Mortgage lenders raise prices ahead of Budget uncertainty.

Several major mortgage lenders, including Barclays, Halifax, NatWest, Santander, and HSBC, have recently raised their mortgage rates in response to increased swap rates. However, some lenders have also reduced rates for certain types of lending, such as HSBC lowering rates for two-year fixed mortgages at 80% and 85% loan-to-value ratios. Experts believe these changes are a short-term response to market volatility and rising swap rates, and advise borrowers to secure new deals before potential further changes following the upcoming Budget. Average fixed mortgage rates have increased slightly in the past week, but there is anticipation that rates may decrease if economic conditions stabilize after the Budget. [Extracted from the article]