"While the difference between the two rates was already clear to see in previous months, it has now risen to a whopping 0.82%."
The average fixed rate at 95% LTV is now 0.82% more expensive than the current average discounted variable rate. The average 95% LTV two-year discounted variable rate stands at 3.34%, compared to 4.16% for a two-year fixed rate.
And the gap is widening - just six months ago the difference between the two products was just 41bps, with two-year variable rates and fixed rates averaging 3.51% and 3.92% respectively.
Charlotte Nelson, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, said: “Despite the array of options available to first-time buyers, many tend to stick to fixed rates not just as they are the simplest to understand but also because they are a great way for usually cash-strapped FTBs to manage their money. However, as fixed rates for those at 95% LTV are on the rise, ignoring other options can be a costly mistake.
“Fixed rates for first-time buyers are going up, with the average two-year fixed rate at 95% LTV well above last year’s figure. In contrast, the average rate for discounted variable deals is still falling, and while the difference between the two rates was already clear to see in previous months, it has now risen to a whopping 0.82%.
“The low rates offered on discounted deals are a great way for FTBs to minimise their monthly repayments. In fact, borrowers opting for the average two-year discounted variable rate at 95% LTV instead of the average two-year fixed rate will be £89.25 a month or £1,071 a year better off.
“Discounted variable rates generally offer a discount on the lender’s Standard Variable Rate and due to this link, there is the potential for rates to rise if base rate rises. However, given the current difference between the two averages, FTBs could still find themselves better off even if base rate were to increase by 0.50%."
