Remortgage levels drop to 6-month low

September was the worst month for remortgaging since the EU referendum, new figures from conveyancing firm LMS show.

The research found that remortgaging accounted for only 25% of total gross lending in September, the lowest level since March 2016, when there was a sharp rise in home purchases and buy-to-let activity before the change to stamp duty on second homes was introduced.

The volume of remortgages dropped by 12% from 34,900 in August to 30,766 in September, while the value of gross remortgage lending also decreased, dropping by 14% from £5.9bn in August to £5.1bn in September.

Uncertainty around the UK’s economic future ahead of formal negotiations to leave the European Union appear to be the main cause for the dip in remortgaging activity, according to Andy Knee, chief executive of LMS.

He said: “The recent weeks and months have been tainted with uncertainty. Since the vote to leave the European Union there has been some doubt and ambiguity surrounding the future of the nation’s economy.

“This uncertainty appears to have spread to the remortgage market, with activity at its lowest level since the referendum. Gross remortgage lending and the share of remortgaging in the wider market have both fallen as homeowners put remortgaging plans on hold to wait and see how Theresa May’s government approach Brexit negotiations.

“The number of remortgages has fallen as more homeowners remain on their current deals for the time being. Remortgagors are also remortgaging less frequently than a month ago, which is surprising given the current market climate of low rates. Homeowners considering remortgaging should be spurred to act now as mortgage providers may soon raise rates to cover costs stemming from higher swap rates in recent months.

However, Knee pointed out that it is not all doom and gloom, as annual repayments have fallen again and mortgage rates are now at their lowest-ever level.

He continued: “For those homeowners willing to remortgage, there remains plenty of incentive to do so and many could still benefit by remortgaging onto deals with lower interest rates and repayments.

“Reducing monthly payments is something that will be important for many as inflation increases and the price of everyday essentials rise.”

Want to comment on this story? Our focus is on providing a platform for you to share your insights and views and we welcome contributions.
If any post is considered to victimise, harass, degrade or intimidate an individual or group of individuals, then the post may be deleted and the individual immediately banned from posting in future.
Please help us by reporting comments you consider to be unduly offensive so we can review and take action if necessary. Thank you.