Barclays ups mortgage rates – as one broker calls for Government to intervene to avoid 'messy recession'

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Another major bank is increasing interest rates on its fixed mortgage deals. 

From tomorrow, Barclays is increasing rates by 0.2 percentage points across the bulk of its fixed deals aimed at home buyers and those remortgaging.

At the same time, it is reducing some of its buy-to-let rates by 0.45 percentage points for existing borrowers. 

This move by Barclays follows hot on the heels of Santander, HSBC, TSB and Leeds Building Society, which all announced they were increasing costs on their home loan deals last week.

The rise in mortgage rates is largely due to Sonia swap rates, which have been rising in recent weeks.

Sonia swap rates, the rates at which banks trade streams of interest payments with each other to mitigate risk, reflect lenders’ expectations of future interest rates and play a critical role in how fixed-rate mortgages are priced.

More expensive: Barclays has just announced an 0.2 percentage point increase across the bulk of its residential purchase and remortgage fixed deals

Speaking to the news agency, Newspage, Justin Moy, managing director at broker EHF Mortgages said the Government should intervene to bring costs down for borrowers. 

Barclays is one of the last lenders to increase rates in light of recent swap rate trends, which aligns them with many of their high-street peers,’ he said. 

‘The Government needs to intervene to bring the cost of borrowing down before we head into a messy recession in the months to come.’

What mortgage rates is Barclays changing? 

Barclays’ cheapest two-year fix for people buying with at least a 40 per cent deposit will go from 4.23 per cent to 4.43 per cent. The deal comes with a £899 product fee.

On a £200,000 mortgage being repaid over 25 years, that’s the difference between paying £1,081 a month and £1,104 a month. 

The lowest two-year fixed remortgage rate with Barclays is rising to 4.47 per cent, with a £999 fee. 

Those buying with a 25 per cent deposit will see Barclays’ lowest two-year fix go from 4.36 per cent to 4.56 per cent. Again this comes with an £899 fee.

Someone buying with a 10 per cent deposit will see the cheapest possible two-year fix with Barclays rise from 5.19 per cent to 5.39 per cent.

The lowest five-year fix for someone buying with at least a 40 per cent deposit will rise from 4.11 per cent to 4.31 per cent.

Those with a 10 per cent deposit will see the lowest Barclays deal go from 4.81 per cent to 5.01 per cent.

On a £200,000 mortgage being repaid over 25 years that’s the difference between paying £1,147 and £1,171 a month.

The lowest two-year fix on the market is currently offered by Nationwide charging 4.22 per cent with a £999 fee and the lowest five-year fix continues to be offered by NatWest charging 4.07 per cent with a £1,495 fee.

How to find a new mortgage

Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible.

Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money’s partner L&C

> Mortgage rates calculator

> Find the right mortgage for you 

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 expensive arrangement fees.

Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. 

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.

How to compare mortgage costs 

The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker.

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

Interested in seeing today’s best mortgage rates? 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.

If you’re ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C’s online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000’s of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.

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

Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you. 

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