By Kevin Peachey

       Cost-of-living correspondent

       The average interest rate charged by mortgage lenders is now higher than at any time in the last 15 years.

       So what can those struggling to make repayments do - and what support should they get from their provider?

       How have tracker, variable and fixed mortgages changed?

       There are different types of mortgages - all of which have become more expensive in recent months.

       Tracker rates rise and fall in line with the benchmark interest rate the Bank of England sets eight times a year. It rose to 5% in June Standard variable rates (SVRs) change at the discretion of the lender - a decision influenced by the Bank of England's rate but not directly linked Fixed rates, held by about three-quarters of mortgage customers, are set for a certain number of years - usually two or five - after which borrowers remortgage, or are automatically moved to an SVR

       Mortgage rates have risen, and the 1.6 million people on tracker or variable deals are paying much more than a year ago.

       Nearly 2.5 million homeowners have fixed deals that will expire by the end of 2024, and face a significant increase in monthly payments.

       What next for mortgage rates?

       It is hard to say. The sector has seen considerable upheaval in the past year, after many years of ultra-low rates.

       The typical interest charged on fixed rates for new borrowers shot up after last autumn's mini-budget, then calmed somewhat, but has now risen to a 15-year high.

       That's because wages and prices are rising faster and for longer than expected, and meaning the Bank of England may raise the base rate to 6%.

       The Bank has warned that more than two million households will pay between ￡200 and ￡499 more a month on new deals from the end of this year and the end of 2026.

       A further one million mortgage holders will see their monthly payments rise by at least ￡500 over the next two and a half years.

       If the base rate does rise again, anyone on tracker deals will also face higher repayments.

       House prices have also started to fall as higher interest rates put off buyers.

       The government's official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility, suggests that UK house prices will fall by 10% by 2024 compared with last year's peak.

       Will it be hard to get a new mortgage?

       There are still likely to be plenty of options, depending on your circumstances. The bigger question is whether people can afford higher repayments.

       An agreement between lenders, the Treasury and regulators means people can switch to a new fixed-rate mortgage without a new affordability test when their current deal ends, as long as their payments are up-to-date.

       A modern browser with JavaScript and a stable internet connection is required to view this interactive.

       How much could my mortgage go up by? How much are you borrowing? If you have an existing mortgage enter the outstanding balance left to pay. If not, enter the total you are looking to borrow.

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       How long will you take to pay it back? If you have an existing mortgage enter the total number of years remaining. If not, enter the total number of years you are looking to borrow over.

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       What is your current... For those with a mortgage enter the rate for your current fixed term. For those without a mortgage enter an interest rate from another source, such as a bank's mortgage rate calculator.

       interest rate

       monthly payment

       interest rate

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       Choose an interest rate to compare with…

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       At this rate, your payments could change by…

       monthly change

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       The information you provided on your monthly payments would not be sufficient to pay off your mortgage within the number of years given.

       This calculator does not constitute financial advice. It is based on a standard mortgage repayment formula based on the mortgage size and length and a fixed interest rate. It should be used as a guide only and does not represent the suitability, eligibility or availability of mortgage offers for users. For exact figures, users will need to approach an official mortgage lender.

       Interest rates fluctuate based on the Bank of England's base rate and market conditions.

       How can I save money when renewing my mortgage?

       If you have savings, you could consider paying down some of the total amount borrowed.

       Savings could also be put into a linked offset savings account, where you only pay interest on the mortgage balance, minus the amount you've saved.

       You may want to extend the length of the mortgage term, although that would mean paying more in total.

       A broker can guide you through the different options.

       Five tips for saving money on your mortgage

       What happens if I miss a mortgage payment?

       Owing two or more months' repayments means you are officially in arrears.

       But the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates mortgage firms, says lenders must treat customers fairly.

       It says borrowers must contact their lender as soon as they realise they will struggle to make repayments - the earlier the better. Trained and experienced staff must offer help.

       What do lenders have to do?

       Within 15 working days of falling into arrears, your lender must:

       list the missed payments explain how much is outstanding on the mortgage outline any charges

       Your lender must consider any reasonable request to resolve the arrears. This could include reducing your monthly payment by extending the term of the mortgage, or switching to an interest-only payment for a certain period.

       Missing monthly payments - or arranging to pay less than you owe - will be reflected on your credit file, which could affect your ability to borrow money in the future.

       Can I take a mortgage holiday?

       A mortgage payment holiday lets borrowers delay repayments for a short time.

       Lenders may offer this option, depending on individual circumstances, although probably not to those already in arrears.

       The level of support offered to customers during the Covid pandemic has been reduced.

       Again, a payment holiday will show on your credit file.

       Could I lose my home?

       Some people may decide to sell their home and - in extreme circumstances - the lender could take court action to repossess it.

       Repossessions are far rarer than they used to be.

       There are several stages before a lender can do this, and the whole process takes about two years.

       But if you think your home is at risk, it is well worth getting free, independent debt advice about your options.

       What support does the government offer?

       Governments tend not to get directly involved in support when people face higher mortgage repayments, but many lenders have signed up to the government's mortgage charter which ensures they are clear about the options available.

       For people on qualifying benefits, Support for Mortgage Interest is available across the UK. The government pays some of your mortgage interest payments, but in the form of a loan (which must be repaid, with interest).

       Borrowers tend to pay off the loan when they sell the property, or when they die.

       There are various conditions and requirements that need to be considered before signing up.

       Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also run some mortgage support schemes, but the rules are complicated, and they tend to focus on people at risk of homelessness.

       There is more information on the government-backed Moneyhelper website.

       Related Topics

       Money Personal finance Housing market Cost of living Mortgages