Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Borrowers searching for a new deal may well be concerned about the latest developments in the mortgage market. Over the past few days, we have seen a few lenders withdraw selected fixed products, with some pulling out of the market, at least temporarily. Product choice has started to fall, and as may be expected, average fixed mortgage rates are on the rise. This volatility is down to the concerns surrounding future interest rate hikes, and lenders are reassessing their propositions. Consumers looking to refinance will find rates around 5% on average for a fixed deal, compared to around 3% a year ago. It is vital borrowers seek advice to assess the situation and to find a mortgage that suits their circumstances.”

Meanwhile, the buy-to-let market has also seen lenders pull fixed deals, and average rates are on the rise.

• Within the buy-to-let mortgage sector: Precise Mortgages, Kensington, Kent Reliance and Marsden Building Society have pulled selected fixed mortgage products over the past few days. Aldermore, Bank of Ireland UK, CHL Mortgages, Fleet Mortgages, Foundation Home Loans and The Mortgage Lender have pulled their entire fixed rate range.
• Since the start of last week, the number of buy-to-let mortgages has fallen from 2,748 deals to 2,343. The average rate on a two- and five-year fixed buy-to-let mortgage has risen to 5.61% and 5.52% respectively since the start of May 2023.

Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Landlords will be disappointed to see a drop in product choice and that average fixed rates are on the rise. The volatility surrounding interest rates towards the tail end of 2022 started to improve, but as it stands, average rates are expected to keep climbing because of the ongoing concerns over future interest rate hikes. Buy-to-let product choice dropped below 1,000 deals in October last year, in the aftermath of the fiscal announcement, so it will be a concerning echo of that period if choice plummets to such a low again. Interest rates are only part of the decision-making process when entering a buy-to-let investment, so it is always wise to seek advice to ensure it is the right time to commit to a deal.”