Fixed Rate Mortgages - the lowdown

The weather may change, businesses are floated and liquidated and stocks and shares will always rise and fall, but what does that all mean for those of you with a mortgage on your house or flat? Not much, if a fixed rate mortgage is what you have, which holds the interest rate on a particular mortgage for a certain period of time. Financial security and peace of mind in one!

At the Fair Investment Company, you can compare fixed rate mortgages that are being offered from some of the UK's leading banks and building societies, to see how much bang you can get for your buck. Currently, Natwest are offering a 2 year set rate of 4.20%, compared to Santander's provision of a 3 year fixed rate mortgage for 4.60%. The former has a £699 booking fee whereas the latter, a £995 fee.

Over at the Halifax building society, you can get a set rate deal for 4.0% until 30/09/2013, which makes this a practical option for those moving to a new home or just starting out on the property ladder. With this offer, there is a £995 product fee and borrowing available of up to 60% of the value of the property.

Nationwide boasts a five year fixed rate mortgage at 4.1%, available by putting down a minimal 30% deposit and a booking fee of £99, alongside a product fee of £900 (only £400 for first-time buyers.) This reduction in product fee is available for those buying their first home who can put down at least a 15% deposit (85% loan to value) with the building society.

A range of fixed rate mortgages are on offer at the Woolwich, from two year rates to ten years, subject to availability. A three year fixed rate, for example, can be yours with a £499 product fee and 85% deposit of the value of the home. This mortgage has an APR of 4.0%.