Virgin Money Cuts Mortgage Rates Amid Inflation Easing

Virgin Money has announced significant reductions in mortgage rates across various categories, effective from August 29, 2024, including a 0.20% cut for two- and five-year fixed-rate mortgages at 85% LTV, now at 4.74% and 4.34%, respectively. The lender's fee-saver products are also seeing cuts, with some rates dropping by up to 0.28%, including the 90% LTV five-year fixed rate down to 4.72%. Shared ownership rates will be reduced by up to 0.24%, starting from 4.29%. Experts attribute these reductions to easing lending conditions amid falling UK inflation rates, though caution over future inflation remains. Despite the dip in rates, a significant refinancing boom is not expected unless rates drop further below 6%. Concurrently, the U.S. savings rate has dropped to its lowest level in over two years, putting consumers in a vulnerable position if the economy weakens unexpectedly.