Interest Rates: Let’s Put Yesterday’s News Into Perspective
With all the new surrounding interest rates and inflation, read more to find out what it really means for you.
Yesterday, the Bank of England announced that the Base Rate would remain at 3.75%.
There have naturally been plenty of headlines since but when it comes to the property market, we think it’s worth taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture.
Because actually, there’s plenty to feel positive about.
Interest rates are lower than they were last year
It’s easy to forget how much has changed.
At the beginning of 2025, the Base Rate stood at 4.5%. By September 2025 it was 4%.
Today? 3.75%.
So while we might not have had another reduction this month, we're still in a lower interest rate environment than we were this time last year and considerably lower than at the beginning of 2025. For buyers and homeowners considering their next move, that perspective matters.
So, what does 3.75% actually mean?
A Base Rate hold doesn't mean mortgage rates are frozen or that nothing is happening in the mortgage market.
Mortgage lenders price their products based on a number of factors, and deals continue to change even when the Bank of England leaves the Base Rate untouched.
For anyone considering a move, the key things to remember are:
- 🏡 The Base Rate is lower than it was a year ago
- 💷 Mortgage products and lender rates continue to change
- 🔑 Buyers can make decisions based on what is affordable for them today
- 📈 Waiting for another rate change doesn't necessarily mean you'll be in a better position
It’s all about perspective
It’s very easy to get caught up waiting for the next announcement.... another interest-rate cut, a different mortgage deal or a change in house prices.
But while we wait, the property market keeps moving too.
New homes come to market, buyers continue searching, mortgage products change and the right property might suddenly become available. Trying to perfectly time any market is incredibly difficult. Instead, we think the most important question is much simpler: Does moving work for you now?
Look at your bigger picture
Interest rates matter, of course, but they're only one part of a much bigger moving decision.
- What is your current home worth?
- What would your next property cost?
- What mortgage options are available to you?
- How much equity do you have?
- And what would your monthly payments actually look like?
Sometimes, once you put all of those numbers together, the picture can look very different from the headlines.
And if the numbers stack up, you've found the right home and you're ready for your next chapter, there may be little benefit in putting your plans on hold waiting for the “perfect” market.
Is it time to make your move?
People don't move because the Base Rate reaches a particular number.
They move because they need more space, want to downsize, relocate, change schools, be closer to family or simply because they've found a home they love.
So our takeaway from yesterday?
The Base Rate is 3.75%, compared with 4% this time last year and 4.5% at the beginning of 2025. Sometimes a little perspective makes all the difference.
At Lesley Hooks, we've been helping people move across Wirral for over 15 years, through all kinds of property markets.
If you've been thinking about moving, perhaps now is the time to find out what your options actually look like.
Get in touch with our team for a free, no-obligation valuation and let’s see what your next move could look like.
Get in Touch:
Bebington Branch
0151 644 6000
lesley@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Bromborough Branch
0151 334 5875
rachael@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Book your free, no obligation valuation HERE
Click HERE for a free instant online valuation.