Make peace not mortgage war

Tuesday, 17th December, 2019
mortgage war

Christmas is a time for family, forgiveness and festive cheer.

It’s certainly not a time for war – or, at least, ‘mortgage wars’ – which is what’s being reported in one national newspaper (clue: the one that’s most likely to run a headline with the words ‘mortgage’ and ‘war’ in the same sentence).

Although, in reality, it’s not a war but simple economics that is seeing competition amongst high street mortgage lenders increase, which, in turn, is seeing the cost of fixed rate mortgages decrease.

In fact, fixed rate mortgage rates covering five-year fixed rate mortgage deals, ten-year fixed rate mortgage deals and even fifteen-year fixed rate mortgages are at their lowest level on record, with two-year fixed rate mortgages nudging towards record lows, too.

With Christmas only around the corner we expect that most of you will be winding down and preparing for the festive period. However, if you are in a position to take advantage of the cheap mortgage deals currently available UK-wide, our advice would be to look at our mortgage deal search tool. Not only will you be able to get an idea of just how competitive mortgages are right now, but you’ll also be able to work out your monthly mortgage payments, too.

As a mortgage broker in Guildford with access to a competitive portfolio of mortgage products from a wide panel of lenders, we can quickly (and efficiently) pinpoint a mortgage that works for you.

And whilst our mortgage deal search tool is a great way in which to get a good sense of what products are out there right now, the best way of getting up to date mortgage advice is to contact the Complete Mortgages team direct on 01483 238280 or email us at info@complete-mortgages.co.uk to arrange a mortgage consultation.

Failing that, and if finding a new mortgage before Christmas is just too much of an ask, then simply kick back, enjoy the holiday period and get in touch in the New Year.

Complete Mortgages offers a wide range of specialist mortgages, from first time buyer mortgages and buy to let mortgages, to adverse credit mortgages and equity release mortgages. Contact us on 01483 238280 for more information.

Should I remortgage?

Wednesday, 10th October, 2018
Guildford mortgage broker

This is a question that we hear time and time again. Thankfully, as a Guildford mortgage broker, it is one that we can answer.

However, before we get into the detail, it’s worth pointing out that recent data released through UK Finance revealed that 46,900 new homeowner remortgages were completed in July – over 23% more than the same period in 2017.

Furthermore, the value of renewed borrowing in July was £8.7 billion, which equates to more than 26% than in July 2017.

Is the UK a nation of intuitive homeowners, given how The Bank of England raised interest rates to 0.75% the following month? Or were these homeowners simply savvy and preparing themselves for an interest rate rise on the basis that, after years and years of low interest rates, it was only ever going to go up?

The simple fact is that there’s nothing like an interest rate rise – or even the threat of interest rates rising – to sharpen the focus of those with mortgages. After all, nobody wants to be caught short and faced with increased monthly mortgage payments that stretch the realms of affordability.

Recent interest rate rises do seem to have pushed the amount of remortgaging in the UK to a new high. However, regardless of interest rate rises – real, impending and possible – here are a number of reasons why you should consider remortgaging:

1. Beat further interest rises

As I’ve just covered, remortgaging – particularly when it comes to fixed rate mortgages – could protect you from interest rate rises and ensure that your outgoing monthly mortgage payments remain fixed in line with your monthly income (or at least fixed at a level you’re comfortable with). With many fixed rate mortgage options covering periods of up to 10 years, those who like to know where they are when it comes to mortgage payments my find this appealing. But remember, The Bank of England can also lower the interest rate at any time, too.

2. Avoid the SVR

If your current mortgage deal is about to end then you are likely to be switched over to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), which is highly likely to be higher than the one you’re on right now. Remortgaging is a great way of arranging a mortgage with a preferred rate and avoiding the SVR.

3. The equity in your property has grown

If the value of your property has increased since you took out a mortgage, then you may fall under a different loan to value bracket. If the loan to value ratio is smaller, then you might qualify for lower rates.

4. You’re tired of the inflexibility of the fixed mortgage

Whilst the fixed rate mortgage is great for those wanting security and consistency, they often come with a few negative aspects, too. For example, they tend to place limits on how much you can overpay – and penalise you if you pay more than is allowed each year. For example, if you were to receive an inheritance that would, in theory, pay off a significant amount of your mortgage, you may find yourself unable to do so without incurring fines. As part of the remortgaging process, you can wrap any windfalls into the new agreement, thus avoiding fees and arranging a new mortgage with a much smaller balance.

5. You are looking to borrow more, not less

People are always looking to move into bigger and more expensive properties. If that’s you, then there may be competitive mortgage deals available that enable you to borrow more capital without the monthly repayment being as big as you might think it would be.

As with these five reasons to remortgage and the countless others not covered here, the best way of understanding how you can benefit from remortgaging is to contact a mortgage broker. As an award-winning mortgage brokerage in Guildford that deals with remortgages on a daily basis, we can help. Simply contact the team on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk.

