In an exciting turn of events for homeowners across the UK, HSBC has just announced significant rate reductions on its residential and buy-to-let mortgage products. Effective January 4th, the high street giant’s five-year fixed remortgage rate has dropped below the 4% mark, settling at an impressive 3.94%. This move comes as a welcome relief for residential consumers who found themselves locked into higher rates in the previous year.
This announcement follows Nationwide Building Society’s recent rate cuts, sparking a growing interest among homeowners eager to trim down their mortgage repayments. The prospect of lower monthly payments is particularly enticing for those who secured mortgages at higher rates in 2023.
Nationwide’s rate reductions, effective from the upcoming Friday, span two, three, and five-year fixed-rate products, catering to new customers, first-time buyers, and those opting to remortgage. With reductions ranging from 0.06% to 0.31%, the lowest rate stands at an attractive 4.29%. These changes mark Nationwide’s eleventh reduction in four months, underlining their commitment to staying competitive in the dynamic mortgage market.
For homeowners currently locked into higher rates, the question arises: Is it financially viable to consider remortgaging early, even if it involves an early redemption charge? Let’s delve into the details and find out when the right time to “stick or twist” might be.
Suppose you’re currently paying £1,200 a month on your mortgage, and the early redemption charge stands at £5,000. However, with the new rates announced by Nationwide, your potential lower monthly payments could be £950. In this scenario, a simple calculation reveals a substantial saving over time, offsetting the early redemption charge.
Nationwide’s rate cuts extend to various categories, including first-time buyers and existing customers moving home. The reductions are particularly attractive for remortgage options, with reductions of up to 0.31% for two, three, and five-year fixed-rate products up to 90% LTV.
In a parallel move, HSBC’s rate adjustments cover a broad spectrum, impacting residential first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage options, and more. The five-year fixed remortgage rate, in particular, has dropped below the 4% threshold, offering homeowners a golden opportunity to reduce their monthly payments.
Henry Jordan, the director of home at Nationwide Building Society, emphasized the institution’s commitment to competitiveness, stating, “In a continually moving market, we always aim to remain competitive across the board for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.”
This move by HSBC aligns with the industry trend, as lenders aim to capitalize on pent-up purchase demand and cater to borrowers nearing the end of their fixed-rate terms in the first half of 2024. As rates hit some of the lowest since the spike last summer, borrowers can breathe a sigh of relief, with the lower rates taking the sting out of inevitable payment increases.
David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages, noted that HSBC’s rates are among the lowest since the spike in rates last summer. This welcome move by HSBC, open to remortgage borrowers, stands out in a market where pricing has recently favoured home movers.
With the New Year ushering in improvements from various lenders, homeowners facing the expiration of fixed-rate periods can look forward to a more favourable landscape. As the mortgage market continues to evolve, these rate reductions offer homeowners a valuable opportunity to make financially savvy decisions, ensuring substantial long-term savings. It’s a “stick or twist” situation, and with the numbers in your favour, early remortgaging could be the key to unlocking significant savings.