Base Rate Drops and More Cuts Could Be on the Way

Base Rate Drops and More Cuts Could Be on the Way

Property Sarah Mains 8th May 2025

Today, the Bank of England (BoE) cut the base interest rate to 4.25%, delivering a boost for borrowers.

 

The quarter-point rate cut is the second of 2025, with more expected to follow later this year.

 

Looking forward

 

Financial forecasters predict interest rates will continue to fall due to several deflationary factors.

 

The first is the falling price of oil (it’s currently at a four-year low).

 

Then there’s Trump’s tariff war. This could see China re-route goods to other consumer markets, such as the UK, further pushing down prices here. (Although let’s face it, no one’s really sure what the final shape of this policy will be.)

 

Morgan Stanley predicts the base rate could hit 3.25% by the end of 2025 and reach 2.75% by mid-2026.

 

Impact on mortgage rates

 

The BoE base rate influences the interest rate banks and building societies offer savers and borrowers.

 

So, while today’s decision won’t be music to the ears of savers, it’s a different story for mortgage holders or those looking to buy property.

 

Those on tracker rates should immediately notice the difference in their monthly payments.

 

Homeowners on fixed rates will benefit from lower rates when they come to renew their deal.

 

And people planning to invest in property should be able to negotiate a more affordable mortgage.

 

Acting in anticipation of today’s cut, HSBC dropped its rates last week so that all its products now fall below 5% for the first time since 2022.

 

Buyers with substantial deposits may be able to secure a deal at below 4%.

 

Market activity

 

In general, lower interest rates boost activity in the property sector.

 

It makes borrowing more affordable for buyers, increasing the number of players in the market. This, in turn, means a larger pool of potential buyers for sellers to choose from, driving up competition (and often value).

 

If you’re looking to buy or sell in the coming months, contact us. We’re here to help.

 

If you know someone who would find this article helpful, please share it with them.

   
 

Newcastle Office
119-121 St George's Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 2DN
0191 240 3333

js@sarahmains.com

Low Fell Office
4 Beaconsfield Road
Low Fell
Gateshead
NE9 5EU
0191 487 8855

lfs@sarahmains.com

Whickham Office
8-10 The Square
Whickham
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE16 4JB 

0191 488 9999
ws@sarahmains.com

About Us

Sarah Mains Residential Estate Agent | Branches throughout Newcastle and Gateshead. 

Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturdays

2021 © Sarah Mains Residential Sales & Lettings. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Complaints Procedure | CMP CertificateDisclaimer
Sarah Mains Residential Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.  Company No: 04324202.  Registered Office Address: 8-10 The Square, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4JE . 
Sarah Mains Residential (Whickham) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.  Company No: 05774118.  Registered Office Address: 8-10 The Square, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4JE . 
Sarah Mains Residential (Newcastle) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.  Company No: 04919065.  Registered Office Address: 8-10 The Square, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4JE . 

Update Cookies Preferences