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Many people who get variable rate mortgages find that they can mix the security of a fixed rate mortgage whilst still having variable rates by getting a capped mortgage plan. If you are looking for a variable rate mortgage then you should seriously consider putting a cap on the mortgage. Here is some useful advice about whether or not you should proceed with a capped mortgage:

What is a capped mortgage?

Capped mortgages are a type of variable rate mortgage. A variable rate mortgage means that the interest rate on your repayments can vary. By putting a cap on the interest rate, it means that even if your interest rate changes, it can only change by so much. There is an upper limit on what you can pay, but if the interest rate falls then you will pay less. Capped mortgages are the option in between variable and fixed rate mortgages.

What are the advantages?

The obvious advantage of a capped mortgage is that you can benefit from variable rates but never have to pay above a certain limit. This allows you to take advantage of potentially lower rates, but also adequately budget each month and have peace of mind that your payments will not rise above a certain amount. In many ways, a capped mortgage is the best of both worlds. If you think that interest rates are going to go down, then getting a fixed rate mortgage now would be unwise as the fixed rate will be uncompetitive in a years time. Also, if you think that interest rates are going to rise then you want to have an upper limit on how much you can be charged. If you want a mixture of security and cheap prices, then a capped rate mortgage is for you.

The pitfalls

However, all of these benefits come at a price. Capped mortgage rates are usually higher than fixed rate or variable rate starting prices, because you get so many benefits. Also, there are not as many lenders willing to offer capped rate mortgages because of the obvious benefits to the borrower. You usually have to have a good credit history and even then it can be hard to get a capped mortgage. However, if you dont mind paying a slightly higher rate and want the chance to get lower prices as well as being able to budget, then a capped rate mortgage is for you.

Getting a capped rate mortgage

As previously mentioned, there are fewer lenders offering capped rate mortgages than other types of mortgage. This makes shopping around an easier task, but it is still necessary to do so in order to find the best deals. If you are still unsure about whether or not a capped rate mortgage is suitable for you, then speak to an independent financial advisor. Even if you already have a mortgage, you might be able to negotiate a deal with your current lender and put a cap on your variable rate mortgage.

Here’s the first mortgage term you should learn – Standard Variable Rate, or SVR. This is the interest rate you will be paying on the total amount you are borrowing. It is usually expressed as a percentage, and is different from an APR (Annual Percentage Rate). An APR includes all costs associated with the loan, such as interest, fees, any compulsory insurances etc.

While interest rates can vary quite widely across the board, all lenders will have a Standard Variable Rate. It’s the default rate for their mortgages, and can provide a good indication of whether they are offering good deals. Comparing different lenders’ SVRs is one way to get an idea of who has lower rates generally – though there will be exceptions to this rule.

This rate fluctuates, going up or down according to the economy and the lender. The biggest factor that effects SVRs is the Base Rate set by the Bank of England. In recent years this has been kept relatively low, and mortgage interest rates have been particularly good for borrowers. However, this could change and you should bear in mind that rates could go up in the future.

Many mortgages start off with special introductory rates, and then revert to the SVR after a set period. These include capped and collared mortgages. There are also ‘fixed rate’ and ‘interest only’ mortgages available, which are covered in more detail further on in the guide. When considering mortgages with special introductory rates, you should also take into account what the SVR is likely to be once your initial period is over. Many mortgages come with the condition that you stick with the same one for several years, even after the special offer period is over. There will often be penalties if you want to change mortgage within this tied period.

Interest calculation, interest charging

Be aware that there is a difference between interest calculation and interest charging. Some mortgages calculate interest daily, which works out as fairer for the borrower as your overall balance is reducing every month, and therefore the interest will be reducing too (even by a tiny fraction, every little helps!). Other lenders calculate interest monthly or annually, although annual calculation should be avoided if at all possible, as you will be paying the same interest for a whole year despite your balance having been reduced by your repayments. You should also ensure that your interest is charge in arrears, rather than in advance.