Product shelf-life fell last month

October 26, 2026 by Brendan O'Neill

Property Market

The newest data shows that the average shelf-life of a mortgage product fell during September.

This data was provided by Moneyfacts and it reveals that products were available for 13 days on average last month. By comparison, the average product shelf-life in August was 14 days. The main reason why mortgages are remaining available for less time is swap rate volatility. This is driving lenders to revise prices or take products off the market on a frequent basis.

Although mortgage advisors will not be delighted by the findings, they are better than the situation earlier in the year. Back in April, the average product shelf-life was a mere eight days – a record low. This was when the war between the US and Iran first started and it had an immediate damaging effect.

The average shelf-life for the year overall is 15 days. In comparison, it was 20 days last year, while in 2020 it was 34. Going back to the pre-Covid-19 period of 2019, the average product shelf-life was 43 days. This shows what an impact subsequent events have had on the economy.

Adam French is the Moneyfacts consumer finance head. Talking to Financial Reporter, he said:

“The average mortgage product is lasting just 15 days on the market so far this year. That leaves borrowers with a much tighter window in which to find, compare and secure a competitive deal compared to any other on record.”

An advisor with the CeMAP qualification can be a real advantage in this situation, as they are better placed to find the right deal quickly.