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Fixed rate (4.99%) v Tracker (BOE + 0.74) dilemma

Brainiacs,

Someone I know is faced with this dilemma.

He's been offered a 4.99% fixed rate deal with only a £499 fee but is also aware of a BOE + 0.74% lifetime tracker deal with no fees attached.

The fixed has options of 2/3/5yrs.

Big Q is this - with the US Fed Reserve slashing rates, the likelihood that it would be a similar path for the BOE seems worth taking a gamble on.

Any advice appreciated - a real dilemma.

Thanks,

OWM
Tough times never last longer than tough people.

Comments

  • _Andy_
    _Andy_ Posts: 11,150 Forumite
    Which lender is it with (the fixed)?
  • i think HSBC.
    Tough times never last longer than tough people.
  • _Andy_
    _Andy_ Posts: 11,150 Forumite
    I'm presuming the rate-matcher deal for existing clients coming off fixed rates - I'd snap it up.
  • minimike2
    minimike2 Posts: 2,210 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If you look at what base rate currently is, and compare that to how much base would have to come down by to even match the 4.99 I think that gives your friend the answer they are looking for.

    The FED has slashed rates due to crisis in the US - the MPC here are playing a delecate balancing act at the moment as big cuts would see inflation, which is already over target, to soar.
  • Rick62
    Rick62 Posts: 989 Forumite
    If your friend can really get 4.99% fixed with low fee and no step or extended ERC etc I would grab it and for as long as possible, 1% cheaper than the tracker.
    I am a Mortgage Adviser
    You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.
  • Thought so, I'll let him know. Had a look on their site and I think ERCs do not extend beyond the term of the fix.
    Tough times never last longer than tough people.
  • it's probably been done to death but which is better 3 or 5 yearfix? Some uncertainty surrounding how long property will be held on to for. at the very least till selling is a viable option.....
    Tough times never last longer than tough people.
  • Ahem!




    Bump!
    Tough times never last longer than tough people.
  • Gambler
    Gambler Posts: 3,326 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    it's probably been done to death but which is better 3 or 5 yearfix? Some uncertainty surrounding how long property will be held on to for. at the very least till selling is a viable option.....


    That's a personal choice.
  • minimike2
    minimike2 Posts: 2,210 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Yeah you cant say without taking all lifestyle and risk preference considerations into account - but its interesting that at the moment I am finding more people prefering 5 year deals, than say a few years ago when 2 year deals were more popular. Funny really when you compare rates then and now!
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