UK Lenders Adjust Fixed Mortgage Rates: Some Cuts Amid Selective Increases and Market Stability
Average mortgage rates in the UK have plateaued following recent reductions by several high street lenders. HSBC UK, Halifax Intermediaries, Santander, and TSB are among those cutting fixed-rate mortgage products this week, reflecting a fall in swap rates used to price loans.
ft.comUK mortgage rates have stabilized this week after several major lenders announced reductions on fixed-rate products. 35 percentage points starting the same day. 45 percentage points from Friday, although some TSB rates on product transfers and additional borrowing are increasing.
77%, according to Moneyfacts. 95%. 7% fewer than before the conflict in Iran began. " Santander stated it is passing on reductions in borrowing costs following a fall in swap rates used to price loans.
Adam French, head of consumer finance at Moneyfacts, noted that average mortgage rates have held steady since Easter and that rising rates appear to have plateaued for now. 4%. In this stable environment, lenders like Santander, Atom Bank, and Skipton Building Society have cut some rates, while others like TSB have raised rates on select products.
Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager at John Charcol, said HSBC’s planned cuts are significant because they cover multiple borrower categories, including first-time buyers, home movers, remortgages, and buy-to-let. " Mendes also advised prospective buyers and remortgagers to prepare now, given the current window of rate reductions.
These developments follow a period of volatility where lenders prioritized margin protection and risk management over competitive pricing.
The recent rate adjustments reflect shifting market conditions and a partial easing of borrowing costs for UK homeowners.
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-16
HSBC UK announced plans to reduce mortgage rates on Friday for various borrower categories.
1 sourceThe Independent - 2026-04-16
Halifax Intermediaries signalled product changes from Friday with rate decreases up to 0.35 percentage points.
1 sourceThe Independent - 2026-04-16
Santander made mortgage rate reductions on Thursday following a fall in swap rates.
1 sourceThe Independent - 2026-04-16
TSB announced rate decreases on two-year fixed house purchase mortgages by up to 0.45 percentage points from Friday, with some rates increasing on product transfers and additional borrowing.
1 sourceThe Independent - 2026-04-16
Moneyfacts reported average two-year fixed mortgage rate at 5.88% on Thursday morning, down slightly from Wednesday.
1 sourceThe Independent
Potential Impact
- 01
Reduced mortgage rates may increase affordability for first-time buyers, home movers, and remortgagers.
- 02
Improved product availability may enhance consumer choice in the mortgage market.
- 03
HSBC’s rate cuts could prompt other large lenders to follow, potentially leading to broader market rate reductions.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
abcnews.go.comNPR Receives $113 Million in Private Donations After Federal Funding Cut
NPR announced it received $113 million in philanthropic donations from two donors, including an $80 million gift from Connie Ballmer and $33 million from an anonymous donor. The donations came months after the Trump administration ended federal funding for public media.
insightsonindia.comUK Drug and Food Shortages Linked to Strait of Hormuz Conflict
The ongoing conflict involving Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is raising concerns about shortages of medicines, jet fuel, and food supplies in the UK. Officials warn that disruptions to supply chains could lead to shortages as early as this summer.
NewsweekTrump’s Approval Rating Strengthens Among Republicans but Remains Negative Nationally
Recent polls show President Donald Trump’s approval rating among Republican voters has increased to above 80 percent, while his overall national approval remains below 40 percent. The data highlights a growing partisan divide ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.