NatWest raises mortgage rates in line with its rivals

Abstract

The government-backed lender NatWest has become the last big bank to raise interest rates on its mortgage products after last week's market turmoil, dashing homeowners' hopes of securing loans with rates lower than 4%.In an unusual move for a high street lender, NatWest issued a notice to brokers on Sunday morning, saying it was increasing rates on a swathe of mortgages following a surge in demand. Most of its rates, which previously hovered around 3-4%, are set to rise to between 4% and 6% from Monday, bringing it in line with its competitors. It is understood that the bank had been struggling to keep up with a surge in applications after rivals temporarily suspended mortgage lending last week. The market turbulence - sparked by concern of the government's mini-budget - made it difficult for banks to price their home loans accurately, resulting in 40% of mortgage products being pulled from the market by Thursday. NatWest said in its note to brokers: "We've remained in the market, but with market conditions as they are we need to implement widespread changes to our product range."Lenders tend to avoid leaving rates lower than their competitors, amid fears they will be flooded with applications. It is understood that NatWest was fielding five times as many calls as normal last week. Nicholas Mendes, of the mortgage broker John Charcol, said: "NatWest was one of the few lenders who hadn't made any sudden changes. As a result, they have clearly felt the changes in the market are too volatile to remain still."He said it would have been "Rather brave" of the bank - which is still 48% owned by the taxpayer after its financial crisis-era bailout - to stay in the market without changing rates.