Compare mortgage rates in the UK
The lowest headline rate isn’t always the cheapest mortgage. Here’s how to compare properly — and how to get a real quote from a UK adviser.
What actually changes the rate you’re offered
- Loan-to-value (LTV) — rates step up roughly every 5–10% of LTV.
- Property type — flats, new builds, ex-LA and non-standard construction attract premium pricing or lower max LTV.
- Income type — self-employed, contractor and Ltd director cases vary materially between lenders.
- Credit history — clean files unlock the prime tier; specialist lenders price higher for adverse credit.
- Fix length — 2 vs 5 vs 10-year fixes price differently depending on the swap-rate curve.
- Fees — a low rate with a £999 fee can be more expensive than a fee-free option on smaller loans.
The “total cost over the fix” method
Compare deals by total cost across the fixed period: monthly payment × months in the fix + product fee. The deal with the lowest total cost is the cheapest — not the deal with the lowest sticker rate.
Why we don’t publish a live rates table
Lender rates change daily and depend on factors specific to you. A static table looks helpful but usually isn’t. Compare Mortgage Rates instead helps you estimate your numbers, then introduces you to a mortgage adviser who can pull live quotes from the lenders you actually qualify for.
The fastest way to compare real options
Request a callback. A mortgage adviser or broker partner can usually price your case across 50+ UK lenders in 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't you show a live rates table? +
Lender pricing changes daily and depends on your LTV, term, credit profile, employment type and property. A static rates table is misleading — a 30-second adviser quote is more useful.
Are broker rates better than going direct? +
Often slightly — and a broker’s rate comparison usually unlocks lender criteria you wouldn’t qualify for direct. The real win is matching you to the right lender, not shaving 0.05% off the rate.
Should I fix for 2 or 5 years? +
2-year fixes are cheaper today but you take remortgage risk sooner. 5-year fixes lock in payments — useful if budget certainty matters more than the lowest rate.
How often should I remortgage? +
Most UK borrowers remortgage every 2–5 years at the end of their fixed period to avoid the lender’s SVR.
Can I get the same rate as the cheapest deal advertised online? +
Sometimes. The cheapest deals usually come with strict criteria — large deposit, clean credit, employed, simple income. A broker will tell you within 5 minutes whether you qualify.