Discount mortgage

Trackers aren’t the only type of variable mortgage. Discounts are another. However, unlike trackers the interest rate isn’t linked to the Bank of England base rate. Instead, it’s linked to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) and this is a significant difference because lenders can change their SVR even if there has been no change in the base rate.

A number of lenders have done this over the past year or so, and have increased their SVRs. This means their customers with discount mortgages have seen their repayments go up even though the Bank of England base rate hasn’t changed since March 2009.
Discount mortgages are available over different terms – typically one to five years – and as with trackers and fixed rate deals you will probably be charged a penalty if you want to get out of the deal during the term.
 
There is a range of different types of mortgages on the market, so the choice can seem baffling

Advantages

As with tracker mortgages, the rates tend to be lower than those on fixed rate mortgages. And because discounts are variable, the rate could fall as well as rise. If the rate were to fall, your monthly mortgage payment would reduce.

Disadvantages

The way discount mortgages are priced isn’t as transparent as tracker mortgages. Because the rate is linked to the SVR, not the base rate, the lender can theoretically change the rate at any time. So you may find your monthly mortgage payments rises when you’re not expecting it.

Before you take a discount mortgage out, make sure you’d still be able to afford your repayments if the rate was to go up. If it would be a struggle, opting for the security of a fixed rate would be a better option.