14/10/2026
Many landlords have been hoping to see fixed rates move lower during 2026. Unfortunately, recent market conditions have made this difficult.
The primary issue remains SWAP rates, which underpin the pricing of many fixed rate mortgages. While SWAP rates have stabilised recently, they remain significantly higher than they were both a month ago & a year ago. This continues to feed through into the mortgage market & limits lenders' ability to reduce pricing.
Several factors are contributing to this situation.
First, ongoing tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher, raising concerns about future inflation. Markets remain nervous that sustained energy price increases could force interest rates to remain higher for longer than previously expected.
Second, gilt yields have risen as investors assess the potential impact of higher energy costs on inflation & future Bank of England policy. Rising gilt yields often place upward pressure on SWAP rates & by extension, mortgage pricing.
Finally, political developments have added another layer of uncertainty. Comments regarding fiscal flexibility & government spending have led some market participants to anticipate increased borrowing, resulting in further movement in gilt markets.
The combined effect of these factors is that fixed rate mortgages continue to feel relatively expensive compared to market expectations earlier in the year.
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