David Fell, lead analyst at Hamptons, said: “The downward drift in mortgage pricing over the last week or so is a reflection of a significant shift in market sentiment.
“In late March, swap rates had priced in the possibility of three interest rate hikes by the end of the year.
“However that outlook has since shifted significantly, with the market now pricing in just over one hike by the end of 2026.
“This pivot has given lenders breathing room to make rate reductions and pass savings onto borrowers, first-time buyers in particular.
“This week, 23 per cent of first-time buyers secured a sub-five per cent rate, up from 20 per cent last week.
“And with the rates on five-year deals now below those on two-year deals, over half of new buyers are opting to fix for longer.”
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