Research from Moneyfacts.co.uk reveals that the number of fee-free deals available to those looking for a fixed rate mortgage has more than doubled over the past year. This has given borrowers looking to minimise upfront costs even more choice.

Charlotte Nelson, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“It’s great news that the number of fixed rate deals without a fee has increased by a staggering 606 products. With more deals now than ever offering a no-fee option, it is clear to see that lenders are trying to compete in ways beyond just the headline rate.

“At the same time, as the number of fixed rate deals with no fee has increased, the average fixed rate fee has increased too, rising from £954 to £984 over one year, giving the impression that products that charge a fee are disproportionately more expensive. This is mainly an attempt by providers to compensate some of their low rate deals with a higher fee, particularly as the average two-year fixed rate has fallen from 2.67% to 2.34% in the last 12 months.

“Too many borrowers focus their attention on achieving the lowest rate possible and miss out on some of the deals that end up being the most cost-effective. For example, borrowers opting for the lowest two-year fixed rate deal at 75% loan-to-value would be £1,072* worse off compared to a borrower who opted for the lowest deal with no fee.

“Fees can soon mount up, particularly if a borrower opts for a two-year deal and remortgages after the deal expires. This can make ignoring fee-free options a costly mistake, as the amount paid on the fee could instead be better spent overpaying the mortgage.

“It is important that borrowers looking for a mortgage ensure they do their homework and work out the true cost of a deal, looking at the rate, fee and any incentive package, so they can be sure they have found the most cost-effective option.”

*Based on a £200,000 mortgage over a 25-year term on a capital and interest repayment basis.

www.moneyfacts.co.uk - The Money Search Engine

Moneyfacts.co.uk is the UK's leading independent provider of personal finance information. For the last 20 years, Moneyfacts' information has been the key driver behind many personal finance decisions, from the Treasury to the high street.

Only logged in users are allowed to post comments. Register/ Log in

The Market Oracle is a FREE Financial Markets Forecasting & Analysis web-site.
(c) 2005-2024 MarketOracle.co.uk (Market Oracle Ltd) - Market Oracle Ltd asserts copyright on all articles authored by our editorial team and all comments posted. Any and all information provided within the web-site, is for general information purposes only and Market Oracle Ltd do not warrant the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of any information provided on this site. nor is or shall be deemed to constitute, financial or any other advice or recommendation by us. and are also not meant to be investment advice or solicitation or recommendation to establish market positions. We do not give investment advice and our comments are an expression of opinion only and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as recommendations to enter into a market position either stock, option, futures contract, bonds, commodity or any other financial instrument at any time. We recommend that independent professional advice is obtained before you make any investment or trading decisions. By using this site you agree to this sites Terms of Use. From time to time we promote or endorse certain products / services that we believe are worthy of your time and attention. In return for that endorsement and only in the cases where you purchase directly though us may we be compensated by the producers of those products.