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Halifax hiking rates

ended 27. July 2026

Lenders continue to react to the rising oil price last week, with the Halifax today announcing rate increases of up to 0.2% that will go live from tomorrow.

Across its homemover and first-time buyer range, there will be rate increases of up to 0.15% on selected 2-, 3- and 5-year fixed rates.

Across the lender's remortgage range, rate increases of up to 0.20% will apply to selected 2-, 3- and 5-year fixed rates.

Meanwhile, product transfers will see hikes of up to 0.10% on selected 2- and 5-year products.

The oil price rose to $100 at the tail end of last week but has eased on Monday following the US pausing strikes. Your thoughts and advice for borrowers ASAP please.

5 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Darryl Dhoffer
Founder at The Mortgage Geezer
If you are sitting on your hands waiting for mortgage rates to magically drop while crude spikes and swap markets panic, wake up. Halifax hiking rates by up to 0.2% overnight isn't a minor blip, it is a direct warning. When global energy volatility flares, lenders pass the risk straight onto borrowers, and waiting even 24 hours can cost you thousands. Secure a rate today. Most mortgage offers are locked for three to six months, giving you a free insurance policy against further market chaos. If rates somehow improve later, you can switch, but if you drag your feet now, you are willingly throwing money away.
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Anthony McQuilliam
Director at Bolt Mortgages
Halifax's rate increases are a reminder of how quickly the mortgage market can shift — and how little warning borrowers get. Oil at $100 a barrel feeds directly into inflation expectations, and lenders reprice before the ink is dry on the headlines. For anyone sitting on a tracker or approaching the end of a fixed term, this is a wake-up call. Rates can move overnight. If you're within six months of your renewal date, speak to a broker now — most lenders let you lock in a rate today and switch to it at completion, with no obligation. The US pause on strikes may bring some relief this week, but the underlying volatility isn't going away. Borrowers who act decisively in windows like this are the ones who protect themselves. Those who wait for the market to 'settle down' often find it already moved on without them.
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Tracey Dixon
Buy-to-Let Mortgage Specialist & Owner at Pure Mortgage and Protection
When markets move, mortgage rates don't wait for the Bank of England. This latest increase from Halifax is another reminder that lenders also react to movements in wholesale funding costs. For borrowers planning to buy or remortgage, it's a good reason to secure a suitable rate sooner rather than later. Many lenders will let you move to a lower rate before completion if pricing improves, but you can't usually go back to a deal that's already been withdrawn.
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Andrew Montlake
CEO at Coreco
A deteriorating situation in the Middle East last week put markets and lenders on edge and borrowers are now feeling it in the form of higher mortgage rates. My advice to anyone considering a mortgage or remortgaging is lock in quickly, as the rates that remain available may not be around for long.
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Omer Mehmet
Managing Director at Trinity Finance
More rate hikes were almost inevitable after the oil price shot up last week following an escalation in the Middle East. Once again, the lesson for borrowers is never take further rate cuts for granted as the mortgage market can turn in an instant.