By Mark Finnegan, Director at Complete Mortgages

Is time running out to get a competitive fixed rate mortgage?

Wednesday, 14th March, 2018
guildford mortgage adviser

Have you recently switched – or considered switching – your mortgage?

If you haven’t then you’re not alone. However, it may be worth considering your options as the debate around whether or not a new interest rate rise is imminent (many are saying it is) gains ground.

Whilst we don’t know when, exactly, or by how much, the Bank of England will increase interest rates, we do know that another two are planned before 2020.

If the first, relatively modest, rise of 0.25% wasn’t enough to get you thinking about fixed rate mortgages then the second one might.

As a Guildford Mortgage adviser, we’ve seen an influx of people from across Guildford and the southeast enquire about getting a fixed rate mortgage. Lenders have increased their mortgage rates since the last interest rate rise, however it’s not too late to get the ball rolling and apply for a fixed rate mortgage.

With access to some of the most competitive mortgage deals in the UK, Complete Mortgages is still seeing a number of options which, if you were to act now, would mean that you would still benefit from an excellent mortgage rate – and would be well placed to beat the rise (if and when it happens).

We’re seeing demand for three year fixed mortgages, five year fixed mortgages and even 10 year fixed mortgages increase significantly, which indicates that people are now beginning to think seriously about locking themselves into consistent monthly mortgage payments – something that we haven’t seen on this scale for a decade.

Of course, it’s all down to affordability.

Analysis by estate agent Savills suggested that a 1% rise in interest rates would add approximately £10bn to mortgage repayments in the UK – or an average of £930 a year (£77.50 per month) to the cost of servicing an average mortgage.

Depending on your financial circumstances, you may prefer to have the flexibility that comes with other products such as tracker mortgages. Either way, if the much-deliberated rise has made its way to the front of your mind then it’s certainly worth picking up the phone and calling a member of the Complete Mortgages team, who will be able to advise you on the right fixed mortgage for you.

In answer to the original question regarding whether or not time is running out to get a competitive fixed rate mortgage, I would say that there is still time – however I would also recommend that you don’t waste time.

Complete Mortgages also specialises in other mortgages over and above fixed or tracker mortgages. We can also arrange mortgages for self-employed people, mortgages for teachers, adverse credit mortgages, buy to let mortgages and limited company buy to let mortgages. Contact us on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk for more information.

By Mark Finnegan, Director at Complete Mortgages

How will the interest rate rise affect my mortgage?

Monday, 27th November, 2017
complete mortgages

Well, it’s finally happened.

We knew it was coming, of course; or at least we had an inkling. Those of you who follow the news may even say we had fair warning.

The thing is, a rise in interest rates had to come at some point. Especially when you consider how the base rate dropped to 0.50% way back in April 2009 and maintained that level until August 2016, when it dropped a further 0.25%. The recent announcement was, in fact, the first interest rate rise since 2007.

And whilst it’s good news for savers, those on standard variable rate mortgages and tracker mortgage products are likely to notice the difference, particularly if their level of mortgage borrowing is substantial. As a result, there will undoubtedly be many people wondering how much more expensive their monthly mortgage repayments will become following the hike.

Rather than provide a breakdown of costs based on mortgages valued at X, Y and Z (particularly when there are countless mortgage calculators online that can give you the exact difference to the pound), I’d like to use this article to reassure homeowners with mortgages and let them know that there are still hugely competitive fixed rate mortgages available.

First of all, the 0.25% interest rate rise equates to a monthly mortgage repayment increase of around £18 based on an average 25 year repayment mortgage of £150,000 – or £216 a year. However, perhaps the most important thing to consider is the likelihood of a continued rise in interest rates – something that none of us can predict.

For example, if we take that average mortgage amount of £150,000 and add another 0.25% rise, and then another 0.25%, monthly repayments begin to climb by £36 and £54 respectively; £432 and £648 if we approach it on an annual basis.

And whilst nobody knows when the next interest rate rise will be, it is our job to make our clients aware of the financial implications of further incremental raises.

Our advice is as follows: –

1. Find an online mortgage calculator and understand the implications of further interest rate rises in increments of 0.25% (for many people, this hasn’t been a consideration for almost a decade!)

2. Review your current mortgage; even if the recent rise isn’t enough of a shock to make you switch your mortgage, there’s no harm in reviewing it and weighing up your options.

3. Contact a member of the Complete Mortgages team to find out how we can help you benefit from some very competitive fixed rate mortgages – before they become less competitive. Don’t delay – we have access to some great 5 year fixed mortgage rates which won’t be around forever – speak to one of our advisers now.

Contact Complete Mortgages on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk to find out more. Remember, we also offer specialist mortgages including limited company buy to let mortgages, equity release mortgages and adverse credit mortgages.

By Mark Finnegan, Director at Complete Mortgages