That’s the verdict of Adam French from Moneyfacts who was commenting on new data showing how quickly mortgage deals have been pulled out of the market in the current volatile times.
While the length of time a deal is available may not seem as important as rates, it does provide a revealing insight into the options available to borrowers.
Today, Moneyfacts reported, the average time the product was available for borrowers to grab in September was just 13 days. This is down from 14 days in August and compared to 43 days in 2019.
In fact, throughout 2026, the average “shelf life,” as it is known, is 15 days compared to 20 days in 2025 and 34 days in 2020.
This affects borrowers because the amount of time available for the deal can affect the number of options open to you and your broker.
When products are on the market for such a short period, it also reflects how stressed lenders are about the current financial backdrop.
Moneyfacts said the lower ‘expiry’ figures for September were due to fluctuations in swap rates, which prompted lenders to frequently reprice or withdraw products.
In fact, that number dropped even lower — to eight days — in April after the initial impact of the US-Iran conflict.
“Brokers and borrowers are navigating the most challenging mortgage market in recent records,” said French, who heads Moneyfacts’ consumer finance division.
“Not only have prices jumped up and down, but deals available today may not be available tomorrow either.”
He continued: “Previous events, such as the mini-budget and the Covid pandemic, have caused significant disruption, but the protracted nature of the volatility we have seen so far this year stands alone.
“Much of this uncertainty comes from the economic volatility caused by the war in the Middle East. Every rumor of reconciliation or sudden escalation has affected swap rates which in turn affects the cost of financing fixed rate mortgages.
“Lenders have no choice but to reprice their deals or withdraw them altogether when those costs change.”
How can borrowers find the cheapest deal?
Finding the right – and cheapest – deal in a market like this is no easy feat, and it’s no wonder many borrowers preparing to remortgage are worried about a big jump in repayment rates.
Recognized French brokers work hard to help borrowers navigate the market, but many people find that a truly competitive deal is withdrawn before they are ready to move on. Anyone who delays may find that prices have changed when they are ready to look for a new deal.
Borrowers shouldn’t blame themselves if they get the timing wrong, French said. He added: “Anyone approaching the end of a fixed-rate mortgage should consider their options early and speak to their mortgage broker about the deals available to them.
“Many lenders allow borrowers to secure a new deal three to six months before the current deal expires, which can provide some insurance against further interest rate rises.
“It’s also important to look beyond the headline rate and consider the total cost of the mortgage, including fees and any terms associated with the deal.”
