Nothing is ever certain in the world of finances, and there's no way of predicting how the market will change in the future. However, if you want to be able to plan your budget precisely, then a fixed rate mortgage might be the right option. The repayments will be fixed for a set period of time - usually between the first one and five years of your mortgage, so you can be sure that any rises in the interest rate will not affect you. The term the rate remains fixed can be as long as ten years.

Fixed rate - the pros

For those on a tight budget, it can be useful to know exactly what will need to be set aside each month for mortgage repayments. Also, it can be a good move to fix your rate when the economy looks like it's about to change and interest rates rise. If, from studying the market, you anticipate that rates are set to rise in the near future, then taking a fixed rate now could mean you will save money over the next few years. Even if the Base Rate set by the Bank of England rises, you will be protected, at least for the term that your payments are fixed.

Fixed rate - the cons

If the market changes and interest rates fall, you could lose out on a reduction in rates. Fixed rate mortgages are often set at slightly higher rates than the cheapest deals. Be aware of redemption penalties and clauses that tie you to your mortgage - these can last much longer than the fixed rate period and you may find it prohibitively expensive if you want to change lenders or pay off your mortgage.

Thousands of people spend a lot of time studying the economy, and even the financial experts who predict market conditions often get it wrong. It's impossible to foresee how interest rates will change - although you may be able to apply common sense to a certain degree, there is no guarantee that a fixed rate mortgage will beat the SVR five years down the line. Ultimately, you have to make the best decision you can based on the situation as it stands.

You should also check to see if the fixed rate mortgage is portable - this means that if you want to sell up and move house during the tie-in period, you can transfer the mortgage to your new property without incurring any penalties.