Mortgage rates surged at an unprecedented pace in 2022, with the average 10-year fixed rate doubling between March and December of that year. In response to mounting inflation, the Bank of England implemented a series of rate hikes, pushing borrowing costs steadily higher. By August 2025, the average 10-year fixed mortgage rate had climbed to 4.49 percent. As financing becomes more expensive, housing demand has cooled, weighing on market sentiment and slowing house price growth. How have the mortgage hikes affected the market? After surging in 2021, the number of residential properties sold fell significantly in 2023, dipping to just above *** million transactions. This contraction in activity also dampened mortgage lending. Between the first quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the value of new mortgage loans declined year-on-year for five consecutive quarters. Even as rates eased modestly in 2024 and housing activity picked up slightly, volumes remained well below the highs recorded in 2021. How are higher mortgages impacting homebuyers? For homeowners, the impact is being felt most acutely as fixed-rate deals expire. Mortgage terms in the UK typically range from two to ten years, and many borrowers who locked in historically low rates are now facing significantly higher repayments when refinancing. By the end of 2026, an estimated five million homeowners will see their mortgage deals expire. Roughly two million of these loans are projected to experience a monthly payment increase of up to *** British pounds by 2026, putting additional pressure on household budgets and constraining affordability across the market.

Mortgage interest rates in the UK were on a downward trend for more than a decade before soaring in 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the average weighted interest rate stood at **** percent — nearly ***** times the interest rate in the fourth quarter of 2021. Mortgage rates also vary depending on the type of mortgage: Historically, fixed rate mortgages with a shorter term had on average lower interest rates. What types of mortgages are there? In terms of the type of interest rate, mortgages can be fixed and variable. A fixed interest rate is simply a mortgage where the rate of repayment is fixed, while a variable rate depends on the lender’s underlying variable interest rate. Furthermore, mortgages could be for a house purchase or for refinancing. The vast majority of mortgages in the UK are fixed rate mortgages for house purchase, and only a small share is for remortgaging. How big is the UK mortgage market? The UK has the largest mortgage market in Europe, amounting to nearly ***billion euros in gross residential mortgage lending as of the second quarter of 2023. When comparing the total outstanding residential mortgage lending, the UK also ranks first with about *** trillion euros.

About 1.4 million households with mortgages up for renewal in the United Kingdom (UK) will face increasing monthly costs by the end of 2024 because of the aggressive mortgage interest hikes since the beginning of 2022. For about one million of these households, the increase will be between one British pound and 300 British pounds, while for 388,000 households, the increase will be higher. By December 2026, the number of households with rising mortgage payments is projected at 3.9 million. Meanwhile, about two million mortgage borrowers are expected to benefit from reduced mortgage payments by the end of 2026.

Data for households in receipt of Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loans is available in Stat-Xplore on a quarterly basis.

These quarterly official statistics include:

• the https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/openinfopage?id=SMI_CASELOAD" class="govuk-link">number of households who are currently in receipt of the support
• the https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/openinfopage?id=SMI_CUM" class="govuk-link">number who have received SMI loans so far

See the background information and methodology note for an explanation of households.

The statistics are broken down by:

• Quarter
• Country, Region
• Qualifying Benefit

Background information

Read the background information and methodology note for guidance on these statistics, such as timeliness and interpretation.

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Next releases

Support for Mortgage Interest statistics are published quarterly. The dates for future releases are listed in the statistics release calendar.

Pre-release access

In addition to staff who are responsible for the production and quality assurance of the statistics, up to 24-hour pre-release access is provided to ministers and other officials. We publish the job titles and organisations of the people who have been granted up to 24-hour pre-release access to the latest Support for Mortgage Interest statistics.

Due to interest rates decreasing in recent years, mortgages in the United Kingdom have become overall more affordable: In 2007, when mortgages were the least affordable, a home buyer spent on average **** percent of their income on mortgage interest and *** percent on capital repayment. In 2019, the year with the most affordable mortgages, mortgage interest accounted for *** percent and capital repayment was **** percent of their income. As interest rates increase in response to the rising inflation, mortgage affordability is expected to worsen. Though below the levels observed before 2007, the total mortgage repayment between 2022 and 2026 is expected to exceed ** percent of income.

