Bank of England Increase Base Rate to Highest Level Since 2008

Bank of England Increase Base Rate to Highest Level Since 2008.

On March 23, 2023, the Bank of England announced that it would increase the base rate to 4.25%, the highest level since 2008. This is a significant development for homeowners and those looking to purchase a home, as it could have a major impact on mortgage rates. The Bank was more optimistic about the economic forecast though and no longer believes there will be a recession.

The Bank of England base rate is the interest rate that the Bank of England sets for lending to other banks. It is used as a benchmark for other interest rates, including mortgage rates. When the base rate is increased, it typically leads to an increase in mortgage rates, and when the base rate is decreased, mortgage rates tend to fall.

If you're a homeowner with a fixed-rate mortgage, you won't be affected by the base rate increase until your mortgage comes up for renewal. However, if you have a variable-rate mortgage, your mortgage rate will likely increase. This means that your monthly mortgage payment will also increase, potentially making it more difficult to keep up with your payments.

For those looking to purchase a home, the base rate increase could make it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage. Higher mortgage rates mean higher monthly payments, which could push your debt-to-income ratio too high to qualify for a mortgage.

Overall, the Bank of England's decision to increase the base rate to 4.25% is likely to have a significant impact on the UK housing market. Homeowners with variable-rate mortgages will see their monthly mortgage payments increase, while those looking to purchase a home may find it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage. As always, it's important to keep an eye on interest rates and take steps to manage your debt to ensure you're prepared for any changes that may come your way.

If you need any assistance with finding a new mortgage or have any questions in relation to how this will effect the rent market, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team.

https://ilesandjenkin.com/contact-us

01934 512537 / lettings@ilesandjenkin.com