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Published
12 minutes ago
Image source, Getty ImagesThe average interest rate charged by mortgage lenders has hit its highest level for 14 years, adding to the cost-of-living pressure.
So what can those struggling to make repayments do – and how must their mortgage provider help out?
What are tracker, variable and fixed mortgages?
There are different types of mortgages – all of which have been becoming more costly in recent months.
- Tracker rates rise and fall in line with the benchmark interest rate the Bank of England sets eight times a year
- Standard variable rates (SVR) change at the discretion of the lender – a decision influenced by the Bank of England’s rate but not directly linked
- Fixed rates, used by about three-quarters of mortgage customers, are set for a certain number of years – usually two or five – after which borrowers remortgage or are automatically moved to an SVR
Mortgage rates have been rising, so the 1.6 million people on tracker or variable deals have been paying much more than a year ago.
The estimated 300,000 homeowners coming to the end of a fixed deal every three months are also facing a much higher monthly bill.
Typically, they could end up paying an extra £3,000 a year, the Bank of England said.
When will mortgage rates fall?
That is difficult to answer. Analysts expect Bank of England interest rates to peak at about 4.75% next year.
For anyone on tracker deals, at least, that means higher repayments to come.
Mortgage brokers say fixed-rate deals may have stopped going up for now – and may start to fall slightly as the year turns.
However, a decade or so of ultra-low mortgage rates – which many homeowners have become accustomed to – is clearly over.
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What happens if I miss a mortgage payment?
A shortfall equivalent to two or more months’ repayments means you are officially in arrears.
But your lender must make reasonable attempts to reach an agreement with you.
In fact, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – which regulates mortgage lenders – wrote to chief executives during the summer, reminding them they must treat customers fairly.
Crucially, customers must contact their lender as soon as they realise they are going to struggle to make repayments – the earlier the better.
What must my lender do initially?
Within 15 working days of falling into arrears, your lender must:
- Tell you how much your arrears add up to
- List the missed payments
- Explain how much is outstanding on the mortgage
- Outline any charges
Your lender must then treat you fairly by considering any requests about changing how you pay, perhaps with lower repayments for a short period.
Any arrangement you come to, the FCA points out, will be reflected on your credit file – affecting your ability to borrow money in the future – as will any missed payments.
Your lender might also suggest extending the term of the mortgage or let you pay just the interest for a certain period of time.
Lenders have specialist teams to support struggling customers.
Can I take a mortgage holiday?
A mortgage payment holiday enables customers to delay repayments – but not indefinitely.
Lenders may offer this option, depending on individual circumstances – and not to those already in arrears – but the level of support offered during the Covid pandemic has been reduced.
Again, this will show on your credit file.
Could I lose my home?
Some people may decide to sell their home and – in extreme circumstances – the lender could take court action to repossess it.
Repossessions are far rarer than they used to be.
There are lots of stages before a lender can take such action.
And the whole process takes about two years.
