Second-time buyers are leading the shift towards longer-term fixed mortgage products, according to the latest data from Moneyfacts Analyser.
In the 30 days to 1st October 2025, almost two-thirds (58%) of second-time buyers comparing mortgage deals on moneyfactscompare.co.uk were looking at fixed terms of three years or longer.
This contrasts with just 34% of homeowners seeking to remortgage and 31% of first-time buyers who considered longer-term fixes.
Across all borrower types, shorter-term deals remain the most popular, with more than half (55%) of users comparing fixed rate mortgages of two years or less.
Adam French, head of news at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said the trend highlights second-time buyers’ growing preference for stability amid continued economic uncertainty.
He said: “Many second-time buyers may be prioritising peace of mind by seeking longer-term mortgage deals despite expectations that rates could gradually fall in the short to medium term.
“Instead, they are prizing stability, predictability and protection from volatility – particularly if they have borrowed more and increased their exposure to unforeseen rate rises.”
Moneyfacts data also showed that the average 2- and 5-year fixed mortgage rates currently stand at 4.98% and 5.02%, respectively.
French added: “However, given that inflation is currently predicted to sit above the Bank of England’s 2% target until at least 2027 and that the cost of Government borrowing has been climbing, there are still plenty of economic challenges on the horizon which may influence mortgage rates and borrower behaviour in the future.”
