Most people are willing to pay a ‘certainty premium’ of £1,200 per year for a long-term guarantee of fixed mortgage repayments, according to new research by Kensington Mortgages.
In a survey of more than 2,000 renters and 2,000 homeowners, 83% would consider a long-term fixed-rate mortgage over a short-term if it provided greater certainty of mortgage repayments.
Kensington said that there is, however, is a general lack of awareness around long-term fixed rate mortgages. While there are several long-term fixed-rate mortgages available on the market – ranging from five to 40 years, 26% of renters and homeowners believe the longest fixed-term rate available is between two and five years. 12% believe the longest is up to 40 years and 16% do not know at all.
The new study also reveals that most homeowners are unaware that long-term fixed rate mortgages can improve affordability. If homeowners were to buy again, 75% would choose a long-term fixed rate mortgage if it increased their chances of borrowing more and are able to buy a bigger home.
While 59% of homeowners surveyed are on a fixed rate product, 68% do not have a fixed-rate mortgage that exceeds five years.
Affordability is an issue first-time buyers and renters in particular struggle with when trying to buy; 25% of renters who attempted to purchase a home in the last five years were unsuccessful and of these, 23% did not pass affordability checks and 25% could not borrow as much as they needed. Yet many are eager to step onto the property ladder – 70% of renters would consider a long-term fixed-rate mortgage if it meant they could afford to buy instead of rent. Even three-quarters of homeowners (75%) would consider one next time if it allowed them to borrow more and buy a bigger home.
Despite the benefits, some general reservations are shared by renters and homeowners. The main reasons for wariness are: if interest rates in the wider market decrease and the borrower is locked in and unable to move the product elsewhere (33%), personal circumstances changing within the term (30%) and having to pay fees if moving home (26%).
However, when asked if they would still be concerned about these issues if there was a long-term fixed-rate product that removed these barriers, 88% would consider one.
Kensington Mortgages says it is looking to expand its product range to include a number of long-term fixed rate mortgages which will offer flexibility for borrowers looking to move or sell their home.
Vicki Harris, chief commercial officer at Kensington Mortgages, said: “While mortgage terms of 30 years or higher are the norm, our research shows that the benefits of long-term fixed-rate mortgages are less well-known.
“These products may have higher interest rates than shorter-term mortgages in the early years, but you can often borrow more and they reduce the risk of being unable to remortgage, if any financial circumstances take a turn for the worse after the mortgage is taken out. It also acts as a protection against any future interest rate rises.
“For some, it could be the only way to afford a property. And for those who are struggling to step onto the property ladder, speaking to a mortgage adviser about these products could be a serious alternative if they haven’t already been considered. That’s why we’re soon launching our own long-term fixed product range to help give borrowers even more choice and flexibility.”