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.

Mortgage Rate in the United Kingdom decreased to 6.86 percent in August from 6.95 percent in July of 2025. This dataset provides - United Kingdom BBA Mortgage Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Mortgage Approvals in the United Kingdom increased to 65.35 Thousand in July from 64.57 Thousand in June of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Mortgage Approvals - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Mortgage brokers’ revenue is anticipated to climb at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2024-25 to £2.3 billion, including estimated growth of . Rising residential property transactions stimulated by government initiatives and rising house prices have driven industry growth. However, mortgage brokers have faced numerous obstacles, including downward pricing pressures from upstream lenders and a sharp downturn in the housing market as rising mortgage rates ramped up the cost of borrowing. After a standstill in residential real estate activity in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, ultra-low base rates, the release of pent-up demand, the introduction of tax incentives and buyers reassessing their living situation fuelled a V-shaped recovery in the housing market. This meant new mortgage approvals for house purchases boomed going into 2021-22, ramping up demand for brokerage services. 2022-23 was a year rife with economic headwinds, from rising interest rates to fears of a looming recession. Yet, the housing market stood its ground, with brokers continuing to benefit from rising prices. Elevated mortgage rates eventually hit demand for houses in the first half of 2023, contributing to lacklustre house price growth in 2023-24, hurting revenue, despite a modest recovery in the second half of the year as mortgage rates came down. In 2024-25, lower mortgage rates and an improving economic outlook support house prices, driving revenue growth. Mortgage brokers’ revenue is anticipated to swell at a compound annual rate of 5.3% over the five years through 2029-30 to £2.9 billion. Competition from direct lending will ramp up. Yet, growth opportunities remain. The emergence of niche mortgage products, like those targeting retired individuals and contractors, as well as green mortgages, will support revenue growth in the coming years. AI is also set to transform the industry, improving cost efficiencies by automating tasks like document verification, risk assessment and customer profiling.

August 2024 marked a significant shift in the UK's monetary policy, as it saw the first reduction in the official bank base interest rate since August 2023. This change came after a period of consistent rate hikes that began in late 2021. In a bid to minimize the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of England cut the official bank base rate in March 2020 to a record low of *** percent. This historic low came just one week after the Bank of England cut rates from **** percent to **** percent in a bid to prevent mass job cuts in the United Kingdom. It remained at *** percent until December 2021 and was increased to one percent in May 2022 and to **** percent in October 2022. After that, the bank rate increased almost on a monthly basis, reaching **** percent in August 2023. It wasn't until August 2024 that the first rate decrease since the previous year occurred, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. Why do central banks adjust interest rates? Central banks, including the Bank of England, adjust interest rates to manage economic stability and control inflation. Their strategies involve a delicate balance between two main approaches. When central banks raise interest rates, their goal is to cool down an overheated economy. Higher rates curb excessive spending and borrowing, which helps to prevent runaway inflation. This approach is typically used when the economy is growing too quickly or when inflation is rising above desired levels. Conversely, when central banks lower interest rates, they aim to encourage borrowing and investment. This strategy is employed to stimulate economic growth during periods of slowdown or recession. Lower rates make it cheaper for businesses and individuals to borrow money, which can lead to increased spending and investment. This dual approach allows central banks to maintain a balance between promoting growth and controlling inflation, ensuring long-term economic stability. Additionally, adjusting interest rates can influence currency values, impacting international trade and investment flows, further underscoring their critical role in a nation's economic health. Recent interest rate trends Between 2021 and 2024, most advanced and emerging economies experienced a period of regular interest rate hikes. This trend was driven by several factors, including persistent supply chain disruptions, high energy prices, and robust demand pressures. These elements combined to create significant inflationary trends, prompting central banks to raise rates in an effort to temper spending and borrowing. However, in 2024, a shift began to occur in global monetary policy. The European Central Bank (ECB) was among the first major central banks to reverse this trend by cutting interest rates. This move signaled a change in approach aimed at addressing growing economic slowdowns and supporting growth.

