Interest Rate Cut… Is Tomorrow the Day?
The Bank of England meets tomorrow (Thursday 7 November) to set the official Bank Rate or base rate as it is also known.
This is the rate that banks and building societies use to set the interest rates they charge borrowers.
The last interest rate reduction was in August, from 5.25% to 5%.
At the end of this summer, some experts were predicting there could be two more rate cuts this year.
So, it was something of a surprise when, at the Bank’s last meeting in September, the decision was to hold the interest rate at 5%.
There has been a significant development since then, though. Inflation has fallen to 1.7% – below the Bank’s 2% target – meaning a rate cut looks more likely.
A few weeks ago, the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, said the Monetary Policy Committee could be ‘a bit more aggressive’ in reducing the interest rate if inflation stays under control.
But Chief Economist Huw Pill later said, “It will be important to guard against the risk of cutting rates either too far or too fast.”
On balance, an interest rate cut could be on the cards for tomorrow. But the situation is far from certain.
What might happen in the property market if the rate is cut?
If the interest rate is cut, it will most likely be by 0.25%, down to 4.75%. A small cut, maybe, but it will signal that rates are on a downswing.
A slight reduction could tempt more buyers into the market – especially as lenders are being quite competitive with their mortgage rates right now.
What might happen in the property market if the rate is held?
It could make buyers take a more cautious view for the time being.
But maybe not for long – because it will probably make it much more likely that the interest rate will be cut at the Bank’s next meeting in December.
But this is important, too. Christmas is just around the corner, and many people have other things to do. The real test will be in January, which is always a good time for house hunting.
If the interest rate is firmly trending down, it could bring buyers out in numbers.
And remember, regardless of the interest rate, well-priced properties should always attract buyer interest. If you’re considering selling, a good, experienced estate agent can advise you.
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