Numbers of FTBs have fallen to 38 per cent. The newly found confidence displayed by FTBs in December dropped dramatically following the Bank of England’s decision to raise the Base Rate a further 0.25% to 5.25% in January. This rate rise knocked the confidence of the group once again as they struggled to afford a property.
Peter Gladdy, director of Mortgages Direct, commented: “As expected, the last interest rate rise has not been good news for first-time buyers who are still having difficulty getting onto the property ladder. This group is essential for a healthy mortgage industry and another interest rate rise would have been very damaging to the market.”
High loan-to-value mortgages were at their lowest level for a year in January at 8%, down from 13% in December. This decrease is a result of first-time buyers pulling back and all other borrowers exercising caution in the wake of the rate rise.
The Mortgages Direct survey also indicated fixed rate mortgages were at their highest level since the survey began at 97%. Two-year fixed rate deals proved particularly popular as borrowers opted to protect themselves against further interest rate hikes. With two-year fixed rates being the most popular choice, homeowners appear confident that the recent rise in interest rates will be short-lived.
Gladdy continued: “Although the market is performing well, borrowers are showing signs of heightened sensitivity to changes in interest rates and speculation of a further rate rise in the first half of the year is making buyers and property investors think very carefully before committing to purchasing a property.”
