Getting a mortgage for many first-time buyers can seem impossible, especially with the news that it takes almost a decade for a quarter of first time buyers to save their deposit. Then there are the long lists of criteria set by each individual lender, which may make first-time buyers feel a little hopeless.

Thankfully, mortgages can generally be split into two categories: variable and fixed rates. Simply speaking, variable mortgage rates change in line with the Bank of England’s base rate, meaning monthly payments can fluctuate. While fixed rates are mortgages from lenders like Saffron Building Society offer the same monthly repayments for a specified term.

Fixed-rate mortgages tend to be the most popular option among first-time buyers, and something to consider when checking the market (from https://www.facebook.com/ReProp-Financial-167821426567422/ to local banks and the like). As such, here is a brief guide to fixed-rate mortgages for first-time buyers.

Advantages

Security and Stability – choosing a mortgage with repayments that will not be affected by interest rates to provide first-time buyers with security, helping them to budget and plan for the future.

Affordability – fixed-rate mortgages also tend to make homeownership more affordable, as first-time buyers do not have to worry about any increase in repayments.

Disadvantages

No Reduction in Repayments – because repayments on fixed-rate mortgages are just that, fixed, it means that should the interest rate falls, you will not be able to take advantage of lower repayments.

Higher Fees – fixed rate mortgages typically carry higher arrangement fees. This is because if interest rates were to rise, your lender would not recoup the amount from higher repayments.

Types of Fixed Rate Mortgages

If you decide that a fixed-rate mortgage is a right choice, you will then need to consider what type is best. There are a variety of fixed-rate mortgages available to first-time buyers, often between two and five years in length.

When choosing the length of your fixed-rate mortgage, consider the current financial climate and whether securing a fixed rate for a longer term could prove beneficial – this may be the case if interest rates were predicted to rise.

In addition, talk to mortgage brokers since they would be able to help you to better understand the subject matter. Each mortgage offers a different rate, often dependent upon the percentage of the deposit. While you can find a fixed rate with as little as 5%, the lowest rate mortgages are often only available to those with a bigger deposit. This understanding comes with a certain level of experience that only industry-level experts such as those at Multi-Prêts — visit https://courtier-hypothecaire-multi-prets.com/ for more info — may possess. Hence, it would be fruitful to turn to them for guidance.

Fixed-rate mortgages provide first-time buyers with stability and security, even if interest rates increase. Before choosing a mortgage, research different lenders, look at the criteria for different rates, and consider the term.