Adjustable rates mortgages have flexible interest rate that changes according to the changes in the overall interest rates
. These mortgages normally have a lower interest rates and lower early redemption penalties than the fixed rate mortgages. However, an uncertainty of not knowing how the interest rates will behave in the future hangs over these mortgages. Especially in the periods of low interest rates, people prefer to fix their mortgages against the future rates increases. Flexible rate mortgages could be quite common in some countries and not much popular in others.
Flexible rate mortgages are good starter mortgages for people who plan to move in a few years time. Also, since their rates and monthly payments are lower, more people can qualify for these mortgages as well as the people qualify can have higher amount of mortgage in relation to their income. So the mortgage applicants who can not get enough mortgages for the house they would like to buy may be able to qualify for the adjustable rate mortgages. The flexible rate mortgages can be good product in the periods of high interest rates with the expectancy of them coming down or starting to come down. Fixing the mortgage at those times may not be desirable.
One of the problems with adjustable rate mortgages is that they are often sold to people who are new to housing market and not aware of the dangers of interest rates fluctuations. If the interest rates start rising and on top of it their initial fixed period of the flexible mortgage comes to end, their mortgage payments may even double. The people who have already stretched their budget to get the mortgage can not cope with those increases. are not experienced in dealing with them. These individuals may not be able to see the dangers with the rising interest rates. However, the consumers can protect themselves by placing a cap on the interest rate increase. In other words, the lender agrees not to increase the rate more than pre-agreed amount when the interest rates go above that amount.