Lenders will continue to issue "ultra-low" mortgage rates despite fears that the quickening economic recovery will force rates up from today's all-time lows.
Mortgage rates, especially for longer five-year fixes, are likely to start creeping up in advance of any base rate announcement from the Bank of England.
And that could happen sooner than expected, as economic growth beats expectations and unemployment starts to fall, analysts have warned.
There is little sign of that happening yet, and rates could even fall further as lenders battle to hit their year-end targets, said Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients: "'The ultra-low interest rates we have seen in recent months show no signs of abating.
"Lenders have business to do before the end of the year which will ensure they continue to offer competitive deals.
"Help to Buy has stoked interest in the market but with lenders increasingly offering high-LTV deals outside the government scheme, there is a range of options available for buyers.'
Brokers are urging borrowers to take advantage of today's unprecedented rates, which recently hit an all-time low of 3.08%, to lock into low-cost fixed rates before mortgages get more expensive.
There are some amazing mortgage deals around right now, and they're unlikely to get any cheaper, says Martin Wade, director of broker Your Mortgage Decisions. "Nobody can pinpoint exactly where the bottom is for rates but we are very, very close, so it makes sense to look for a new mortgage now."
HSBC has thrown down a challenge to brokers by launching a range of 85% and 90% LTV mortgages for new borrowers that it claims are lowest two and five year fixed-rates and lifetime trackers on the high street.
The rates include a two-year fixed rate at 3.59% up to 90% LTV, with a £999 fee for HSBC current account customers. Non-customers can open an account and pay the same fee, otherwise fees are £1,499.
It offers a five-year fixed at 4.39% to 90% LTV and a 3.99% lifetime tracker, with the same fees.
HSBC has also issued three new 85% LTV mortgages for new borrowers. These are a two-year fix at 3.19%, a five-year fix at 3.89% and a lifetime tracker at 3.29%.
Again, these deals also have a £999 fee for HSBC current-account customers, otherwise £1,499.
HSBC also offers a lifetime tracker at 1.99% up to 60% LTV.
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