The average rate on a two-year fixed mortgage has hit its lowest point in nearly seven months, dropping from 5.92% to 5.87%, as lenders fiercely compete for customers,"

Major players like Halifax and HSBC have swiftly slashed rates at the year's outset, aiming to retain customers. However, despite these reductions, homeowners are still set to face escalating bills.

Financial experts have cautioned about the struggle ahead for approximately 1.6 million existing borrowers whose budget-friendly fixed-rate deals are expiring this year. This could result in significantly higher interest payments when transitioning to new products, offering little solace apart from the acknowledgment that the situation could have been worse.