This dataset contains two sheets showing:

• The number of regulated mortgages outstanding as at end 2022 in the UK by region/country, broken down by interest rate type (for example fixed rate, Standard Variable Rate etc)
• The number regulated fixed rate mortgages outstanding as at end 2022 in the UK by region/country, broken down by the month in which the fixed rate ('incentive rate') ends

The data was provided to the GLA by the FCA, and the source is FCA Mortgages Performance Product Sales Data (PSD007).

The average mortgage interest rate decreased in nearly every country in Europe between 2012 and 2021, followed by an increase in response to inflation. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Poland, Hungary, and Romania topped the ranking as the countries with the highest mortgage interest rates in Europe. Conversely, Belgium, Spain, and Italy displayed the lowest interest rates. The UK, which is the country with the largest value of mortgages outstanding, had an interest rate of **** percent.

The non-depository financing industry's revenue has contracted at a projected compound annual rate of 2.1% over the five years through 2024-25. The COVID-19 outbreak caused a large drop in borrowing in 2020-21 as consumers faced a lack of spending opportunities, outweighing the gains from businesses taking out additional loans to stay afloat. The industry has also faced stronger regulatory oversight to combat the proliferation of overly risky and expensive loans. The cost-of-living crisis has caused consumer lending to swell as households rely on short-term borrowing to make up for weakened savings and costs outpacing wages. Soaring interest rates have caused the cost of mortgages to skyrocket, damaging revenue as buyers pull back and lenders are more cautious. The Non-Depository Financing industry's revenue is estimated to climb by 1.7% in 2024-25 – and is expected to total £6.7 billion. This comes from the much-anticipated sliding down of interest rates that will aid the mortgage market and big returns from newer sectors like OpenAI and sustainable technologies. Industry revenue is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 2.4% to £7.6 billion over the five years through 2029-30. The need for credit is set to be supported by the previous erosion of savings from spiked inflation, leading to more loans needed for sizeable investments as confidence rebounds. Non-depositary financing companies will continue facing stiff competition from other types of lenders, like peer-to-peer lenders. The regulation constricting payday loans will continue to push services towards a lower margin and higher volume approach, aiding those with lower credit scores but dented industry profit. The high cost of mortgages and economic headwinds will settle and start to rebuild the housing market, supporting revenue.

Companies operating in the third-party real estate industry have had to navigate numerous economic headwinds in recent years, notably rising interest rates, spiralling inflation and muted economic growth. Revenue is projected to sink at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025, including an estimated jump of 1.2% in 2025 to €207.6 billion, while the average industry profit margin is forecast to reach 35.1%. Amid spiralling inflation, central banks across Europe ratcheted up interest rates, resulting in borrowing costs skyrocketing over the two years through 2023. In residential markets, elevated mortgage rates combined with tightening credit conditions eventually ate into demand, inciting a drop in house prices. Rental markets performed well when house prices were elevated (2021-2023), being the cheaper alternative for cash-strapped buyers. However, even lessors felt the pinch of rising mortgage rates, forcing them to hoist rent prices to cover costs and pricing out potential buyers. This led to a slowdown in rental markets in 2023, weighing on revenue growth. However, this has started to turn around in 2025 as interest rates have been falling across Europe in the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs for buyers and boosting property transactions. This has helped revenue to rebound slightly in 2025 as estate agents earn commission from property transactions. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.7% over the five years through 2030 to €249.5 billion. Housing prices are recovering in 2025 as fixed-rate mortgages begin to drop and economic uncertainty subsides, aiding revenue growth in the short term. Over the coming years, PropTech—technology-driven innovations designed to improve and streamline the real estate industry—will force estate agents to adapt, shaking up the traditional real estate sector. A notable application of PropTech is the use of AI and data analytics to predict a home’s future value and speed up the process of retrofitting properties to become more sustainable.

