Average two- and five-year fixed rates have fallen from their peak in September, but standard variable rates (SVRs) and 10-year fixed rates have gone up.
According to the latest figures from Moneyfacts, since September 2023, average two-year fixed rates have fallen from a peak of 6.7% to 5.76% in March.
Average five-year fixes have decreased from a high of 6.19% in September last year to 5.34% currently.
The average 10-year fix stood at 5.82% in September 2023, but has continued to climb over that period to 5.87% in February and 5.98% in March.
The average SVR has also continued to climb, coming to 5.82% in September and then going up to 5.87% in February and 5.96% in March.
| Average mortgage rates | Sept-23 | Feb-24 | Mar-24 |
| SVR | 8.09% | 8.17% | 8.18% |
| Two-year fixed rate mortgage | 6.7% | 5.56% | 5.76% |
| Five-year fixed rate mortgage | 6.19% | 5.18% | 5.34% |
| 10-year fixed rate mortgage | 5.82% | 5.87% | 5.98% |
Source: Moneyfacts
‘Downward turn’ in fixed mortgage rates reversing
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said that the “downward turn” in fixed mortgage rates has “gone in the opposite direction over the past month, with lenders vigorously repricing deals in response to volatile swap rates”.
She continued: “It is worth noting that rates are much lower than six months ago, when both the average two- and five-year fixed mortgage rates were over 6%. The last time the Bank of England increased base rate was back in August 2023, but no change does not mean stagnation in mortgage rates as other influences remain at play, so borrowers must not be complacent if they are searching for a new deal.
“Indeed, lenders have been quick to reassess their rate pricing over the past month and even pulled deals from the market. It is vital lenders consider the volatility surrounding swap rates, so mortgage rate pricing can quickly change direction in a matter of weeks. Despite notable rate cuts made between the start of January and February, the average two- and five-year rates saw a sizeable cut.”
Springall said that borrowers concerned about securing a new deal would be “wise to seek advice from an independent broker, and any existing customers should speak to their lender immediately if they are struggling with repayments”.
She noted that those coming off a fixed deal could be put on an average SVR of over 8%, which is much higher than average fixes.
“A typical mortgage being charged the current average SVR of 8.18% would be paying around £308 more per month, compared to a typical two-year fixed rate (5.76%),” Springall noted. This calculation is based on a £200,000 mortgage over a 25-year term.
She added: “First-time buyers with limited deposits would be wise to seek advice in the first instance when looking for a mortgage, but their biggest hurdle to becoming a homeowner is finding an appropriate property while affordable housing remains in short supply.”