Citizens Advice explores the ‘loyalty penalty’ in the mortgage market.
In a recent Policy Research Publication from Citizens Advice headlined ‘Exploring the loyalty penalty in the mortgage market’ they state:
‘Home ownership is the aspiration of millions of people in the UK. For the vast majority, taking out a mortgage is the only way of achieving this. In 2016, the UK mortgage market included 11.1 million mortgaged properties, £245 billion borrowed, and average monthly repayments of £3,774 million.
While the mortgage market works well for the majority of homeowners, many experience problems when engaging with it. Last year, Citizens Advice advised 4,147 clients on mortgages and secured loans. Our data allows us to spot new pockets of consumer detriment and respond accordingly.
This policy note focuses on one type of detriment – the ‘loyalty penalty’ that mortgage customers pay when they stick with the same deal after their initial fixed rate expires. Citizens Advice is currently examining how providers of essential services frequently charge loyal customers far more than newer customers for the same product.’ more….
Read the Policy Research Publication from Citizens Advice in full including the results of their analysis of the mortgage market click here.