The benchmark interest rate in the United Kingdom was last recorded at 4 percent. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Between January 2018 and September 2025, the United Kingdom's consumer price inflation rate showed notable volatility. The rate hit its lowest point at *** percent in August 2020 and peaked at *** percent in October 2022. By September 2025, inflation had moderated to *** percent, indicating a gradual increase in inflation rates in the preceding months. The Bank of England's interest rate policy closely tracked these inflationary trends. Rates remained low at -* percent until April 2020, when they were reduced to *** percent in response to economic challenges. A series of rate increases followed, reaching a peak of **** percent from August 2023 to July 2024. The central bank then initiated rate cuts in August and November 2024, lowering the rate to **** percent, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. In February 2025, the Bank of England implemented another rate cut, setting the bank rate at *** percent, which was further reduced to **** percent in May 2025 and remained at * percent as of September 2025. Global context of inflation and interest rates The UK's experience reflects a broader international trend of rising inflation and subsequent central bank responses. From January 2022 to July 2024, advanced and emerging economies alike increased their policy rates to counter inflationary pressures. However, a shift began in late 2024, with many countries, including the UK, starting to lower rates. This change suggests a potential new phase in the global economic cycle and monetary policy approach. Comparison with other major economies The UK's monetary policy decisions align closely with those of other major economies. The United States, for instance, saw its federal funds rate peak at **** percent in August 2023, mirroring the UK's rate trajectory. Similarly, central bank rates in the EU all increased drastically between 2022 and 2024. These synchronized movements reflect the global nature of inflationary pressures and the coordinated efforts of central banks to maintain economic stability. As with the UK, both the U.S. and EU began considering rate cuts in late 2024, signaling a potential shift in the global economic landscape.

Mortgage interest rates in Europe soared in 2022 and remained elevated in the following two years. In many countries, this resulted in mortgage interest rates across the region more than doubling. In the first quarter of 2025, the average mortgage interest rate in the UK stood at **** percent. Spain had the lowest rate, at **** percent, while Poland had the highest, at *** percent. Why did mortgage interest rates increase? Mortgage rates have risen as a result of the European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate increase. The ECB increased its interest rates to tackle inflation. As inflation calms, the ECB is expected to cut rates, which allows mortgage lenders to reduce mortgage interest rates. What is the impact of interest rates on home buying? Lower interest rates make taking out a housing loan more affordable, and thus, encourage home buying. That can be seen in many countries across Europe: In France, the number of residential properties sold rose in the years leading up to 2021, and fell as interest rates increased. The number of houses sold in the UK followed a similar trend.

UK Auto Loan Market size was valued at USD 90.24 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 128.14 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.50% from 2026-2032.

UK Auto Loan Market Drivers

Demand for Vehicle Ownership: A fundamental driver is the ongoing need and desire for personal vehicles among UK consumers and businesses. This demand is influenced by factors like: * Population Growth and Urbanization: While the UK is a mature market, population shifts and the needs of urban living can still drive vehicle purchases. * Personal Convenience and Necessity: For many, owning a car remains essential for commuting, family needs, and leisure activities. * Preference for Personal Mobility: Despite the growth of alternative transportation, personal car ownership remains a strong preference for a significant portion of the population.

Economic Factors: The overall health of the UK economy plays a crucial role: * Consumer Confidence: When consumers feel financially secure, they are more likely to make large purchases like vehicles, often relying on financing. * Disposable Income: Higher disposable income allows more individuals to afford car payments. * Employment Rates: Stable or rising employment provides the security needed for taking on loan obligations.

Interest Rates: The cost of borrowing money directly impacts the auto loan market: * Bank of England Base Rate: The central bank's rate influences the interest rates that lenders charge for car loans. Lower base rates generally lead to more affordable loans, stimulating demand. * Lender Competition: Competition among banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions can lead to more attractive interest rates for consumers. * Individual Creditworthiness: A borrower's credit score significantly affects the interest rate they will be offered. Higher scores typically result in lower rates.

1. Lending Practices and Regulations: How loans are offered and regulated shapes the market:
2. Loan Terms and Structures: The availability of various loan terms (shorter vs. longer) and structures (e.g., Personal Contract Purchase - PCP, Hire Purchase - HP) influences affordability and consumer choice. PCP remains the most common method for new car financing in the UK.
3. Regulatory Environment: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) plays a crucial role in regulating the market, ensuring fair practices and consumer protection. Recent scrutiny regarding discretionary commission models highlights the impact of regulation.

Banks employ various strategies to attract and retain their customer base, such as cheap overdrafts, in-credit interest and no withdrawal charges. While the number of new and active customers can be easily observed, customer satisfaction is trickier. Knowing how customers feel about the service received can help banks adjust to the dynamics of an increasingly competitive market. Customer satisfaction for leading banks in the UK According to the Which? customer satisfaction survey, as of November 2024, three digital banks, First Direct, Monzo Bank, and Starling Bank had the highest customer satisfaction score. According to the survey, 83 percent of these banks' customers were satisfied with the banks' services and products, and willing to recommend them to their friends. Investment in selected European countries Among the services that aim at making banking more customer-oriented and effortless is the current account switch service (CASS). CASS allows customers to change their bank account hassle-free, redirecting transactions and transferring payment arrangements. As of the second quarter of 2024, nine out of 20 banks observed increased their customer base following the CASS process. The highest gain-to-loss ratios were recorded by Danske Bank and Santander, gaining respectively 5.29 and 3.27 times more new customers than the ones lost to other banks.

The yield on United Kingdom 10Y Bond Yield rose to 4.51% on December 2, 2025, marking a 0.02 percentage points increase from the previous session. Over the past month, the yield has edged up by 0.07 points and is 0.26 points higher than a year ago, according to over-the-counter interbank yield quotes for this government bond maturity. UK 10 Year Gilt Bond Yield - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on December of 2025.