Kensington Mortgages has announced a fresh round of mortgage rate reductions in the first week of 2026, cutting rates by up to 0.24% across its residential mortgage range. The changes apply to both 2-year and 5-year fixed-rate products, offering improved options for borrowers with higher loan-to-value requirements.
The reductions cover Kensington’s Select range, including its Heroes, Professional, eKo and Own New Rate Reducer products, reinforcing Kensington’s ongoing focus on supporting borrowers who may not fit standard high-street criteria.
Updated Kensington Mortgage Rates
The revised pricing applies across 80% to 95% LTV, with notable improvements for borrowers with smaller deposits.
At 90% LTV, Kensington is now offering:
- 2-year fixed rates from 5.56% with a £1,999 fee
- 5-year fixed rates from 5.72% with a £1,499 fee
For borrowers at the top end of the LTV scale, the lender’s updated 95% LTV pricing includes:
- 2-year fixed rates from 5.81% with a £1,999 fee
- 5-year fixed rates from 6.02% with a £1,499 fee
Kensington has also introduced no-fee options at 95% LTV, which may appeal to buyers looking to reduce upfront costs:
- 2-year fixed at 6.59%, no fee, including £1,000 cashback
- 5-year fixed at 6.30%, no fee, including £1,000 cashback
These changes further enhance Kensington’s reputation as a competitive lender for borrowers with higher LTV requirements and more complex circumstances.
What This Means for Borrowers
Kensington Mortgages is widely recognised as a specialist lender, often supporting borrowers such as first-time buyers, professionals, key workers and those with non-standard income profiles. Rate reductions at higher LTVs can be particularly impactful, as these borrowers typically have fewer options available to them.
The introduction of competitive no-fee products with cashback also provides greater flexibility for customers balancing deposit size with upfront purchasing costs.
Market Context
The start of 2026 has already seen increased competition among lenders, with several providers adjusting pricing to attract new business. Kensington’s latest rate reductions suggest growing confidence within parts of the specialist lending market, particularly where affordability assessments remain robust but flexible.
Industry Reaction
Commenting on the changes, Louis Mason, Marketing and Communications Director at London mortgage broker Oportfolio Mortgages, said:
“Kensington’s latest rate reductions will be welcome news for borrowers who sit outside mainstream lending criteria. Increasingly more and more people are not fitting the ‘standard’ lender criteria, and lenders need to adapt to this. Kensington is one of the best examples of a lender who has always done this. Improvements at higher LTVs, particularly with no-fee options and cashback, can make a meaningful difference for clients who are working hard to get onto or move up the property ladder.”
Getting the Right Advice
While headline rate reductions are positive, Kensington’s products, like many specialist mortgages, are best assessed in the context of a borrower’s wider financial position. Fees, cashback, fixed-term length and future plans all play an important role in determining which product offers the best overall value.
Speaking to an experienced mortgage adviser can help ensure Kensington’s latest products are compared effectively against the wider market and aligned with both short- and long-term goals. Call our team at Oportfolio Mortgages today to start your mortgage journey.
