A fixed rate mortgage is a home loan where the interest rate, and therefore your monthly repayments, remain the same for a set period which is usually 2, 3, 5 or 10 years.
During this fixed-term, your payments stay constant regardless of what happens to the base interest rate set by the Bank of England (or your lender’s variable rate). That gives you certainty and protection against rising rates.
At the end of the fixed period, your mortgage usually reverts to your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), unless you remortgage or switch to another fixed-rate deal.
Choosing between short and long fixed rate mortgages depends on your personal situation: how long you plan to stay in the property, your tolerance for risk, and expectations about future interest rates.
Often come with lower fees and slightly lower rates, good for buyers who expect to move home or remortgage soon.
Offer flexibility, allowing you to reassess the market sooner, useful if you think interest rates may fall.
Less risk of paying high early repayment charges if circumstances change.
Provide long-term payment stability, ideal if you plan to stay put for several years and want protection from future rate rises.
Reduce the frequency of switching deals, saving time and avoiding repeated arrangement/exit costs.
Give peace of mind over a longer horizon, especially valuable in uncertain economic environments.
When you shop for a fixed rate mortgage, consider the following to improve your chances of getting favourable terms:
Deposit / loan-to-value (LTV): A larger deposit (lower LTV) typically means better mortgage rates, as lenders see you as lower risk.
Compare fees, not just headline rates: Some fixed rate mortgage deals may offer attractive rates but come with high arrangement or exit fees, always look at total cost over the term.
Match the fix to your plans: If you think you’ll move or remortgage soon, a shorter fix may make sense. If you want long-term certainty, a longer fix could be worth it.
Consider future rate expectations: Think about where interest rates might go. If rates are likely to rise, locking in a fix now could save money; if they’re expected to fall, a shorter fix offers agility.
A mortgage broker can help you decide what’s best for your situation.
Seek expert advice: A mortgage adviser can help you navigate market offers, fees and long-term costs, and recommend whether a fixed rate mortgage suits your financial situation.
No, it depends on your personal goals and risk tolerance. Fixed rate mortgages suit those who prioritise certainty and budgeting stability over potential savings from falling rates.
Many fixed-rate mortgage deals include early repayment charges (ERCs). If you want to overpay more than the lender allows annually, or remortgage or move home before the term ends, you may face a fee.
Yes, many fixed-rate mortgages are portable should you want to move home before the end of your mortgage term. However, this will depend on the lender.
Also, porting a mortgage isn't always the best or cheapest option. If you need to move home before the end of the mortgage term, you may want to speak to a mortgage adviser to discuss the different options available to you.
When the fixed term ends, your mortgage typically reverts to your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR) — which can be more expensive and variable. Most homeowners choose to remortgage or switch to another fixed or variable deal before that happens.