Third of pandemic-hit homeowners plan to pay higher mortgage rates

Nearly a third of homeowners whose finances have been hit by the pandemic say they are likely to move to their lender's higher standard variable rate rather than re-mortgage, according to research from Legal & General Mortgage Club. Mortgage borrowers hit hardest by the pandemic may find themselves paying out thousands more each year, because they believe the financial fallout has affected their ability to remortgage. “While the coronavirus crisis has undoubtedly affected people's finances in different ways, those who have seen their incomes drop will likely be finding this a particularly challenging time”, says Kevin Roberts, director at L&G. “It's vital they avoid falling onto a reversion rate and paying more, when there are other affordable options available.”