Capped Rate Mortgages

Capped rate mortgages are rare, so if you’re going it alone, you’ll have to search well to find a selection of rates to choose from.

Mortgages with a capped rate are in effect variable rate mortgages. However, they have one important difference. That important difference is: an interest rate ceiling, known as the “Cap” above which your repayments can’t rise.

Mortgages with a capped rate are usually set up over an introductory or initial period. These initial periods tend to be anything from two to five years. Rates of this type aren’t as easy to find on the mortgage market. However, there are normally a few providers offering them from time to time.

HOW DOES A CAPPED RATE MORTGAGE WORK?

Like fixed rate mortgages, capped rates give you an element of payment security. They guarantee that your mortgage payment will not go above a certain amount for a certain period of time. However, these rates are still variable, so they can move both up and down, meaning your payments can rise and fall. But, the rate payable can’t go up above the cap level.

Generally, capped rate mortgages have a higher starting interest rate when compared to other rates. This is mainly because you’re paying for the added security of knowing that there’s a cap, beyond which you can’t rise.

Also, there’s usually an Early Repayment Charge if you want to remortgage to another lender or pay off the mortgage in full. In most cases you’ll be allowed to make some over-payments, but the amount you can over pay will be restricted.

Once the introductory or capped rate period has ended, your mortgage will go onto a lender’s Standard Variable Rate or a tracker rate for the remaining term. You might consider a rate switch or remortgage at this point.

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

With a capped rate mortgage you have peace of mind. You know that your payments won’t go above a certain level.

Interest rates can still go up on a capped mortgage, but only as high as the cap. Therefore, you should calculate your budget carefully to make sure you can cope with any rise in rates up to your cap. Your mortgage adviser will discuss this with you and provide an idea of what repayment amounts might be expected at different rates.

Most capped rates can be more expensive at the outset when compared directly with the best fixed or discounted rates.

Capped rates are rare. So, if you’re going it alone, you’ll have to search well to find a selection to choose from.

With fixed rate mortgages, your rate is fixed for the term of the deal. Your monthly payments will remain the same regardless of what happens to the banks rate. This information was provided by MDFS Mortgages.

If you would like more information about mortgages we recommend the Money Advice Service.