Five Year Fixed Mortgage Deals Explained in Detail

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A five year fixed mortgage deal can provide stability and predictability in your monthly payments, with interest rates fixed for the entire 5-year term. This can be especially helpful if you're on a tight budget.

The fixed interest rate is typically set at the time of application, and it will remain the same for the entire 5-year period. This means your monthly mortgage payments will be the same each month.

With a five year fixed mortgage deal, you can budget with confidence, knowing exactly how much you'll need to pay each month. This can be a big relief, especially if you're living paycheck to paycheck.

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What Is a 5-Year Fixed Mortgage?

A five-year fixed mortgage is a type of mortgage where the interest rate remains the same for five years.

This means you won't have to worry about rising interest rates pushing up your monthly repayments during the five-year term of the deal.

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The interest rate can be higher than with shorter fixed-rate mortgage deals, but this is not always the case.

You won't benefit from falling interest rates throughout the five-year period unless you pay early repayment charges (ERCs) to leave the deal early.

Here are some key features of a five-year fixed mortgage:

A five-year fixed mortgage can provide peace of mind, knowing how much your repayments will be in the mid-term, but it's essential to factor in mortgage set-up fees and compare deals to find the cheapest option.

Pros and Cons

A five-year fixed mortgage deal can be a great option for some, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

One of the main advantages of a five-year fixed mortgage is that it offers risk protection. With a fixed rate, you can budget with greater accuracy and avoid the uncertainty of rising interest rates.

Fixed rates can be competitive, especially for the 5-year term, which is historically the most popular option among lenders.

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However, fixing your mortgage for five years can also mean higher rates, as you'll need to pay a premium to guarantee your fixed rate.

According to a landmark study by York University Professor Moshe Milevsky, historically, over 90% of Canadians who have maintained a variable mortgage rate have paid less in interest than those who have stuck to a fixed rate.

Breaking a fixed mortgage can also be expensive, with penalties ranging from the interest rate differential (IRD) to three months' interest.

Here's a comparison of the pros and cons:

Ultimately, whether a five-year fixed mortgage is right for you depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals.

Should I Fix It?

Fixing your mortgage for 5 years can give you certainty and stability in the long-term, but it's not always the best choice.

You'll have to pay a higher interest rate with a 5-year fixed-rate mortgage, although this isn't always the case.

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If interest rates fall during the 5-year period, you won't benefit unless you pay early repayment charges to leave the deal early.

Fixing your mortgage for 2 years can give you certainty and stability in the short-term, and can also be the right choice if you only plan on staying in your home for a few years.

You can then move onto a new rate once your deal ends if rates decline over the next two years.

However, a lot can happen over 5 years, so there's a chance mortgage interest rates could drastically change over that time.

You'll end up paying more interest in comparison to live rates if that happens.

A fixed-rate mortgage can be worth it if you're someone who likes security and stability, and you'll be able to budget several months in advance.

You'll also sleep soundly at night knowing your mortgage payments won't fluctuate from one month to the next.

However, for those who are more comfortable with risk, going onto a variable rate mortgage can be a better option.

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Variable rate mortgages can be cheaper in the long run, although your monthly payments may fluctuate in the amount you pay month to month.

Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since June 2024, and are expected to stay at current levels or decline further over 2025.

So now could be a good time to fix your mortgage, and you can lock in a mortgage deal now to make the most of current rates.

Benefits and Protection

Having a five year fixed mortgage deal can bring you peace of mind and financial stability.

You're protected from interest rate increases, so you can budget and plan without worrying about rising interest rates.

This means you'll keep paying the same amount until your fixed rate period ends, even if interest rates go up.

You're also protected from changing criteria, which can make it harder to remortgage or secure a new deal.

This could happen if lenders tighten their affordability criteria or if you experience a change in circumstances, such as becoming self-employed.

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By fixing your mortgage, you can avoid the stress of meeting lenders' criteria during a period of change.

You're protected from changing circumstances, which can affect your ability to secure a new mortgage deal.

This could be due to a change in employment status, such as becoming self-employed, or a reduction in income due to pregnancy or maternity leave.

Costs and Fees

You'll want to be aware of the costs and fees associated with a five year fixed mortgage deal. Some deals have lower mortgage interest rates, but the fees can make them more expensive overall.

You'll need to consider the early repayment charges (ERCs) which can amount to thousands of pounds. This is especially important if you think you may need to break out of the deal before it ends.

Closing costs can also be a significant expense, typically ranging from 2 to 5 percent of the loan's value. For a $200,000 loan, 5 percent adds up to $10,000.

Closing Costs for Home Buyers

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Closing costs can range from 2 to 5 percent of the loan's value, which can add up quickly. For a $200,000 loan, 5 percent equals $10,000.

You'll need to pay a lender's origination fee and home appraisal fee as part of the closing costs. Attorney's fees for title searches and deed transfers are also included.

Discount points, which can provide a lower interest rate, will be due at the closing table. VA loans require a VA funding fee at closing.

It's not uncommon for home buyers to negotiate with the seller to pay closing costs, especially if the seller is motivated to close the deal. Some loan options allow you to finance some or all of the costs.

Save on Fees

You can save money on fees by sticking with the same mortgage for many years, which reduces the amount you spend on fees.

Arrangement fees can set you back hundreds of pounds, so it's worth considering the long-term cost of remortgaging.

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Paying the fee for a remortgage deal can be worth it in the long run if you're able to get a better deal, so always seek advice from a mortgage broker.

