Blog Post

How not to waste money by sitting on Lenders’ Standard rates

Caz Blake-Symes • Jun 16, 2018

A third of homeowners fail to line up a new mortgage deal before their existing one expires - and it proves an expensive mistake.

Adapted from an article written by the Property News team at Zoopla May 2018

Homeowners are collectively wasting £53.3m a year by failing to remortgage before their current deal expires. A third of people whose fixed rate or tracker mortgage ended in 2017 ended up on their lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) for an average of six weeks. Their failure to line up a new mortgage before their existing one expired cost them an average of £371 or £61.83 per week, according to Dynamo, part of mortgage broker Countrywide.

Why is this happening?

When fixed term mortgages come to an end, homeowners are automatically put on to their lender’s SVR, also known as a reversion rate. The interest charged on SVRs is typically significantly higher than the rates available on new deals, meaning people end up paying over the odds for their home loan until they switch to a new mortgage.

While it is not known exactly why homeowners are sitting on an SVR for an average of 42 days, it is likely to be because they have failed to realise their mortgage term is coming to an end or have not left enough time to switch to a new deal before it expires.

Who does it affect?

Homeowners should start thinking about a new mortgage three to four months before their current deal expires. The remortgage process typically takes between four and eight weeks. It is usually quicker if people are taking out a new mortgage with their current lender, while things tend to take longer if they are moving to a new bank or building society.

New mortgage affordability rules were introduced in April 2014, so homeowners coming off five-year fixed rate deals may find the application process tougher than when they last applied. The good news is that most banks and building societies will allow you to secure a new mortgage three month before your existing one expires, enabling people to start the remortgage process well before their current deal ends.

What’s the background?

9 out of 10 people who took out a mortgage in 2017 opted for a fixed rate deal, according to the Dynamo research. Fixed rate mortgages give borrowers the security of knowing exactly what their monthly repayments will be, and they tend to be particularly popular in periods, such as the current one, when interest rates are rising. But variable rate deals, such as tracker mortgages, have advantages too. They often offering lower rates than fixed rate deals (where you pay a premium for peace of mind), and can prove cheaper if interest rates stay low.

When shopping around for a new deal, it is important to compare the overall cost of the mortgage, factoring in any arrangement fees. The best value loan will often be different for different people, depending on the size of their mortgage.

Top 3 takeaways


  • Homeowners are collectively wasting £53.3m a year by failing to remortgage before their current deal expires
  • A third of people whose fixed rate or tracker mortgage ended in 2017 ended up on their lender’s standard variable rate for an average of six weeks
  • Their failure to line up a new mortgage before their existing one expired cost homeowners an average of £371

What should I do?

If you are approaching the end of your Fixed Term Mortgage or are already on a Standard Variable Rate deal call us TODAY to book your FREE consultation with one of our expert Advisers please visit one of our websites or contact us

www.bristolmortgagesonline.com0117 325 1511

www.bathmortgagesonline.com 01225 584 888

www.exetermortgagesonline.com01392 690 888

email info@swmortgages.com

#mortgagebroker

#mortgagedeals

#bestmortgagedeals

#endoffixedterm

#avoidinterstraterise

#bestfixedratemortgage

#remortgage

#bestbuytoletmortgage


By Caz Blake-Symes 29 Apr, 2024
We work closely with a number of very reputable, local and reasonably priced Solicitors practices that we will highly recommend. If you don’t have a preferred Conveyancer, please ask your Adviser to arrange a no -obligation quotation.
By Caz Blake-Symes 25 Apr, 2024
The average asking price of a home in Britain has risen by 1.1% since March, to £372,324. This is in line with the sort of rise we usually see at this time of year, and brings average prices to within just £570 of their all-time record, which they reached back in May 2023.
By Caz Blake-Symes 22 Apr, 2024
We are very excited to announce an excellent product for First Time Buyers. This particular lender only deals with Brokers/Intermediaries like ourselves. Therefore, we will be delighted to see if this product is suitable for your specific needs
By Caz Blake-Symes 25 Mar, 2024
Signs of life were seen in the UK housing market in the new year with a rise in the number of mortgages being approved. Activity remains weak overall, with potential buyers still nervous about high interest rates. But the latest Bank of England data shows approvals for house purchases rose to 55,200 in January from 51,500 in December. This was the highest level since October 2022.
By Caz Blake-Symes 18 Mar, 2024
Sky high house prices, slow wage growth, student loans and rising rent costs mean that getting on the property ladder is challenging. But the desire to own a home remains strong for many young adults. Now, the affectionately known ‘bank of mum and dad’ (or bank of other family members) may wish to lend or give money for deposits and other house purchase costs
By Caz Blake-Symes 04 Mar, 2024
All measures of sales market activity continue to improve as pent-up demand returns to the housing market. Buyer demand is 11% higher than a year ago. A better indicator of market health is sales agreed which are 15% higher than a year ago – evidence of greater buyer confidence and more realism on pricing by sellers. The North East (+17%) and London (+16%) have led the rebound in sales.
By Caz Blake-Symes 12 Feb, 2024
A poor credit rating can be a major barrier to getting a mortgage, but the good news is, there are lenders who are prepared to help those whose applications may be refused elsewhere. It might not seem fair but even having a big deposit in place and a decent salary isn’t enough to guarantee you a mortgage, if you have a poor credit history.
By Caz Blake-Symes 29 Jan, 2024
Over the years, many of our clients have said they prefer to get Christmas and New Year out of the way before thinking about moving. This general feeling has now been backed up by a survey carried out by Rightmove, the findings were published by them on 25 January 2024. Here are some of the highlights from the report…..
By Caz Blake-Symes 19 Jan, 2024
We are always so pleased to receive such positive feedback from our clients. Here is a 5-star Google review from Vanessa.
By Caz Blake-Symes 11 Jan, 2024
At Bristol, Weston, Bath and Exeter Mortgages Online we deal with a great many clients who have their own businesses and will gladly discuss all the options available to you if you are self-employed, even if you only have one year’s accounts.
Show More
Share by: