1. Scotland-Specific Trends

  • According to the Scottish Government’s Housing Market Review (Q2 2025), the average interest rate for new floating-rate mortgage advances in Scotland dropped significantly to 5.01%, down 1 percentage point from the previous period. Meanwhile, fixed-rate mortgages decreased by 0.29 percentage points, though the exact new figure wasn’t specified.
  • Additionally, as of 1 April 2025Scottish Building Society’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR) stood at a notably high 7.99%.

2. UK-Wide Averages – Important Context for Scotland

Though not Scotland-specific, UK averages give helpful context for borrowers:

  • As of 27 August 2025 (very recent), the average UK two-year fixed-rate mortgage (75% LTV) is 4.74%, while the five-year fixed rate is 4.94% according to Uswitch.
  • NerdWallet UK reports similar averages: 2-year fixed at 4.49%, and 5-year fixed at 4.50%, as of 14 August 2025.

3. Recent Developments & Market Momentum

  • The Bank of England cut its base rate from 4.25% to 4% in early August 2025, pushing down two-year fixed rates below five-year deals—a notable market shift.
  • Throughout July 2025, UK mortgage rates softened, with many fixed offers hovering just above 5%. For low-risk borrowers with strong equity, some deals dipped below 4%.
  • Lenders like Barclays are now offering two- and five-year deals at 3.99% for borrowers with sizable deposits, while Coventry Building Society offers two-year fixes as low as 3.89%.

What This Means for Borrowers in Scotland

Mortgage Type Estimated Rate in Scotland
Floating-rate (e.g., tracker/SVR) Around 5.0% (new advances)
Standard Variable Rate (SVR) Around 8.0% (Scottish Building Society)
Fixed-rate mortgages (2–5 years) Typically 4.5–5.0%, with top deals under 4% for strong borrowers

Highlights:

  • Floating rates in Scotland are notably better than SVRs, yet still higher than fixed offers.
  • Fixed-rate mortgages offer more stability and predictability. Some borrowers, especially those with substantial equity or lower loan-to-value, can access rates below 4%.
  • SVRs remain high, so staying on a variable rate is less appealing unless necessary.

Borrowing Tips for Scotland Residents

  1. Act quickly on fixed deals—competitive offers under 4% may not last long, according to Homebuilding.
  2. Lock in early, especially if your current mortgage deal is nearing its end, according to The Times.
  3. Consult a whole-of-market mortgage broker; they can uncover lower-rate products that may not be widely advertised.
  4. Remortgaging now could save you considerable money versus being moved onto an SVR, which in some cases approaches 8%.
  5. Tailor choices to your circumstances: shorter fixed terms (e.g., 2 years) may offer lower rates now but require future planning, whereas longer fixes (e.g., 5 years) provide longer-term stability.

Summary

The Scottish mortgage landscape in August 2025 shows encouraging signs:

  • Floating-rate advances are around 5.0%, with SVRs near 8.0%—making fixed-rate options much more appealing.
  • UK fixed-rate averages hover around 4.5–5.0%, with sub-4% deals available to select borrowers.
  • Borrowers should consider locking in now to avoid future hikes or being pushed onto expensive variable rates.

If you’d like, I can help you craft a localised comparison tool, create downloadable content (like an infographic), or even draft email templates for your clients to educate them on remortgaging or buying in the current environment.