Is fixed or variable rate mortgage better?

Fixed rates offer payment certainty and protection from rate rises. Variable rates are often cheaper initially and let you benefit if rates fall. Fixed is better for budgeting and peace of mind; variable suits those comfortable with risk and who may need flexibility.

What happens when my fixed rate mortgage ends?

You move to your lender's Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is usually much higher. You should remortgage to a new deal before or shortly after your fix ends to avoid overpaying. Start looking 3-6 months before expiry.

Can I overpay on a fixed rate mortgage?

Most fixed rate mortgages allow overpayments up to 10% of the outstanding balance per year without penalty. Overpaying more than this usually incurs early repayment charges (ERCs), typically 1-5% of the amount exceeding the limit.

Should I fix for 2 or 5 years?

2-year fixes usually have lower rates but you remortgage more often, paying fees each time. 5-year fixes offer longer security but you're locked in if rates fall. Consider your plans: if you might move in 3 years, a 2-year fix may suit better.

Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgage UK 2026 — Which Should You Choose? | PocketWise

Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgage UK 2026 — Which Should You Choose?

Compare fixed and variable rate mortgages in the UK. Pros, cons, when each makes sense, and how to decide for your situation.

By PocketWise · 24 March 2026 · 5 min read

Choosing between fixed and variable rate mortgages is one of the biggest decisions when borrowing for a home. Here’s how they compare.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Fixed Rate	Variable Rate
Monthly payment	Same throughout term	Can change
If base rate rises	No change	Payments increase
If base rate falls	No change	Payments decrease
Initial rate	Usually higher	Often lower
Early repayment charges	Yes (during fix)	Often none
Peace of mind	High	Lower

How Fixed Rate Mortgages Work

The Basics

Aspect	Details
Rate	Locked for agreed period
Payment	Same every month
Terms available	2, 3, 5, 7, 10+ years
After fix ends	Moves to SVR

Example: £250,000 Mortgage at 5%

Month	Payment	Rate
Month 1	£1,461	5.00%
Month 12	£1,461	5.00%
Month 24	£1,461	5.00%
Certainty	100%

Fixed Rate Advantages

Advantage	Why It Matters
Budgeting certainty	Know exact costs
Protection from rises	Peace of mind
Good for tight budgets	No nasty surprises
Easy to plan	Known outgoings

Fixed Rate Disadvantages

Disadvantage	Details
Can’t benefit from falls	Locked in if rates drop
Early repayment charges	Costly to leave early
Remortgage at term end	Admin and fees
Usually higher initial rate	Pay for security

How Variable Rate Mortgages Work

Types of Variable Rates

Type	How It Works
Tracker	Base rate + fixed margin (e.g., Base +1.5%)
Discount	SVR minus fixed amount (e.g., SVR -1%)
SVR	Lender’s standard rate, changes at will

Tracker Mortgage Example

Base Rate	Tracker Rate (Base +1.5%)	Monthly Payment
4.50%	6.00%	£1,599
5.00%	6.50%	£1,673
4.00%	5.50%	£1,527

Your payment moves directly with the Bank of England base rate.

Discount Mortgage Example

SVR	Discount (SVR -1.5%)	Monthly Payment
7.00%	5.50%	£1,527
7.50%	6.00%	£1,599
6.50%	5.00%	£1,461

You get a fixed discount off the SVR, but SVR can change at any time.

Variable Rate Advantages

Advantage	Why It Matters
Benefit from rate cuts	Payments fall if base rate drops
Often no ERCs	Can overpay or leave easily
Lower initial rates	Sometimes cheaper to start
Flexibility	Can switch without penalty

Variable Rate Disadvantages

Disadvantage	Details
Payment uncertainty	Budget harder
Exposure to rises	Payments could jump
SVR is expensive	Avoid after deal ends
Stress	Watching rate decisions

Current Mortgage Rates (March 2026)

Mortgage Type	Typical Rate
2-year fixed (75% LTV)	4.8-5.2%
5-year fixed (75% LTV)	4.6-5.0%
2-year tracker	Base +0.8% (~5.3%)
Lender SVR	6.5-8%

Rates change frequently — check current offers when applying.

