quick question on mortgage fixed deal

maxthepolarbear

I currently have a fixed deal with Natwest that is coming to an end on 30 November. I am hoping to remortgage to first direct when the fixed period with Natwest expires. My understanding is that the first direct offer is valid for 6 months. So if I apply now and assuming I get approved in say July, will my two year fixed deal with first direct end in July 2020 instead of November 2020 (which will be the 2 year anniversary from my first payment with them).


I am hoping to lock in to a good deal now (1.49% fixed for 2 years with 75% LTV with FD) as I expect Bank of England might raise the base rate in the next couple of months. If I wait a bit longer I might not get as good a deal. On the other hand I would like to have a maximum of 24 month fixed deal period compared to say 19 month.



As an aside, first direct and HSBC seems to be offering identical mortgage with the fee with first direct being cheaper - is there any catch going with first direct rather than HSBC? I know if I go with HSBC I can go through a few specific brokers but if I go with FD then I have to go direct.



Thanks.