conditions of the mortgage, if you pay off your mortgage within the scheme period. You also need to be aware that if rates drop even further, you are potentially paying more than the current deals available.
Factors to consider with variable, tracker and fixed rate mortgages.
Both standard variable rate and tracker rate mortgages, are generally more popular when rates are either low or expected to reduce.
The benefit for those on a fixed rate, prices will remain constant throughout the fixed rate period. Whereas with the SVR and tracker rate, if rates or the index are reducing, then so will the rate being paid.
Product fees should also be taken into consideration, variable rates will tend not to have a product fee. However, some tracker schemes will and these need to be costed in, when comparing different options.
Other factors to consider are ERCs (early repayment charges) which also need to be factored in when making decisions. Variable rates & trackers tend not to come with early repayment charges attached, however again these need to be reviewed and confirmed when comparing deals.
Could a Tracker rate be beneficial if the base rate is forecasted to drop?
The answer could be “yes”, as most economists and financial commentators are predicting that the base rate will fall at some point over the next few months. The base rate is then predicted to steadily reduce over the next few years.
This is leading some mortgagees to consider both variable and tracker mortgages as an option, with the hope that the variables/tracker rate reduces below the existing fixed rate offers that are available today.
It is important to note that fixed rates available today have been reduced and will generally be a considerably lower rate than a tracker deal.
This is because tracker rates will have a margin generally above the Bank of England base rate, whereas fixed rates are being offered based on the positivity of the banking system swap rates.
Simplistically the current swap rate pricing and subsequent fixed rates offered are based on the positive forecast that rates will continue to fall.
Interestingly though, whilst the general trend has been a decrease in mortgage rates. A few high street lenders have announced increases to product pricing over the last few days.
Making decisions and getting advice
If you are looking to buy shortly or need to review your mortgage because it is coming to the end of a scheme period. There is a lot to consider with current market conditions and products that are available. Should you fix now for 2/3 or possibly 5 years or perhaps hedge your bets with a tracker rate?
There is no right or wrong, the decision should be based on your personal needs and requirements. What will help is professional advice which can help provide a sounding board, plus help you explore your options. So, you can make informed choices.
As a mortgage broker, MMPE deal with these questions daily, we provide detailed research and support our clients in making informed choices.
Working as an independent whole-of-market broker we have access to a wide range of lenders, meaning a vast array of products and criteria. We can also provide access to products that are not necessarily available on the high street.