Analysis shows more borrowers opting for very long mortgages
January 8, 2026 by Brendan O'Neill
Borrowers
The number of borrowers who are choosing mortgages with very long repayment terms has more than trebled, according to the latest analysis.
This analysis was conducted by Compare the Market and is based on data taken from the Financial Conduct Authority. What it shows is a big rise in the number of borrowers who chose very long mortgage terms over the course of 2024. A total of 116,276 borrowers picked mortgages that have 35-year-plus terms of repayment during that year. When compared with 2020, it is more than treble the number.
In terms of regions, it is Central and Greater London where the highest number of those mortgages were taken out. It accounts for 14,455 of the very long mortgages total for 2024. This figure fell to 12,554 in 2025, but that is still higher than the 10,676 in 2023.
Other regions where they are popular include the South West, the South East and the East of England. These are all areas with high house prices, which helps to explain it.
What the analysis also found is that the average age where people are taking out a mortgage has risen to 34, which could leave some people repaying them into their 70s.
Speaking to Mortgage Strategy about the rising popularity of long mortgage terms, David Hollingworth from L&C Mortgages said:
“That can give more flexibility for monthly budgeting, but it does come with a significant cost over the life of the mortgage.”
An advisor with the CeMAP qualification can help people decide if this is best for them.
Written by
Brendan O'Neill
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