Posts Tagged ‘getting a mortgage’


Is a fixed rate mortgage a good idea?

Monday, November 1st, 2010

When it comes to getting a mortgage it is important for homeowners to decide which is the best choice for them based on their finances and their financial security. A fixed rate mortgage is a popular choice amongst many people, and one of the main reasons why people choose these mortgages is because of the increased financial stability that they offer.

With a fixed rate mortgage borrowers are able to fix their rate for a specified period of time such as two, three, or five years. For the duration of that time the interest rate on the loan remains static no matter what happens with the base interest rate set by the Bank of England. Whilst this is not so good if the base rate is falling, because those with fixed rate could end up paying more than those on variable rates, it can be very reassuring when the base rate is on the rise, as it enables the homeowner to avoid spiralling mortgage repayments.

A fixed rate mortgage is ideal for those that want financial stability in their lives, which is something that it particularly important these days in the current financial climate. With fixed rate mortgages the repayments on the mortgage will not change for the period over which the rate is fixed, so households can budget far more effectively without the worry of changes and fluctuation.

The current base interest rate is now at its lowest in the history of the Bank of England, standing at just 0.5 percent, which is where it has been for well over a year and a half. As a result of this many people that have taken out mortgages have opted for variable rates because of the low rate deals available. However, there is now speculation that the base rate will have to increase soon in order to keep a lid on inflation, and this means that those on variable rate mortgages will see their repayments increase.

With this in mind anyone that is looking to take a mortgage out now may benefit from opting for a fixed rate mortgage, as this will offer protection against sudden repayment increases that could stem from the base rate rising. Some of the banks are currently offering some great deals on fixed rate mortgages, making them seem even more appealing for those that want to have the financial stability of static repayments.

 

Tags: stability, budget, loan, getting a mortgage, specified period, rate mortgage borrowers, Bank

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