Mortgage Rates on the Decline: A Ray of Hope for Homebuyers
11th January 2023
Homebuyers Relieved as Mortgage Rates Begin to Decline
Mortgage rates are starting to see a welcome decline, offering a glimmer of hope for prospective homebuyers seeking favorable property loan deals.
Last year, the Bank of England took measures to curb inflation by increasing its base rate to 3.5 percent. Financial experts predict it may climb to 4.5 percent by the end of 2023. While this represents a substantial rise from the December 2021 rate of 0.25 percent, it falls short of earlier forecasts of reaching six percent, as reported by Property Industry Eye.
As a result, mortgage providers are beginning to roll out more affordable fixed-rate mortgage options. These lenders are confident that such deals will not only yield positive returns but also provide customers with financial security.
Anthony Codling, a former housing analyst, expressed optimism, stating, "If we combine the impact of falling mortgage rates and softening house prices, many would-be homebuyers may find themselves priced back into the housing market, suggesting that despite challenges elsewhere in the economy, it's not all doom and gloom."
Indeed, the latest Halifax House Price Index indicates a decrease in property values of 0.25 percent during the quarter leading up to December 2022. This trend continued with a 1.5 percent drop in December, 2.4 percent in November, and 0.4 percent in October, indicating a consistent decline in property prices.
While mortgage rates remain higher than they were in January 2022, they have decreased from their peak in September, following the mini-Budget. Consequently, more homebuyers are likely to opt for fixed-rate deals to mitigate the risk associated with rising base rates and secure their payments against potential lender increases.
If you're planning to apply for a home loan this year and are in need of advice, especially regarding right to acquire mortgages, feel free to reach out to us at Yes FS for expert information and guidance on the matter.