In a welcome turn of events for property investors, significant and smaller lenders across the UK have significantly reduced mortgage rates, signalling a promising trend for the real estate market. Approximately 30 lenders are offering fixed mortgages below 5.0 per cent, a substantial increase from the 13 lenders in early October. There's even talk among brokers that sub-4.0 per cent rates may be on the horizon by Christmas.
High-profile lenders, including HSBC, have taken proactive measures by reducing rates for both residential and buy-to-let options. These reductions, applicable to new and existing customers, cover two-, three-, and five-year fixed-rate plans, with rates dipping below 5.0 per cent. The adjustments cater to a range of clients, including those looking to remortgage, switch, first-time buyers, purchasers, and home movers, across deals with loan-to-value ratios between 60 and 90 per cent.
Barclays, for its part, has unveiled the first sub-5.0 per cent two-year fixed remortgage product in months, boasting a rate of 4.98 per cent at up to 60 per cent LTV with a £999 fee. Halifax has also joined the trend by reducing mortgage rates by up to 0.46 percentage points. This includes a noteworthy cut of 0.24 percentage points on a five-year fix for borrowers with a 10 per cent deposit, now at 4.97 per cent.
In the buy-to-let sector, landlords across the UK are set to benefit from competitive offerings by The Mortgage Works. Their new wave of products includes a sub-4.5 per cent five-year fixed-rate purchase and remortgage product at up to 55 per cent LTV with a three per cent fee. Brokers have lauded this move, describing it as a sign that 'buy to let is back.'
The positive news extends to the official Consumer Prices Index, which has seen inflation drop to 4.6 per cent in the 12 months to October, down from 6.7 per cent in September. Industry experts anticipate further mortgage rate reductions, and this drop in inflation is viewed as a significant boon for borrowers and the broader property market.
Industry voices have expressed optimism about the future, with expectations of a base rate hold at 5.25 per cent and an intensified rate war among lenders. Riz Malik, founder of R3 Mortgages, anticipates further fixed-rate mortgage reductions, describing the current climate as "as good as it gets" for borrowers.
As the property market gears up for a potential resurgence in 2024, Craig Fish, director of Lodestone Mortgages and Protection, highlights the likely positive impact on those seeking to remortgage. He notes that lenders are poised to show increased support to a broader range of borrowers, not just a select few.
In conclusion, the sharp decline in inflation, coupled with significant lenders slashing rates, presents a golden opportunity for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to reignite the UK housing market in the upcoming Autumn Statement.