The average shelf life of mortgage products on the market shortened further in October. According to current data from the financial information service Moneyfacts, financing deals remained available for an average of just 13 days. A brisk turnover had already been recorded in the previous month of September, with a figure of 14 days.
For the full year 2026, this results in an average lifespan of mortgage deals of only 15 days. This figure marks the shortest annual average ever recorded since Moneyfacts began tracking statistical records.
Lenders respond to volatile swap rates
Ongoing fluctuations in swap rates are the primary reason for the rapid adjustment and withdrawal of terms. Credit institutions find themselves compelled to realign their interest rate terms frequently to respond promptly to shifting refinancing costs.
- —Decline in average product shelf life from 14 days in September to 13 days in October
- —Historic low for the 2026 annual average with just 15 days of availability
- —Persistent volatility in swap rates as the primary driver of short-term deal changes
For property buyers and brokers, this market environment entails a persistent need for rapid decision-making. As soon as rate deals hit the market, only a narrow window remains to submit applications at the fixed rates before institutions update their product range or raise rates.
The data underlines the acute pressure to adapt under which credit institutions are currently operating. As long as volatility in the refinancing markets persists, the trend towards extremely short-lived product cycles is likely to continue shaping the mortgage lending landscape significantly.
