The average two-year fixed rate for a first-time buyer (FTB) at 95 per cent LTV has risen 0.05 per cent to 3.28 per cent since September.
However at 90 per cent LTV, the average FTB two-year fix rose by 0.01 per cent to 2.65 per cent.
The average rates at 95 per cent LTV had returned to the same level as six months ago, while at 90 per cent LTV they were 0.02 per cent higher.
Rate differentials
The difference between the two rates in October stands at 0.63 per cent.
In contrast, the average two-year fixed rate at 60 per cent LTV decreased by 0.04 per cent to 1.80 per cent and was 0.11 per cent lower compared to April.
At 95 per cent LTV, 107 out of 129 two-year products are available to first-time buyers. Of these, 98 were available for 35 or 40 years and 94 were offered up to a maximum age of 75 years and above at end-of-term.
At 85 per cent LTV, the average two-year fix decreased by 0.01 per cent to 2.45 per cent in the month. At 80 per cent LTV the decline was 0.03 per cent to 2.39 per cent. And at 75 per cent LTV, the drop was 0.02 per cent to 2.32 per cent.
Over six months, the declines were 0.02 per cent at 85 per cent LTV; 0.06 at 80 per cent LTV; and 0.02 per cent at 75 per cent LTV.
Darren Cook, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said with 95 per cent LTV rates rising faster than any other tier, it was likely the gap between the two higher LTV tiers “could widen in the coming months”.
Cook said: “It appears that mortgage providers may be factoring in a larger proportion of default risk into rates at higher LTVs, where, among other things, competition and lower wholesale funding costs seem to be benefiting borrowers with a greater equity stake in their property.
“The difference in average rates between 90 and 95 per cent LTVs has historically always been greater than differences in average rates between LTVs lower down the tier scale, so it is always worthwhile for a potential FTB to try to raise an additional deposit and attempt to step down the ladder to find a mortgage at lower interest rates.”
The figures were drawn from Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report, which is sent to the Treasury each month.
