Mortgage rates fell across the board significantly in January 2020, and first-time buyers with small deposits have started to enjoy some of the biggest drops.

Here’s what we think might happen in the mortgage market for first-time buyers in 2020. Affordability rules to be more relaxed than the previous year. Barclays increased its maximum lending multiple from four and a half times to five times the annual income for first-time buyers earning more than £30,000. This was a notable move.

The economist published last July suggested that a significant increase in house prices could see some affordability restrictions relaxed. In the meantime, we will see more lenders offering higher income multiples to select groups of first-time buyers, based on either their profession or income.

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The comeback of a two-year fixed to dominate the market in 2020.

A Five-year fixed-rate deals were huge last year, with cheap rates and economic uncertainty leading buyers and re-mortgagers to lock in their deals for longer. However, there’s only so far that rates can drop before banks begin to look elsewhere for profits. Cash-strapped first-time buyers taking out 90% and 95% mortgages could be the next beneficiaries, as two-year fixes still have plenty of room to fall in price at high loan-to-value (LTV) levels. You’ll be able to borrow for longer Mortgage terms of up to 40 years are becoming more common, and with first-time buyer affordability remaining stretched, it’s likely that this trend will continue. In 2020, we could see more lenders loosen their upper age limits to make longer-term borrowing options available to more than just the youngest first-time buyers.

January property sales to be record high over the last 6 months. This trend in sales is a great news for anyone looking to re-mortgage in the first half of the year, as you’ll usually be able to lock in a new rate up to six months before your current deal expires. When comparing mortgages, ensure you consider upfront fees and early repayment charges, and don’t just focus on cheap initial rates.

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Get in touch with our partner today to explore your mortgage options on 02030597720 email: info@fordongroup.com / www.fordongroup.com

 

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Useful guides

If you haven’t used an Estate Agent before, or just need to refresh your memory on what happens next, this is where we provide a brief guide to each process. Whether you plan to sell, buy, let or rent, these guides should make the task a little easier.

The Frank Landlords' Guide

Letting your property

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The Frank Buyers' Guide

Buying a property

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The Frank Tenants' Guide

Renting a property

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The Frank Vendors' Guide

Selling your property

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