Experts are warning that a lending crunch could be coming this winter. Lenders are already pulling deals and interest rates are increasing. Rates have risen for the third consecutive month and the number of products on the market has been reduced for the fourth month in row. There are fewer remortgage and mortgage products available now than were available prior to the pandemic lockdown. Therefore, those homeowners looking to remortgage and home buyers looking to get on the property ladder with an attractive interest rate are advised to start shopping for a deal sooner rather than later.

Only months ago, homeowners looking to remortgage had to learn to navigate a new normal placed upon them by the impact of the pandemic. Summer brought a sense of understanding and patience as borrowers accepted the inability to expect quick processing of their borrowing needs with lockdowns in place and restrictions necessary to keep workers and customers safe. Now, a new urgency is taking place as the pandemic seems to be worsening in some areas of the UK rather than coming under control. Therefore, for those planning to remortgage or shop around for a new deal, it could prove challenging.

Homeowners have been finding that remortgaging during the pandemic has many positive benefits. For some it has allowed them to find big savings with a lower interest rate, and for others it has allowed them to secure a fixed rate to protect them against rising rates in the months ahead. Some homeowners have reported that remortgaging brought them relief from stress. There are others that are releasing their built up equity into cash for a variety of reasons of which for some it is to make improvements and upgrades to increase the value of their property.

Experts are encouraging borrowers to pay attention to the lending market. Home buyers and homeowners should be made aware that the once historic low interest rates that came about during the pandemic lockdown are now rising. The ability to take advantage of the lowest mortgage and lowest remortgage deals could be disappearing. 

Homeowners in a recent survey noted that they had found some level of mental stress relief through remortgaging. By securing a low interest rate, perhaps a fixed rate to avoid higher rates for months or years to come, or by cashing out built up equity to have money in hand they felt more secure in their financial position. It is not surprising that they would report attaining peace of mind with so many benefits and opportunities available in remortgaging.

The housing market data for August has revealed much as to the state of recovery during the pandemic. The post lockdown market has drawn the attention of buyers and according to the Bank of England data, August experienced a 13 year high for mortgage approvals. Perhaps the pandemic is inspiring those staying at home more to do so as a homeowner. There were 84,715 mortgages approved in August which is a considerable jump from the 66,288 in July.