Short shrift for long-term mortgages

Though the UK government seems intent on pushing long-term fixed-rate mortgages, borrowers remain sceptical and lenders fear a resulting lack of demand. Is it time to give up on the idea?

Mortgages are an emotional issue for UK consumers. The government’s recent interest in promoting long-term fixed-rate mortgages prompted a rash of negative tabloid headlines that suggested chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown was behind a draconian scheme to make home-owning a significantly more expensive proposition. The idea that a transition to long-term fixed-rate borrowing could assist the UK’s adoption of the euro also proved unpopular.

That the government is aiming to create a long