Better Option —
Loan Amount (£)
Term (Years)
Fixed Rate (%)
Variable Rate (%)

Choosing between a fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgage can affect both your monthly repayments and your financial flexibility. This free online fixed vs variable mortgage calculator for the UK compares estimated payments and total repayments using your loan amount, mortgage term, and the two interest rates you enter.

Compare Fixed and Variable Mortgage Payments

Enter your mortgage amount, repayment term, fixed interest rate, and variable interest rate. Select Compare Options to see the estimated monthly payment and total repayments for each option under the calculator’s assumptions.

Use the results to understand how the rates you enter affect borrowing costs. You can change the figures to compare different scenarios rather than relying on a single estimate.

How Does a Fixed-Rate Mortgage Work?

With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate usually remains unchanged for an agreed period, such as two, five, or ten years. Your required mortgage payment is generally more predictable during that period, which can make budgeting easier.

When the fixed-rate deal ends, you may need to choose another deal or move to your lender’s applicable follow-on rate. Early repayment charges or other product conditions may also apply, depending on your mortgage agreement.

How Does a Variable-Rate Mortgage Work?

A variable-rate mortgage has an interest rate that can change. Depending on the product, the rate may track the Bank of England base rate, follow a lender’s standard variable rate, or be set under other product terms.

If the rate rises, your payments may increase; if it falls, they may decrease. The effect depends on your mortgage balance, remaining term, lender’s rules, and the timing of rate changes. A variable-rate mortgage may offer flexibility, but its future cost is uncertain.

Which Mortgage Option Could Cost Less?

The lower rate entered into the calculator will generally produce a lower estimated repayment when the loan amount and term are the same. However, the lowest initial payment does not automatically mean the cheapest mortgage over time.

Your actual decision should account for product fees, introductory-rate periods, potential early repayment charges, and how variable rates could change. Compare available deals using our UK mortgage rate comparison tool.

Understand Your Wider Home-Buying Budget

Mortgage repayments are only one part of the cost of buying a property. Consider your deposit, legal fees, valuation costs, moving expenses, maintenance, and any applicable Stamp Duty Land Tax.

You can estimate your potential borrowing budget with our UK mortgage affordability calculator and explore possible purchase tax costs using the UK Stamp Duty calculator.

For another view of your expected repayments, try our UK mortgage calculator.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only, not financial, tax, legal, or professional advice. Results are based on the information entered and may differ from actual costs, payments, rates, fees, or eligibility. Verify details with the relevant lender, financial professional, or official source before making financial decisions.

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Disclaimer

MortgageRatesChecker provides educational mortgage calculators, loan tools, and financial guides designed to help you better understand home financing. Our content is researched, fact-checked, and regularly updated in accordance with our Editorial Policy, using trusted information from our Data Sources and transparent methodologies explained in How We Calculate. Learn more about our commitment to accuracy on Why Trust Us. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, investment, or mortgage advice. Mortgage rates, lending requirements, loan programs, and regulations may change without notice. Before making any borrowing, refinancing, or home-buying decision, consult your Bank or Mortgage Lender, licensed financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney based on your individual circumstances. MortgageRatesChecker is an independent educational resource and is not a lender, mortgage broker, financial advisor, or government agency. Please review our Affiliate Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, Disclaimer, and Terms & Conditions for additional information.

Fixed vs Variable Mortgage Calculator UK – Compare Costs