Sharp Rise in UK Mortgage Deal Freebies

By: MoneyFacts

In recent years the mortgage market has become an arena for fierce competition, with providers vying to have the lowest deals on the market to attract new customers. But as rates have been slashed, providers have begun to look beyond the headline rate in order to catch the eye of new borrowers. As a result, more and more providers are choosing not to compete on price alone but to also focus on the incentive packages accompanying their mortgages.

In fact, Moneyfacts.co.uk’s research shows that deals with an incentive package now represent three-quarters of the mortgage market (see table below).

Charlotte Nelson, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:        

“The current level of competition in the mortgage market means that borrowers are not just being offered headline-grabbing rates but also some of the most cost-effective mortgages they’ve perhaps ever seen. Indeed, a staggering 75% of the mortgage market now offers borrowers some form of incentive, an increase of 13% in just one year alone.

“This is because providers are finding it increasingly difficult to stand out from the crowd to attract new customers thanks to the rate-cutting frenzy that has gripped the mortgage sector. The incentive package is therefore is great way to distinguish themselves from other lenders.

“Buying or a remortgaging a home can be expensive, particularly for borrowers who have used the majority of their savings to put down a deposit, so incentives such as free legal fees, free valuation or even cashback can be really attractive. With so many more deals on the market to choose from, savvy borrowers will definitely be able to turn the situation to their advantage and minimise some of their upfront costs.

“Cashback is chiefly targeted towards first-time buyers who have even less cash to spare than most, so it’s understandable that cash rebates of up to £1,500 can turn the heads of mortgage hunters. However, borrowers need to bear in mind that any cashback offered may not be paid until the deal is completed, so they will need to factor this delay into their financial planning.

“Borrowers should also remember to look at a mortgage product as a whole and not be swayed by incentives alone – the idea of getting something for nothing sounds great, but the whole package should be weighed up to ensure the best deal is obtained.”

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