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Nationwide cuts mortgage charges as lowest fastened offers hit 4.5%

Nationwide Building Society is lowering its mortgage rates, along with several other high street banks and building societies. 

From tomorrow, Britain’s second biggest mortgage lender will cut fixed rates by up to 25 basis points.

Alongside Nationwide, Halifax is also cutting rates by 15 basis points on fixed rate products across its home mover and first time buyer ranges.

Earlier today, TSB announced it was cutting some mortgage rates by up to 60 basis points following on from Virgin Money, Santander, Barclays and HSBC, which have all repriced downwards this week. 

Tomorrow’s cut will mean Nationwide will be offering the lowest two-year fixed rate at home movers at 4.5 per cent. This requires a deposit of at least 40 per cent. 

The deal comes with a £1,499 fee, which is higher than some of the other banks – for example Barclays has a two-year fix at 4.6 per cent, which comes with an £899 fee. 

Getting cheaper again: Mortgage rates remain around 100 basis points above where they were before the war in Iran began - but are now coming down

Getting cheaper again: Mortgage rates remain around 100 basis points above where they were before the war in Iran began – but are now coming down

On a £200,000 mortgage being repaid over 25 years, being on Nationwide’s deal would mean paying £1,111 a month. 

Those with a 25 per cent deposit will be able to secure a market leading two-year fix at 4.65 per cent, albeit with a chunky £1,499 fee.

Nationwide will also be offering a market leading five-year fix at 4.68 per cent, beating Skipton’s 4.74 per cent and Barclays 4.76 per cent deals. 

‘These changes from Nationwide show that there’s still plenty of competition between lenders on the way down,’ said David Hollingworth, associate director at broker L&C Mortgages.

‘There’s still plenty of uncertainty and Sonia swaps [off which fixed mortgage rates are priced] look to have edged up again given some of the ongoing unpredictability around peace talks and reopening of the straits.

‘Hopefully that will ease and allow the gradual improvement in fixed rates to continue but nothing can be taken for granted against such a fragile backdrop. 

‘Borrowers need to expect the unexpected and grab a favourable rate while they can. They should then keep in touch with their adviser up to completion in case they can jump to a lower rate.’

Justin Moy, managing director at Chelmsford-based EHF Mortgages, described the cuts as ‘timely’.

He said: ‘There is still much that can happen that may turn these rate cuts upside down, so those now looking through the shop window for a new mortgage deal may want to consider jumping in, just in case.’

How to find a new mortgage

Mortgage rates have soared after conflict with Iran has driven up inflation expectations and dashed hopes of interest rate cuts.

If you need a mortgage because you are buying a home, or your current fixed rate deal is due to end, you should explore your options as soon as possible.  

This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with expert mortgage advice.

Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs.

Or use L&C’s online Mortgage Finder to search thousands of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.

This is Money’s mortgage tips 

What if I need to remortgage? 

Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it.

Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying arrangement fees. If you do this and don’t clear the fee on completion, interest will be paid on it over the term of the loan.

What if I am buying a home? 

Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people’s borrowing ability and buying power.

What about buy-to-let landlords?

Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. 

> Find your next mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C

Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage