Around 1.4 million households face interest rate rises when they renew their fixed rate mortgage this year, the Office for National Statistics warned.
More than half (57%) fixed rate mortgage deals are due to be renewed this year and are currently on fixed rate deals below 2%, meaning borrowers could be in for a financial shock as new deals will come in at around the 5% mark.
Deals due to mature in 2024 will include two-year fixed rate deals from 2022 and five-year fixes from 2019, when mortgage rates were generally higher than 2%, ONS said.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Based on Bank of England data, in the first quarter of this year, 353,000 fixed rate mortgages will have to be renewed. The number of fixed rate mortgage deals coming to an end in 2023 will peak in Quarter 2 (April to June) 2023 at 371,000.
With the Bank of England increasing interest rate since the start of 2022, those on fixed rate mortgages have been shielded from rate hikes to their mortgage payments, though anyone on a variable rate will have already seen an increase to their repayments.
How to keep mortgage costs low
If your fixed rate mortgage deal is coming to an end then make sure you shop around for the best rate. If you're currently on the 2% mark, then you are unlikely to get that rate again, but you can still shop around for the cheapest deal.
You can compare rates using a comparison site like moneysupermaket.com, moneyfacts.co.uk or our sister site gocompare.com. Online brokers like Habito also make comparing and switching easy using the whole of market to help you compare rates.
But, it may also be worth speaking to a mortgage broker as they often have access to deals that are not available on comparison sites.
If you are self-employed, a mortgage broker makes sense, as they can show you better deals available to you.
Find a mortgage broker at unbiased.co.uk or vouchedfor.co.uk.
Should you overpay your mortgage?
With many households expected to be hit with a rate rise, if you have spare cash, it may be worth overpaying your mortgage to reduce the debt - especially as house prices are also starting to drop.
Although interest rates are rising, they are expected to rise with the Office for Budget Responsibility saying it expects the Bank Rate to peak at 4.8% by the end of 2023.
So, could now be the time to take the opportunity to overpay, if you afford it?
By paying more now, you’ll reduce the interest payments, but before you make any overpayments, check with your lender for any penalties.
You should also prioritise other debt payments, like credit cards or loans, as well as building a rainy day fund for emergencies before tackling overpayments.
-
August NS&I Premium Bond winners unveiled - have you scooped £1m?Two lucky NS&I Premium Bond winners are now millionaires in the August draw. Find out here if you are one of them
-
Savings rates more than double in a year as challenger banks top the best buy tables
The best savings rates have doubled - and in some cases tripled - in a year, with challenger banks offering the highest rates. While they are still no match for inflation, we look at what you could be earning.
-
Midlife MOT: what is it and who can get one?
The government has launched an online midlife MOT to help older workers with financial planning, health guidance and career skills. But how does it work, who can get one and would you pass it?
-
Coventry Building Society launches new best easy access savings account
Coventry Building Society's deal tops our easy access savings account list, but could your cash be put to better use?
-
NS&I boosts fixed-term savings rates
The NS&I, the government-backed savings institution has mirrored recent rate rises seen elsewhere in the market.
-
Should you let AI give you financial advice?
Can AI fill the financial advice gap? Kalpana Fitzpatrick looks at the pros and cons of using AI to guide your finances.
-
Small pension pots to be consolidated, says DWP
Workplace pension schemes worth less than £1,000 that become “deferred” when a saver changes jobs will be consolidated under a new system
-
Watchdog summons banks to explain paltry savings rates
Savings rates trail mortgage rates - and the financial watchdog has summoned banks to a meeting amid concerns of profiteering.
