Moving in a positive direction – expert reacts to i...

Last week (June 16), the Bank of England increased the base rate by 0.25%, up from 1.00% to 1.25%.

In response, Moneyfacts.co.uk has analysed the average rates offered across savings and mortgages and considers what this decision may mean for consumers moving forward.

Mortgage market analysis
Average mortgage rates	Advertisement Jun-17	Jun-20	Jun-21	Dec-21	May-22	Jun-22
Standard variable rate (SVR)	4.59%	4.49%	4.41%	4.40%	4.78%	4.91%
Two-year fixed mortgage	2.30%	2.02%	2.59%	2.34%	3.03%	3.25%
Five-year fixed mortgage	2.86%	2.26%	2.82%	2.64%	3.17%	3.37%
10-year fixed mortgage	3.12%	2.63%	2.98%	2.97%	3.21%	3.36%
Average rates shown are as at the first available day of the month, unless stated otherwise. Source: Moneyfacts.co.uk

Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts, states: “Consumers are facing a cost of living crisis and the back-to-back rate rises are fuelling the mortgage market.”

“Borrowers who lock into a fixed deal can protect themselves from future rate rises, but those building a deposit may not be able to afford a mortgage as interest rates and living costs continue to climb.”

She says fixed rates are on the rise, with the average two-year fixed rate rising by almost 1% since December 2021.

“As the rate gap between the average two-year and five-year fixed rate has narrowed, fixing for longer may be a sensible choice,” Springall continues. “Borrowers could even lock into a fixed mortgage for a decade if they are prepared to commit to such a lengthy fixed term.”

Springall believes seeking advice is sensible to assess the abundance of deals available to ensure borrowers find the most appropriate choice based on the overall true cost.

“Switching from a standard variable revert rate (SVR) to a fixed rate could significantly reduce someone’s mortgage repayment.”

“The difference between the average two-year fixed mortgage rate and SVR stands at 1.66%, and the cost savings to switch from 4.91% to 3.25% is a difference of approximately £4,418 over two years. A rise of 0.25% on the current SVR of 4.91% would add approximately £700* onto total repayments over two years.”

Savings market analysis
Average savings rates	Jun-17	Jun-20	Jun-21	Dec-21	May-22	Jun-22
Easy access	0.38%	0.30%	0.16%	0.20%	0.39%	0.46%
Notice account	0.57%	0.70%	0.40%	0.54%	0.78%	0.92%
Easy access ISA	0.62%	0.45%	0.22%	0.26%	0.46%	0.52%
Notice ISA	0.78%	0.69%	0.33%	0.37%	0.64%	0.77%
Averages based on £10,000 gross rate. Average rates shown are as at the first available day of the month, unless stated otherwise. Source: Moneyfacts.co.uk

Interest rates on savings accounts are on the rise, which Springall says is largely thanks to competition among challenger banks and building societies.

“Loyal savers may not be getting the best deal and could be missing out on a top rate if they fail to switch. Out of the biggest high street brands, some have passed on just 0.09% since December 2021 and none have passed on all four base rate rises, which equate to 0.90%.”

“It can take a few months for savers to experience any benefit from a base rate rise, but since December 2021 the average easy access rate has increased 0.26%, so with this in mind, there is still room for improvement. There is no guarantee savers will benefit at all but should they see 0.25% passed onto them, it would mean receiving £50 more a year in interest based on a £20,000 investment.”

For savers, Springall recommends reviewing the top rate tables as there have been notable improvements over the past few months. The best deals may not have a long shelf life, and some may require certain eligibility criteria to be met.

“However, if savers are prepared to make the effort, they could stand to earn a much better return on their hard-earned cash than if they have their money stored with a big high street bank for convenience,” Springall assures.

“The market is moving in a positive direction, so it will be interesting to see if more rises follow in the weeks to come.”