Why a Change in the Bank of England Base Rate Doesn’t Immediately Impact Fixed-Rate Mortgages
The link between changes in the Bank of England’s base rate and mortgage rates is often misunderstood. After the base rate changes, many people ask, “What does that mean for mortgage interest rates?” The typical response is often, “Not much, at least not right away.”
Fixed-rate mortgages, which are usually the most popular choice for borrowers, are influenced more by broader market factors than by short-term fluctuations in the base rate. As a result, a change in the Bank of England’s base rate won’t automatically lead to an immediate change in fixed mortgage rates.
Lenders usually anticipate changes to the base rate based on market conditions and adjust their rates accordingly in advance. This means they have typically already “priced in” any expected shifts in the base rate, based on something known as mortgage swap rates.
Here comes the technical part: Mortgage swap rates are financial tools used to manage interest rate risk. Essentially, these are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows, with one paying a fixed interest rate and the other receiving a variable rate (or vice versa). These swaps allow lenders to hedge against potential changes in interest rates that could impact their profitability and risk exposure. The rates are influenced by a range of factors, including the Bank of England’s base rate, market expectations of future interest rates, inflation projections, and the broader economic climate.
It’s important to remember that mortgage rates are a snapshot in time. If a better rate becomes available before your mortgage completes, it may be possible to secure a lower rate. It could also be worth considering other mortgage options—such as variable-rate mortgages—which could be a better fit for your situation. Depending on the type of variable-rate mortgage, a change in the Bank of England base rate could have more of and immediate impact on the rate you pay.
Choosing the right mortgage product and lender involves a lot of factors. Seeking professional advice is key to making the best decision for your financial situation.