Early repayment charges (ERCs) can amount to thousands of pounds, so it's essential to find out about them before applying for a remortgage deal.

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Penalty for Moving

You may have to pay a penalty if you move house before the end of your fixed-rate mortgage term. Some mortgage deals are portable, but others will require you to pay to exit your fix early.

If you move house 3 years into a 5 year fix, you'll likely face a penalty. This can be a significant additional cost, so it's essential to factor this into your moving plans.

You can take your mortgage with you to your new home at no extra cost if you have a portable mortgage deal. However, this is not always the case, so it's crucial to check your mortgage terms before making a move.

Here's an interesting read: Can You Have a Second Mortgage

How Loan-to-Value Affects Interest

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The loan-to-value, or LTV, is a crucial factor in determining your interest rate. It's simply the amount you need to borrow compared to the value of the property.

A larger deposit can get you more competitive rates, as it makes borrowing less risky for lenders. This is why the best five-year fixed mortgage rates are generally offered on LTVs of 60% or less, requiring a 40% deposit.

Borrowing at a higher LTV, on the other hand, tends to come with higher interest rates. For example, 95% mortgages, which require a 5% deposit, typically have the highest rates.

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Compare with Us

Comparing 5-year fixed mortgage deals can be a daunting task, but it's essential to find the right one for your needs.

You'll want to consider the length of the mortgage term, as a shorter 2-year fixed mortgage term offers more flexibility to change your rate or take advantage of lower mortgage rates, but comes with higher interest rates.

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It's also crucial to understand the differences between full feature mortgages and restricted mortgages. Full feature mortgages have more desirable features, including pre-payment options, porting your mortgage, and payment flexibility.

To get the best rate, you should shop around and compare rates from at least three lenders. Each lender will provide you with a Loan Estimate, which makes it easy to compare interest rates and lender fees.

Remember, the APR (annual percentage rate) is usually a more accurate measure of the cost of borrowing, as it takes into account both the interest rate and other costs associated with the loan.

Here's a quick comparison of the key features of 5-year fixed mortgage deals:

Keep in mind that these are just sample rates, and you'll want to provide information about yourself and the home you want to buy to get more personalized rates.

Impact and Effect

Five year fixed mortgage deals can provide stability and predictability in your monthly payments.

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By locking in a fixed interest rate for five years, you can avoid potential rate increases that might occur during that period.

This can be especially beneficial for those who value stability and predictability in their finances.

According to the data, the average fixed rate for a five year mortgage deal is around 2.5% APR, which is significantly lower than some of the longer term fixed rates available.

This lower rate can result in substantial savings over the life of the loan.

Stress Test Impact of Changes

As fixed mortgage rates remain high, the mortgage stress test threshold is a tough hurdle for many borrowers. The stress test threshold is based on the higher of the qualifying rate (5.25%) or the contract rate + 2%.

The good news is that the lowest available high ratio 5-year fixed rates are currently at 4.04%. This is lower than the qualifying rate, so if you have a fixed-rate mortgage, the stress test used is the contract rate + 2%.

The lowest variable rate available is 4.35%. This is also lower than the qualifying rate, so the stress test used is still the contract rate + 2%.

What Drives Changes?

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Changes in 5-year fixed mortgage rates are largely driven by 5-year Canada Bond Yields.

These bond yields are influenced by economic factors such as unemployment, export, and inflation. A rise in bond yields makes it more expensive for mortgage lenders to source capital, forcing them to raise mortgage rates to maintain their profit margins.

Canada Bond Yields can fluctuate based on market conditions, with lenders adjusting their rates accordingly. A strong economy with low unemployment and inflation can lead to lower bond yields, making mortgage rates more competitive.

The spread between mortgage rates and bond yields is also a key factor, influenced by lenders' desired market share, competition, marketing strategy, and general credit market conditions. This spread can vary depending on the lender's goals and the overall market climate.

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Guide to

If you're considering a five year fixed mortgage deal, you'll want to know how long you should fix your mortgage for, with the average fixed mortgage interest rate being a key factor.

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The average fixed mortgage interest rate can vary, but it's essential to consider your financial situation and goals before making a decision.

Is now a good time to fix your mortgage? This depends on various factors, including the current market conditions and your individual financial situation.

Fixing your mortgage for a longer period, such as 10 years, can provide stability and protection from rising interest rates, but it may also mean you'll be locked into a higher interest rate for a longer time.

Here are some pros and cons of fixing your mortgage to consider:

  • Pros: stability, protection from rising interest rates, predictable monthly payments
  • Cons: potential for higher interest rates, flexibility limitations

Ultimately, whether a fixed-rate mortgage is worth it for you depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Five year fixed mortgage deals can be a great option for those looking for stability and predictability in their monthly payments.

The maximum loan-to-value ratio for a five year fixed mortgage deal is 80%, which means you can borrow up to 80% of the property's value.

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You can choose from a range of five year fixed mortgage rates, with some deals offering rates as low as 1.5% per annum.

Some lenders may charge early repayment charges if you decide to pay off your mortgage early, so be sure to check the terms and conditions.

Five year fixed mortgage deals typically have a fixed interest rate for the entire five year term, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

You'll usually need to pay a fee to set up a five year fixed mortgage deal, which can range from £500 to £2,000.

Some lenders may offer incentives such as cashback or free valuations as part of their five year fixed mortgage deals.

Kristin Ward

Writer

Kristin Ward is a versatile writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. Kristin's writing portfolio showcases her ability to tackle a variety of subjects, from personal finance to lifestyle and beyond.

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