Mortgage

Barclays has become the latest major lender to reduce the amount of time its mortgage customers have to lock in a new rate ahead of their current deal ending, joining four other high street banks. The changes mean you've less time to insure yourself against rates rising before your existing mortgage comes to an end – though rates have been on a downward trajectory for the past few months.

Fixed-rate mortgage deals have gotten cheaper in recent weeks – and brokers say rates could still come down a bit more, despite the Bank of England's decision to hold the base rate at 5%. So what, if anything, should you do about it?

Fixed-rate mortgage deals have dropped below 4% for the first time since April – though only for those with at least a 40% deposit or equity in their home. However, mortgage brokers say rates could continue to fall as the year goes on – so what, if anything, should you do about it?

The Bank of England has held the base rate at 5.25% for the sixth time in a row. But there are now stronger signs that a rate cut might be coming soon – which could have a knock on impact on mortgage and savings rates. Here's what you need to know.

Interest rates on mainstream five-year fixed mortgage deals are set to drop below 4% this week – the first time in more than six months they've been this low from a high-street lender. Meanwhile, two-year fixes are set to fall below 4.5%. But will they get any cheaper and what, if anything, should you do about it? 

Rates on two-year fixed mortgage deals have dipped below 5% for the first time in five months. But brokers believe fixed deals could get even cheaper as the year draws to a close – so should you fix now or hold out?

More than 1.6 million mortgage customers have applied for a mortgage payment holiday since the coronavirus crisis started, yet while the vast majority are being told their monthly payments will increase by less than £50 once they start repaying again, we've seen a few examples of people being told their payments would double, triple or even quadruple.

Savers should consider locking in a top fixed rate now as the Bank of England has held the base rate at 5.25% for the second time in a row. For mortgage borrowers, the situation is less clear-cut and will depend on what type of mortgage you have and when your deal ends. 

Interest rates on fixed mortgage deals have been edging down over the past few weeks with some five and 10-year fixes now below 5%. Mortgage brokers have told MoneySavingExpert.com that further cuts are possible in the short term after the base rate was held at 5.25% this month, following 14 consecutive rises.

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 5% to 5.25% – its highest level in over 15 years. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.