Mortgage products are being withdrawn or replaced faster than ever, creating fresh challenges for homebuyers and mortgage brokers trying to secure competitive borrowing rates. With lenders frequently changing their offers, borrowers have less time to compare options before deals disappear.
Figures from Moneyfacts show that the average mortgage product remained available for just 13 days in September, compared with 14 days in August. Across 2026 so far, the average shelf-life has been 15 days. This is considerably shorter than the 20 days recorded in 2025 and the 43-day average seen in 2019.
The figures reflect continued uncertainty in the mortgage market, with lenders reacting to fluctuations in wholesale funding costs. In April, mortgage products lasted an average of only eight days, marking a record low following disruption linked to the conflict involving the US and Iran.
Although availability has improved since then, lenders are still adjusting rates and removing products at short notice.
Mortgage Rates Climb Despite More Products Being Available
Borrowers are also facing renewed increases in mortgage rates. Moneyfacts data shows that the average two-year fixed rate rose from 5.59% in September to 5.93% in October. The average five-year fixed rate increased from 5.63% to 5.95% over the same period.
The Moneyfacts Average New Mortgage Rate also moved upwards, reaching 5.83% in October, compared with 5.55% the previous month.
Despite rising costs, borrowers now have a wider selection of products. The number of available mortgage deals increased from 7,516 in September to 8,696 in October.
However, having more options does not necessarily make the process easier. Higher interest rates and frequent changes to lenders’ offers make it harder for buyers to assess affordability and plan their finances with confidence.
For estate agents, this uncertainty can complicate transactions as buyers face changing borrowing costs and tighter deadlines for securing their mortgages.
Mortgage Deals Could Disappear at Short Notice
Adam French, head of consumer finance at Moneyfacts, said borrowers and brokers were dealing with an exceptionally difficult mortgage market, where rates can fluctuate rapidly and products may be withdrawn without much warning.
He highlighted how long the current instability has continued, making 2026 particularly challenging compared with previous periods of market disruption.
French also pointed out that mortgage products have remained available for an average of just 15 days so far this year. This gives borrowers less time than ever to research different options, compare rates and secure a suitable deal.
Uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East has contributed to these market movements. Changes in swap rates, which influence the pricing of fixed-rate mortgages, have prompted lenders to revise their offers repeatedly or withdraw products altogether.
Consequently, a deal that initially appears affordable may no longer be available by the time a buyer is ready to apply.
Buyers Should Review Their Mortgage Options Early
Moneyfacts is advising borrowers whose existing fixed-rate mortgages are approaching expiry to start reviewing their options well in advance. Many lenders allow customers to arrange a new deal between three and six months before their current mortgage ends.
Planning ahead can give borrowers more time to compare available products and avoid being forced to make a rushed decision. However, they should look beyond the advertised interest rate and consider arrangement fees, eligibility requirements and other conditions that could affect the overall cost.
The figures also highlight why estate agents should establish a buyer’s mortgage position as early as possible during a property transaction.
With lenders changing their offers so frequently, delays could mean a buyer loses access to their original deal and has to reassess their budget. Early preparation and regular communication with mortgage advisers can help buyers manage these risks and reduce the likelihood of financing issues disrupting a purchase.
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