MPC announce Base Rate cut to 0.5%! 05.03.2009

Author: Steve Olejnik Posted on: 04 March 2009

This will of course continue to improve the cash-flow of those borrowers on Base Rate linked loans (without collars!) but unlikely to have much of an affect on new mortgage products.

Only a 3rd of lenders passed on any of last month’s 0.5% cut and I would expect even fewer lenders to act this month. That said, there are a handful of lenders (C & G, Nationwide, Skipton & Halifax) who have Standard Variable Rates (SVRs) that must never be more than a set percentage above Base Rate – they will have no option but to reduce their SVRs. For the rest, don’t expect much movement and for those of you looking to move house or remortgage, I would reiterate that the products available now are probably as good as they are going to get and if you are looking for fixed rate mortgages for your home or Buy to Let fixed rate mortgages over the next 2, 3 or 5 years then now is certainly the time to act.

The additional announcement that the BoE will embark upon £75Bn of asset purchases financed by the issuance of central bank reserves is a welcome move in terms of trying to improve liquidity. Perhaps the most significant phrase in the published statement was "in the first instance" thus demonstrating the BoE's commitment to stimulate the economy with a series of measures if necessary.

None of this will change the economy and, in particular, the housing market overnight but these are alll essential building blocks on the way to recovery.

Author: David Whittaker