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Need To Remortgage | Professional Insights into Rising Rates

Need To Remortgage

Need to remortgage

 

As the UK braces for the local elections in May, homeowners face a significant challenge. Due to the ongoing wave of high interest rates, a surge in mortgage costs is looming.

Savers might consider securing a competitive fixed rate now. The Bank of England announced today that it has kept the base rate at 5.25% for the second time.

However, for those with mortgages, the decision is more nuanced. It depends on factors like your mortgage type and the timing of your current deal’s expiration.

Labour’s analysis has raised a red flag. As The Guardian reports, this financial storm could affect more than 630,000 homeowners before the upcoming elections.

Our article will explore the current mortgage landscape. We aim to provide valuable information for borrowers needing to remortgage in these challenging times and discuss possible solutions.

Understanding the situation

Let’s delve into key statistics to grasp the severity of the situation. According to the Office for National Statistics, Labour’s analysis suggests more than 3,400 households will remortgage daily between November 2, 2023, and May 1, 2024. This implies a financial time bomb ticking away as the nation approaches local and general elections.

The number of households remortgaging daily is a cause for concern. Remortgaging itself is not inherently problematic; it’s a financial tool many homeowners use to manage housing costs. However, the volume of households needing to remortgage may lead to procrastination or neglect, causing future problems.

  • Procrastination: Some homeowners believe remortgaging is not urgent. They might delay the process, thinking they have ample time. However, leaving such a critical decision to the last minute can lead to rushed, less-informed choices.
  • Lack of Financial Literacy: Many individuals don’t fully understand the intricacies of remortgaging. This lack of financial literacy can be a barrier to proactive decision-making. Without understanding the benefits or pitfalls, people will likely defer the process.
  • Overconfidence: Economic stability can make homeowners overconfident about their finances. They might believe they are immune to financial troubles and procrastinate on necessary financial precautions.
  • Fear of Change: The prospect of change can be intimidating. Some homeowners fear the complexities of the remortgaging process, leading to delays. Even when financially advantageous, change is not always embraced readily.
  • Playing the Waiting Game: The fear of potential rate reductions can fuel the reluctance to decide. While wanting the best deal is natural, this cautious approach has downsides.

 

The danger of this collective complacency is significant. It might allow the financial time bomb to keep ticking. Unforeseen economic shifts or interest rate hikes could catch homeowners off guard, leading to potential financial hardship for many.

In such times, homeowners may need to act quickly. They should consider remortgaging proactively to safeguard their financial stability. This approach can help mitigate the risks and ensure a more secure future.

Why are mortgage costs rising?

Several factors have led to the surge in mortgage costs. The most prominent is the Bank of England’s base rate, held at 5.25%. The central bank has been cautious about lowering the rate in response to inflationary pressures and economic uncertainties. Consequently, many homeowners need to remortgage.

Inflationary Pressures: Recent high inflation is a primary driver behind rising mortgage costs. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. This makes each pound worth less in the future. The BOE often increases interest rates when inflation rises to curb inflationary pressures. Higher interest rates make borrowing more expensive, reducing consumer spending and slowing the economy. This, in turn, helps mitigate inflation.

Central Bank Policies: Central banks like the Bank of England are crucial in setting interest rates. They adjust policy interest rates to control inflation or stimulate the economy. The recent trend of pay increases indicates a growing economy. This can trigger central banks to raise interest rates to prevent overheating and excessive inflation. Consequently, more homeowners need to remortgage.

Anticipated Rate Hikes: The expectation of future interest rate increases impacts mortgage costs. When financial markets anticipate central banks will raise rates, mortgage lenders adjust their rates in advance. This leads to higher mortgage costs for borrowers before official rate hikes occur, further emphasising the need to remortgage.

Economic Recovery: Pay increases are a positive sign of economic recovery. As employment opportunities expand, employers offer higher wages. While this benefits workers, it pressures central banks to raise interest rates to avoid overheating the economy. When interest rates rise, borrowing costs, including mortgage rates, also highlight the need to remortgage.

Global Economic Conditions: International economic conditions also influence domestic mortgage rates. Factors such as geopolitical events, trade tensions, or international financial crises affect interest rates. Investors seek safe havens in response to global uncertainty, driving up bond demand and lowering yields. Since long-term bond yields influence mortgage rates, this can lead to higher mortgage rates, necessitating the need to remortgage.

Rising mortgage costs can be attributed to various factors. These include inflation and central bank policies. Pay increases, which indicate economic growth, also play a role. Anticipated rate hikes and broader global economic conditions are contributing factors as well.

Therefore, borrowers should remain vigilant and stay informed about these factors. Doing so helps them make well-informed decisions regarding their mortgage financing. When they need to remortgage, it’s crucial to consider these aspects.

Additionally, consulting with financial mortgage advisers can be beneficial. Advisers can help individuals find the best solutions that align with their needs. This step is essential when they need to remortgage.

What role do Connect Expert Brokers play in this? 

Connect Mortgages stands out as a beacon of hope in this challenging economic landscape. Homeowners are grappling with the burden of surging mortgage expenses.

Brokers, as a whole, consistently play a crucial role in enabling resilience during economic uncertainty. This is particularly true for Connect Mortgages’ dedicated brokers. Our expertise and commitment are invaluable for those lacking financial literacy when remortgaging.

Connect Mortgages has established itself as a trusted sanctuary for homeowners. Moreover, we aim to explain why homeowners avoid seeking professional help. Our approach empowers borrowers to face financial challenges looming between now and May 2024. Connect Mortgages

Over the past 13 years, borrowers have enjoyed low interest rates, often starting at 1, 2, or 3 per cent. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this era is behind us. Borrowers must confront a new reality and adapt to interest rates in the 5 or 6 per cent bracket. By doing so, they can prepare for a changed financial landscape. This ensures their well-being and informed decisions align with evolving economic circumstances.

If you are among the 630,000 homeowners facing higher borrowing costs, consider contacting Connect Mortgages. Our team of experienced advisers is ready to assist. Don’t let rising mortgage costs catch you off guard. Connect with Connect Mortgages today and take control of your financial well-being. When you need to remortgage, Connect Mortgages is here to help.

If you’re interested in exploring more articles related to this subject, please don’t hesitate to check out our blog category dedicated to “Interest Rates |  Economy”.

 

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Liz Syms

(CeMAP)

About the Author

Liz Syms is the CEO and Founder of Connect Mortgages, a specialist in finance for property investment. With over 25 years of experience in mortgages and financial services, Liz has helped countless people get their dream homes and investment properties. She is passionate about giving her clients the best advice possible when it comes to financial decisions relating to mortgages and protection and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service. With her wealth of knowledge in the industry, Liz is a respected leader in mortgages and financial services and has grown her team to over 300 advisers nationally. She strives to make Connect Mortgages one of the most successful companies in its field.

About the Author

Liz Syms is the CEO and Founder of Connect Mortgages, a specialist in finance for property investment. With over 25 years of experience in mortgages and financial services, Liz has helped countless people get their dream homes and investment properties. She is passionate about giving her clients the best advice possible when it comes to financial decisions relating to mortgages and protection and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service. With her wealth of knowledge in the industry, Liz is a respected leader in mortgages and financial services and has grown her team to over 300 advisers nationally. She strives to make Connect Mortgages one of the most successful companies in its field.

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