A drop in your asking price is likely not an actual loss compared with what you paid for it, only a failure to live up to aspirations

Tim Bannister, Rightmove 

‘However, while average asking prices did rise in January, they are still £8,720 less than their peak in October.

It will be important for the vast majority of sellers to remember that a drop in your asking price is likely not an actual loss compared with what you paid for it, only a failure to live up to aspirations.

‘Listening to your estate agent’s advice about your hyper-local market and pricing right the first time can avoid a stale sale and the need for even greater reductions later.’

There is also good news as monthly mortgage payments for first time buyers fell as mortgage rates continue to soften from the highs seen in October last year.

The average two-year fixed rate is now 5.63, down from 5.79 on 1 January, according to Moneyfacts.

The five-year fixed rate average has also fallen, dropping to 5.43 from 5.63 at the start of the month.

Most experts now expect rates to settle somewhere between 4 and five per cent this year, with many fixed deals now below 5 per cent despite a succession of base rate increases.

This is Money’s best mortgage rates calculator can show you the deals you could apply for and what they would cost.

Up and down: Mortgage rates rose rapidly in the wake of the mini-Budget in September but are expected to flatten out this year

However, data from Nationwide last week revealed that first-time buyer homes are the least affordable they have been since 2008, as mortgage payments eat up 39 per cent of borrower’s salary.

Gareth Overton, head of residential sales at estate agent Henry Adam, said: ‘People are now looking ahead and putting their moving plans into action for the new year.

‘As mortgage rates start to lower and inflation moves under control, we’re seeing an uptick in demand from those who’ve taken a long-term view to investing in their next home.

‘Along with increases in viewing levels seen so far in 2023, we’re also receiving more requests for valuations. This bodes well for a reasonably balanced market in the months ahead, where supply and demand are more evenly matched.’

What to do if you need a mortgage 

Borrowers who need to find a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is coming to an end, or because they have agreed a house purchase, should explore their options as soon as possible.

This is Money’s best mortgage rates calculator powered by L&C can show you deals that match your mortgage and property value

What if I need to remortgage? 

Borrowers should compare rates and speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act to secure a rate.

Anyone with a fixed rate deal ending within the next six to nine months, should look into how much it would cost them to remortgage now – and consider locking into a new deal.

Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added the loan and they are then only charged when it is taken out. By doing this, borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees.

What if I am buying a home? 

Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be.

Home buyers should beware overstretching themselves and be prepared for the possibility that house prices may fall from their current high levels, due to  higher mortgage rates limiting people’s borrowing ability.

How to compare mortgage costs 

The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a good broker.

You can use our best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs.

Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so the advice is that if you need a mortgage to compare rates and then speak to a broker as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you

 

Article sourced from This is Money on 23^rd January 2023 Original full article can be viewed by clicking link below

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