United Kingdom UK: Risk Premium on Lending: Lending Rate Minus Treasury Bill Rate data was reported at 0.120 % pa in 2014. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.199 % pa for 2013. United Kingdom UK: Risk Premium on Lending: Lending Rate Minus Treasury Bill Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 0.280 % pa from Dec 1967 (Median) to 2014, with 48 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.995 % pa in 1972 and a record low of -2.372 % pa in 1974. United Kingdom UK: Risk Premium on Lending: Lending Rate Minus Treasury Bill Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Interest Rates. Risk premium on lending is the interest rate charged by banks on loans to private sector customers minus the 'risk free' treasury bill interest rate at which short-term government securities are issued or traded in the market. In some countries this spread may be negative, indicating that the market considers its best corporate clients to be lower risk than the government. The terms and conditions attached to lending rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.; ; International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics database.; ;

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 fourth quarter of 2024, the average mortgage interest rate in the UK stood at *** percent. Belgium 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.

United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: Households: Mortgages (MG) data was reported at 3.850 % pa in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.870 % pa for Feb 2025. United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: Households: Mortgages (MG) data is updated monthly, averaging 3.500 % pa from Jan 1999 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 315 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.410 % pa in Jan 1999 and a record low of 2.010 % pa in Jan 2022. United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: Households: Mortgages (MG) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.M002: Lending Rate: Outstanding. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

The rapid growth of the Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P) Platforms industry has slowed in recent years, as the industry is maturing and the initial wave of firms entering the industry has begun to stabilise. Revenue is expected to remain fairly flat, growing at a compound annual rate of just 0.1% over the five years through 2024-25 to £342 million. Economic conditions, interest rates and regulation are all affecting P2P lenders’ performance. Revenue volatility is high because of the industry’s infancy and volatile economic conditions recently. Funding Circle dominates the industry, though it exited the retail market in March 2022. Zopa, previously a leading lender, exited the market in December 2021. Other lending platforms, like Ratesetter, have also left the industry or have stopped offering services to retail investors. The main reasons for this are the rising regulatory burden and heightened uncertainty. Economic uncertainty has deterred borrowing for investment purposes, increasing lenders' risk averseness and limiting revenue growth. Following an improvement in economic conditions in 2021-22, soaring inflation and heightened uncertainty in the two years through 2023-24 drove some investors to withdraw money from P2P platforms, denting revenue. A combination of falling interest rates and improving economic conditions – inflation is finally dropping – is set to drive investment activity in 2024-25, supporting demand for P2P lending and lifting revenue growth. However, with this will come less stringent lending criteria from traditional banks, intensifying competition and constraining growth. Revenue is anticipated to grow at a subdued rate of 6.9% in 2024-25. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 13.8% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach £651.7 million. Growth will slow as the industry matures and market acceptance reaches saturation. At the same time, the regulatory burden is likely to mount, pushing more firms out of the market. Despite this, new lenders will continue to set up shop, because many market niches (like ESG) are yet to be filled. The industry is still likely to operate at a loss, though losses will gradually narrow. Larger lenders will likely consolidate to maintain growth and cement their positions.

United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: NB: Households: Mortgages (MG) data was reported at 2.100 % pa in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.110 % pa for Sep 2018. United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: NB: Households: Mortgages (MG) data is updated monthly, averaging 4.230 % pa from Jan 1999 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 238 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.090 % pa in Sep 2008 and a record low of 1.920 % pa in Oct 2017. United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: NB: Households: Mortgages (MG) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.M002: Lending Rate: Outstanding.

United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: Households: Personal Loan (PL) data was reported at 8.240 % pa in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 8.290 % pa for Feb 2025. United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: Households: Personal Loan (PL) data is updated monthly, averaging 7.590 % pa from Jan 1999 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 315 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12.190 % pa in Jan 1999 and a record low of 5.410 % pa in Apr 2021. United Kingdom Lending Rate: Outs: Households: Personal Loan (PL) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of England. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.M002: Lending Rate: Outstanding. [COVID-19-IMPACT]