The number of mortgages at 90% and 95% LTV is at its highest level in 17 years, suggesting that lenders are fiercely competing for this business.
There are currently 1,360 options, while average mortgage rates on the overall two- and five-year fixed rates fell by 0.05% and 0.01% to 4.96% and 5.00%, respectively.
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said: “The government has been adamant that they want lenders to do more to boost UK growth, so a rise in mortgage choice is positive.
“However, it may be a bit too soon to celebrate, as affordability remains a critical hurdle for buyers, and those who want to secure their repayments for the next five years will find higher LTVs are only dropping by miniscule margins.
“Indeed, the average 95% and 90% LTV five-year fixed rates fell by just 0.02% and 0.01% month-on-month.”
More product competition should eventually lead to cheaper rates.
However swap rates have fluctuated in recent months, owing to market uncertainty over inflation and future Bank of England (BOE) interest rate decisions, which is leading to a degree of caution.
One positive for buyers however, is some lenders are relaxing their loan-to-income rules in response to a regulatory change.
Springall added: “First-time buyers may feel it’s not quite the right time to get a mortgage if they are struggling with the cost of living.
“However, lenders have been relaxing their stress testing over recent weeks by boosting loan-to-income multiples, so some buyers might be surprised to find they could now get their first foot on to the property ladder.
“Affordable housing remains a key issue, so there is always more room to help first-time buyers, who remain the lifeblood of the mortgage market.”