Take consolation that the fixed rate hasn't dropped any
Dutch bankers are still wankers.

The variable rate they're being offered by ING (of course) is 1.82, just if the economy starts picking up again and the ECB interest rates hit 4% will they be paying 4.92% or something more horrific is the question. Most likely the latter; and if not, then... why the fuck are they even offering 5%.

There's a sting in there somewhere, I just wish I had past comparison for tracker interest rates.
(Frozen_Banana Shaved against the grain; thoroughly unrewarding., Mon 8 Jun 2009, 13:56, archived)

They offer it
because they either believe it has the potential to get much worse, or they think the perception is that way. There's a credit crunch, you take what you can with the risks attached.
( Flapjack I spay a little mare for you, Mon 8 Jun 2009, 14:01, archived)

I don't really know much about Holland
but can't you only get fixed mortgages? in which case, what's the issue? either you want a house or you don't. Past rates aren't going to help you.

Actually, past rates aren't going to help regardless. It's not like you can go into ING and go "well, looking at the last 8 years data I think you should be offering at a lower rate" and they are going to go "well, fuck me, I never thought of that. Here you are, have it cheaper"

You take the best offer you get. Or you don't. Simples.

Or alternatively, get a financial advisor rather than asking us lot. They are free after all.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Mon 8 Jun 2009, 14:09, archived)

They offer tracker or variable rates also
so I'm hoping to use the past to indicate what might happen to the rate if things pick up again. Banks always play the same game with raising and lowering them, trying to milk as much as they can, so it would be nice to see under what circumstances they milked it proper in the past.
(Frozen_Banana Shaved against the grain; thoroughly unrewarding., Mon 8 Jun 2009, 14:16, archived)

heaven forbid
that banks, as businesses, should try and make money out of their customers ;)

I would get a fixed rate now if you can as they are seriously unlikely to get any lower. What with it being a bit impossible and that.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Mon 8 Jun 2009, 14:28, archived)