Bank of England Base Rate Change - FAQs for mortgage customers

Bank of England Base Rate Change - FAQs for Mortgage Customers

What change has the Bank of England made?

The Bank of England have decreased the base rate from 0.25% to 0.10%.

What is the Bank of England Base Rate?

The Bank of England Base rate is the British Government's key interest rate for enacting monetary policy.

How will this affect my mortgage as it is linked to the Bank of England Base rate?

If you have a mortgage product that is linked to the Bank of England Base rate, then your monthly payments have changed. We will confirm the changes and will shortly send them to you in writing.

Have there been any other changes made to my mortgage terms and conditions?

No, your account Terms and Conditions remain the same.

I am an existing customer. Where do I find details of your current products for existing customers?

Please click here for our latest product range available to existing customers. We will update this page with the new rates on 1 September 2018.

How will this affect my mortgage as it is linked to the Kent Reliance’s standard variable rate?

This is the Kent Reliance standard interest rate that we lend at. The rate is variable, which means it can change in line with market conditions. This will be changed on the 1 September 2018 and we will shortly confirm this in writing.

My mortgage broker is currently in the process of submitting a mortgage application to you; do I need to do anything?

Please speak to your mortgage broker, who will advise you on whether the product applied for is still the most appropriate for your needs.

I am currently in the process of submitting a Choices application to you; do I have to do anything?

If the rate of interest change impacts the rate on your Choices product selection, then the mortgage payment may change. If you have returned your acceptance form, are happy with the product chosen and accept that the rate and amount of payment may change, then there is nothing for you to do. If you wish to select a new choices mortgage product and your existing selection has not gone live, please contact us on 0345 671 7274.

If you require further information on how this affects your mortgage application, please speak to your mortgage broker.

My mortgage payments have increased more than the interest rate has increased – why?

This could be due to your rate changing, e.g. recently reverting to standard variable rate. Another reason could be that you were not paying the correct monthly instalment prior to the rate change. Your new payment has been calculated to ensure your mortgage ends by the end of your mortgage term, and this could lead to a payment increase.

If you require further information on how this affects your mortgage application, please speak to your mortgage broker.

I pay my mortgage by Direct Debit do I need to do anything?

No, we will ensure your correct mortgage payment is taken from your nominated Bank Account.

I pay my mortgage by Standing Order do I need to do anything?

If you have been notified of a change in mortgage payment, you will need to contact your bank to change your monthly mortgage payment to the correct amount. It is your responsibility to do this if you pay by Standing Order.

I have my Choices Offer letter, how has it changed since the rate changes?

If we make changes to our current variable rates, you will receive a new letter confirming the new rates. If the mortgage product selected is a fixed rate, then your choices offer letter is still valid.

Does my new payment amount in my rate notification letter include any arrears or insurance products?

No, your new payment quoted on the letter only includes the mortgage payment changes. Any insurance or arrears agreement paid to us will still remain as agreed.

The interest rates have changed but my payments have not?

If your mortgage is on a fixed-rate product, the recent interest rate change will have no impact on your current monthly payment.

I recently accepted a fixed-rate product for my mortgage that has not gone live yet, but I want to change it to a different product due to the rate change – is this possible?

As a gesture of good will, we will allow you to choose another product. Simply contact our Mortgage Servicing Team on 0345 671 7274 and they will be able to facilitate your request.