Fixed Rate Terms Compared

2-Year Fix

Pros	Cons
Lower rate than 5-year	Remortgage every 2 years
Review situation sooner	More fees over time
More flexibility	Less certainty long-term

5-Year Fix

Pros	Cons
Longer certainty	Locked in longer
Fewer remortgage fees	Miss out if rates fall
Less admin	Higher ERCs if you move

10-Year Fix

Pros	Cons
Ultimate certainty	Very long commitment
No remortgage for decade	Likely higher rate
Peace of mind	Big ERCs if circumstances change

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Fixed Rate If:

Situation	Why Fixed
Tight budget	Need payment certainty
Risk-averse	Don’t want rate stress
Expect rates to rise	Lock in before increases
First-time buyer	Stability while settling
Planning to stay put	Know your timeframe

Choose Variable Rate If:

Situation	Why Variable
Expect rates to fall	Benefit from decreases
Want flexibility	May overpay/move
Comfortable with risk	Can absorb higher payments
Strong finances	Buffer for rate rises
Short-term view	Plan to remortgage soon

Cost Comparison: A Worked Example

Scenario: £250,000 mortgage over 25 years

Option	Rate	Monthly	2-Year Cost
2-year fixed	5.0%	£1,461	£35,064
5-year fixed	4.8%	£1,427	£34,248
Tracker (Base +1%)	5.5%	£1,527	£36,648

If rates stay the same, 5-year fixed wins. But tracker payments would fall if base rate drops.

Early Repayment Charges

Typical Fixed Rate ERCs

Year of Fix	Typical ERC
Year 1	5%
Year 2	4%
Year 3	3%
Year 4	2%
Year 5	1%

ERC Example

Mortgage Balance	ERC (3%)	Cost to Exit
£250,000	3%	£7,500

Tracker/Variable ERCs

Many variable rates have:

No ERCs, or
ERCs only in initial period
More flexibility to leave

What Happens When Your Fix Ends

The SVR Trap

Current Deal	After Fix (SVR)	Monthly Increase
5.0% fixed	7.5% SVR	+£346

Always remortgage before moving to SVR.

Remortgage Timeline

When	Action
6 months before	Start researching
3-4 months before	Get mortgage offer
At expiry	New deal starts

Most mortgage offers are valid for 6 months, so you can lock in early.

Overpayments

Fixed Rate Overpayments

Allowance	Typical
Per year	10% of balance
Over limit	ERCs apply

Variable Rate Overpayments

Type	Usually
Tracker	Often unlimited
SVR	Usually unlimited
Discount	Check terms

If overpaying is important, variable offers more freedom.

Combined Strategy

Starting Fixed, Going Variable

Take 2-year fix for initial certainty
Reassess market at term end
If rates have fallen, consider tracker
If rates rising, fix again

Offset Mortgages

An alternative approach:

Feature	How It Works
Link savings	Reduce interest charged
Variable rate	But effective rate lower
Flexibility	Use savings when needed

Making the Decision

Key Questions

Question	If Yes →
Do you need budget certainty?	Fixed
Expecting to move within 5 years?	Short fix or tracker
Can you handle payment increases?	Variable
Want to overpay significantly?	Variable (or check fix terms)
Planning major life changes?	Shorter fix

Risk Assessment

Your Risk Tolerance	Recommendation
Very low	5-year fix
Low	2-3 year fix
Medium	2-year fix
High	Tracker

Summary

Fixed Rate	Variable Rate
✓ Certainty	✓ Flexibility
✓ Protection from rises	✓ Benefit from falls
✗ Miss rate falls	✗ Payment uncertainty
✗ ERCs	✓ Often no ERCs

Most UK borrowers choose fixed rates — the certainty is worth the premium for most budgets. But if you’re financially comfortable and believe rates will fall, a tracker could save money.

Consider your personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and plans before deciding.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. PocketWise provides information and guidance — we do not offer financial advice. Seek independent mortgage advice before making decisions about borrowing.