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UK mortgage rates rise on bond sell-off
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The gist
UK five-year swap rates hit 4.52%, highest since October 2023, signaling higher fixed mortgage rates.
Bond sell-off lifts borrowing costs, squeezing homeowners and adding to cost-of-living pressures.
Background
A global bond sell-off, driven by inflation fears and Middle East conflict, has pushed up government bond yields. In the UK, the 10-year gilt yield hit its highest since 2008, and swap rates – which banks use to price fixed mortgages – have risen. This is expected to lead to higher mortgage rates for borrowers.
How it unfolded
- Sep 1, 2026Global bond sell-off intensifies; UK 10-year bond yield rises above 5.2%, highest since 2008.
- Sep 2, 2026UK five-year swap rate rises above 4.52%, highest since October 2023, prompting warnings of higher mortgage rates.
- Sep 3, 2026Guardian reports mortgage rates set to rise as bond sell-off drives up borrowing costs; oil price drops slightly, easing some pressure.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- AJ Bell's Russ Mould says credit card, mortgage, and auto loan rates will rise if bond yields rise, as lenders seek to preserve margins.
- Expert
- Tom Simpson of Yorkshire Building Society expects a modest increase in mortgage rates, noting the recent 0.1 percentage point rise is less than March's 0.5 point jump.