Best Rates
Best Mortgage Rates April 2026: Sub-4% Trackers Still Available as Fixed Rates Edge Upward
Halifax leads April 2026 mortgage rates with a 3.96% tracker, while Barclays dominates fixed rate lending from 4.60%. Nationwide shows strength in higher LTV products and 10-year fixes across most tiers.
As we enter April 2026, the mortgage market continues to show distinct patterns across different product types and loan-to-value ratios. With the Bank of England base rate holding steady at 3.75%, we're seeing competitive pricing particularly in the tracker mortgage space, while fixed rates remain elevated but stable.
Here's our comprehensive breakdown of the best available rates across all major lenders, updated for Wednesday 1st April 2026.
Best Rates for New Purchases and Home Movers
60% LTV Purchase Mortgages
For borrowers with substantial equity, Halifax leads the tracker market with 3.96%, charging a £999 arrangement fee. This represents excellent value at just 0.21% above base rate, making it the standout choice for those comfortable with variable payments.
Fixed rate options are headed by Barclays at 4.60% for their 2-year deal, with a competitive £899 fee. Their 5-year equivalent sits marginally higher at 4.80% with the same fee structure. For longer-term security, Nationwide offers 10-year fixes at 5.19% with a £999 arrangement fee - launched just today and representing strong value for extended rate certainty.
75% LTV Purchase Mortgages
The story remains similar at 75% LTV, with Halifax's tracker edging up to 4.08% while maintaining the £999 fee. Barclays continues to dominate fixed rates: 4.66% for 2 years and 4.82% for 5 years, both with £899 fees. The 10-year option from Nationwide holds at 5.19%, unchanged from the 60% LTV tier.
Higher LTV Purchase Mortgages
At 85% LTV, rates naturally increase but remain competitive. Halifax maintains tracker leadership at 4.26%, while Barclays' 2-year fix reaches 4.73% and their 5-year product sits at 4.95%.
First-time buyers and those stretching to 90% LTV will find Barclays offering virtually identical 2-year (4.95%) and 5-year (4.96%) rates - an unusual pricing structure that makes the longer fix particularly attractive.
For 95% LTV purchases, Barclays leads with 5.35% on both 2-year and 5-year products. Notably, no 10-year options exist at this tier, but Nationwide's 4.89% tracker provides a variable alternative for confident borrowers.
Best Remortgage Rates
Low LTV Remortgaging (60-75%)
Remortgage customers often secure marginally different pricing. At 60% LTV, Barclays offers an exceptional 4.01% tracker with just £899 arrangement fee - undercutting Halifax's purchase equivalent. Their fixed rates are also compelling: 4.66% for 2 years and 4.81% for 5 years.
The 75% LTV remortgage market mirrors this closely, with rates just 0.02-0.03% higher across most products.
Higher LTV Remortgaging
Nationwide dominates the 85% LTV remortgage space, offering 4.88% for 2 years, 4.98% for 5 years, and 5.29% for 10 years - all with £999 fees. Their tracker at 4.29% provides good variable rate access.
At 90% LTV, Nationwide continues this dominance with interesting pricing: their 5-year fix at 5.19% actually undercuts the 2-year option at 5.26% - making the longer term excellent value.
High LTV remortgaging (95%) sees Nationwide's 5-year fix at 5.45% representing the best fixed option, while their 4.85% tracker offers variable rate access for suitable borrowers.
Key Market Observations
Several notable trends emerge from April's data:
- Tracker premiums remain tight - Halifax and Barclays are pricing tracker mortgages very competitively against the 3.75% base rate
- Barclays dominates low-LTV fixed rates across both purchase and remortgage markets
- Nationwide shows strength in higher LTV lending and longer-term fixes
- 10-year products remain scarce above 90% LTV, with no lender offering extended fixes to 95% LTV borrowers
Important Caveats
These headline rates come with standard lending criteria. Most require minimum incomes of £25,000-£30,000, with some premium products requiring significantly higher earnings. Property restrictions typically apply to unusual construction types or high-rise flats.
Several of these products are only available through mortgage brokers rather than direct application, particularly the most competitive tracker rates.
Runner-Up Rates Worth Considering
While we've focused on market leaders, several runner-up products deserve mention. At 60% LTV, HSBC's 2-year fix at 4.63% with a £999 fee runs Barclays close. Similarly, Nationwide's tracker products consistently finish second across multiple LTV bands, typically 0.10-0.15% above the headline rates.
For borrowers prioritising fee-free products, several lenders offer competitive rates without arrangement fees, though typically 0.20-0.30% higher than fee-paying equivalents.
To explore these rates in detail and receive personalised recommendations based on your specific circumstances, visit our mortgage comparison tool or read more about how Bank of England base rate changes affect mortgage pricing.
For detailed information about specific lenders mentioned, including their full product ranges and lending criteria, explore our comprehensive lender guides for Barclays, Halifax, and Nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose the lowest rate available or consider other factors?
The lowest rate isn't always the best deal. Consider the arrangement fee, product features, lender service quality, and whether you meet all criteria. A slightly higher rate with lower fees might cost less overall, especially on smaller mortgages. Factor in your plans - if you might move house within the fixed period, exit fees become important.
Is it better to pay an arrangement fee for a lower rate or choose a fee-free mortgage?
This depends on your loan size and how long you'll keep the mortgage. Generally, paying fees for lower rates works better on larger mortgages (£200,000+) kept for the full term. On smaller loans or if you plan to remortgage early, fee-free products often prove cheaper despite higher rates. Calculate the total cost over your intended period.
How much difference does LTV make to mortgage rates?
LTV significantly impacts pricing. In April 2026, the difference between 60% and 95% LTV can be 0.75% or more on fixed rates. Each 5% LTV reduction typically saves 0.05-0.15% in rate. Even small deposit increases can access better pricing tiers - sometimes moving from 91% to 90% LTV opens significantly better rates.
Are tracker mortgages worth the risk in April 2026?
With base rate at 3.75% and trackers available from 3.96%, the current premium is very low. However, tracker rates will rise if base rate increases. They suit borrowers who can afford rate rises and want to benefit from any base rate cuts. Fixed rates provide certainty but you'll miss out if rates fall.
Why do some lenders offer better remortgage rates than purchase rates?
Remortgage customers are often seen as lower risk - they've already proven they can maintain mortgage payments and typically have more equity. Lenders also face less competition for remortgages than new purchases, allowing them to offer keener pricing to attract business from competitors. The difference is usually small but can be worthwhile.