UK lenders trim fixed rates again as swap rate pressure eases
In the week ending 29 May, NatWest cut its 90% LTV two-year fix from 5.56% to 5.35% and Leek Building Society trimmed residential products by up to 20bps, while Newcastle launched a fresh tracker range from 4.55%. Swap rates have eased from their post-Middle East spike, giving lenders modest headroom to reprice. For buyers, the early-month softening continues but only by single basis points; for sellers, affordability is loosening at the margin rather than meaningfully recovering.
What this means for…
Buyers· 2/3
Sellers· 2/3
Wider market· 2/3
Each axis scored 1 (minor) to 3 (major). Total 6/9.
More Rates commentary
19 Oct 2026 · Impact 6/9
Average two-year fix rises to 5.93% as mortgage deals stay on sale for only 13 days, Moneyfacts finds
15 Oct 2026 · Impact 4/9
Barclays raises six fixed rates by up to 22bps, mostly for existing customers, while trimming 90% LTV purchase fixes by up to 10bps
14 Oct 2026 · Impact 5/9
NatWest and HSBC cut selected fixed mortgage rates from 15 October, with NatWest's 90% LTV five-year fix down to 5.39%
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