The Bank of England has cut the base rate to 4%, the fifth drop in a year. With inflation still above target, this move signals a cautious shift. But what does it mean for mortgages, buyers, sellers and landlords in Sussex? Here’s what you need to know.
Base Rate Cut to 4%: What It Means for Sussex Homeowners and Landlords
The Bank of England has today cut the base rate by 0.25%, bringing it down to 4%. This is the fifth cut in the past year and a clear sign that the Bank is becoming more concerned about economic slowdown and rising unemployment than persistent inflation, which still sits above the 2% target.
So, what does this mean if you own, rent out, or are thinking of buying or selling property in Brighton, Lewes or Shoreham?
For homeowners and buyers: If you're on a tracker mortgage, you should see your repayments come down. If your fixed term is ending soon, there may be more competitive deals returning to the market. That said, lenders are still cautious, so it's worth seeking advice before locking anything in.
For landlords: Slightly lower borrowing costs could ease the pressure, especially if you've been feeling the pinch on variable or recently renewed fixed-rate buy-to-let deals. However, with rental reforms still looming, it’s a good time to review your portfolio.
For sellers: Lower rates may encourage more buyers into the market, especially first-timers. It’s an opportunity to make your property stand out, particularly if you’ve been holding off during the higher rate months.
What’s next?
The Bank is expected to continue lowering rates slowly and carefully, so we’re unlikely to see a return to ultra low borrowing costs any time soon. Still, this is a positive move for the market!
If you're wondering how today's cut might affect your plans, whether you're selling, letting or buying, feel free to get in touch. We're here to help you make sense of it all.