Fixed mortgages: interest rates, advantages, risks | key4.ch

Fixed-rate mortgage

The mortgage with a fixed interest rate

A fixed-rate mortgage is a loan with an interest rate that is fixed for the entire term. The interest rate does not depend on market developments during the term and you are protected against rising interest rates.
Taking out a fixed-rate mortgage is advantageous when current interest rates are low and a rise in interest rates is expected in the near future. The fact that the interest rate remains fixed throughout the term allows you to plan your budget with certainty.


Our indicative interest rates*

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These interest rates are for illustrative purposes only and are updated regularly (status as of 18.03.2024, 06:00 pm). They do not constitute a binding financing offer.

The interest rates shown were determined by UBS key4 mortgages on the basis of the following financing parameters: canton: Zurich, loan amount: CHF 500,000, affordability: 24%, loan-to-value ratio: 50%, mortgage payout date: 19.03.2024.

The SARON mortgage interest rate comprises the SARON rate, plus the margin. Find out how interest rates are calculated on a key4 SARON mortgage here.

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What is the term of a fixed-rate mortgage?

With UBS key4 mortgages you can take out fixed-rate mortgages with terms of 1 to 15 years. The interest rates are fixed for the agreed period when you sign the mortgage contract.

Good to know: in general, the longer the term of the mortgage, the higher the mortgage interest rate.

Is it possible to cancel a fixed-rate mortgage?

During the term, premature cancellation of a fixed-rate mortgage is not usually possible. Anyone who decides to do so in exceptional cases must pay an early redemption penalty . The amount to be paid depends on several factors:

  • How long is the remaining term of the mortgage?
  • What is the agreed interest rate?
  • What is the current interest rate?

One reason for early re-financing of a mortgage could be to switch to another mortgage model with better conditions, for instance. It is therefore worth discussing re-financing with your provider at an early stage.

Interest rates are rising – should I take any immediate action?

With a fixed-rate mortgage you are protected against rising interest rates during the term of the mortgage and don’t have to do anything – in this case you benefit from the fixed interest rate. The interest burden can therefore be planned over the entire term of the mortgage.

Interest rates are falling – is this an advantage for me?

If interest rates fall during the term of the mortgage, you can’t benefit if you have a fixed-rate mortgage because the interest rate remains fixed. You can only benefit with a variable-rate mortgage (SARON mortgage).


Can I fix the interest rate in advance?

Yes, it is possible to take out a forward mortgage. For a corresponding premium (forward surcharge), you can fix the interest rate up to 18 months before the payout date of the mortgage to secure the current interest rate. This is especially worthwhile if you expect interest rates to rise.

How do I minimize my interest rate risk?

If you take out a fixed-rate mortgage, there is a risk that interest rates on the market will rise during the term. This means that by the time your mortgage ends, the interest rates could be higher than on the date of signature. If this is the case, you would have to take out the new mortgage at a higher interest rate.

In order to reduce this risk, it may be worth splitting the total financing amount into smaller mortgage tranches consisting of different products right from the start – in other words, you could take out several fixed-rate mortgages with different terms. This allows you to fix an interest rate for 10 years and still benefit from lower interest rates via other fixed-rate mortgages with shorter terms.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Predictability: costs are fixed and can be planned precisely in advance
Reduced interest rate risk: the interest rate risk is reduced by combining mortgages with different terms
No interest rate fluctuations: you don’t have to worry about interest rate fluctuations during the term
Fix a favorable interest rate: with a fixed-rate mortgage you can fix a favorable interest rate for the entire term of the mortgage
Lack of flexibility when interest rates change: no possibility to switch to another mortgage, even if interest rate falls during the term
Extraordinary amortization subject to a fee: you will incur costs if you repay the mortgage before the end of the defined term
Premature mortgage re-financing subject to a fee: in this case an early redemption penalty is due

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