Major UK mortgage lenders to increase rates amid Middle East conflict

Business & FinanceProperty
6 Mar 2026 • 2:00 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Mortgage rates are set to climb, with HSBC UK and Coventry Building Society announcing increases affecting first-time buyers, home movers, re-mortgagers, and buy-to-let landlords.
  • These adjustments are primarily driven by rising swap rates, which lenders use to price mortgages, influenced by current market conditions.
  • The conflict in the Middle East has contributed to market expectations of higher inflationary pressure, potentially slowing or halting anticipated interest rate cuts.
  • Financial information website Moneyfacts reported slight increases in average two-year and five-year fixed homeowner mortgage rates.
  • Experts advise borrowers considering a new fixed-rate deal to secure it sooner rather than later due to the unpredictable market and potential for further rate rises.

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