"Mortgage availability has improved for the sixth consecutive month, and for a third month the increase has been of more than 300 products."
With a total of 3,842 deals live, product choice has recovered to 74% of pre-pandemic product levels.
The most significant increases were seen in the higher LTV tiers, with a further 117 deals becoming available at 90% LTV, while at 95% LTV product numbers rose by 29 to 34, the first increase in this bracket since August 2020.
At 2.58% and 2.77%, the average overall two and five-year fixed rates both increased this month by 0.01% and 0.02% respectively. However, this appears to be predominantly due to the respective two and five-year fixed rate increases of 0.48% and 0.57% at 95% LTV, as only one other tier (the limited 50% LTV five-year fixed) recorded rate rises this month.
The average fee charged on a mortgage product (excluding deals with no fee) rose to £1,053 this month, the highest on Moneyfacts records since November 2012 when it hit £1,107. Considering that average rates fell across the majority of the sectors this month, this may indicate that lenders are looking to gain some additional margins on their lending while still being able to entice borrowers by reducing rates.
Eleanor Williams, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said: “Mortgage availability has improved for the sixth consecutive month, and for a third month the increase has been of more than 300 products. There are now 3,842 deals available, with growth in product choice recorded across the LTV tiers great news for prospective borrowers with all levels of equity or deposit, and indicates that lenders have continued confidence in the resilience of the sector as a whole.
“A further indication of confidence is the return of standard 95% mortgage products to the market, with 29 products becoming available over the last month bringing the total to 34. Pre-empting the launch of the Government’s mortgage guarantee scheme on the 19 April, a number of providers have already returned these deals to their ranges, with more set to join the ranks in the coming weeks. The recent Halifax Buying vs Renting Review revealed that first-time buyers are now £800 per month better off than those renting, so a growth in product choice may bring joy to many beleaguered first-time buyers who had not been able to stretch their deposit beyond 5%.
“Borrowers may wish to note that the average two-year fixed rate at 95% LTV is currently 4.47%, a full 1% above the corresponding rate this time last year, while the average five-year equivalent at 4.32% is 0.42% higher year-on-year. Due to this, some may elect to wait until more providers and products are available to them. Interestingly though, the average five-year fixed rate at 95% LTV is currently 0.15% lower than its shorter two-year equivalent – so for those without plans to move or remortgage, a longer-term fixed rate could potentially have lower monthly repayments, but careful consideration and seeking advice would be recommended, as this may not be suitable for everyone."
