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Expats are looking for more long-term stability

More expats with mortgages on UK properties are looking to lock in a longer fixed deal than ever before. Experts believe this situation has been brought about due to the Brexit uncertainty and what could happen to the mortgage market in the immediate future.

Popularity of longer-term deals had waned at the start of 2020 with expat borrowers opting to fix their mortgage for two years, according to the latest figures.

In the later part of last year demand for five-year fixed-rate re-mortgages went up 32%, representing half the market according to the report.

Lenders are eager to attract longer-term business which has created a competitive landscape for expats. This has ensured five-year average rates have remained relatively flat month-on-month.

Five-year fixed deals tend to be more popular amongst borrowers who are seeking stability. Expats will be opting for these deals to provide some certainty amid the potential economic and political upheavals in the next few years due to Brexit and now Coid-19

Currently over 71% of expats re-mortgaging expect a rise in the Bank of England (BoE) base rate this year. This compares to 35% in April 2020.

After hints of a rate increase earlier in the year, sluggish economic growth discouraged the BoE from raising the base rate. Yet more than three quarters of borrowers still believe another base rate increase will happen at some point in the next twelve months.

Independent brokers

It also emerged the number of expat borrowers using an independent broker to re-mortgage has also hit a record high in December/January.

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If you are looking for a new or re-mortgage please do make contact and one of our independent advisers will be happy to assist.