I am worried about this matter too, even though our fixed rate mortgage isnt due to end until Jan 09. (I know that time will come around quicker than lightening!
We are currently fixed into a 5.95% rate which we took out with GMAC too, so interesting that they sold off their mortgage business last year isnt it?? They could possible forsee huge problems!!
We are now with Mortgage Express who are part of B&B, so not doing so well at the moment.
Pre IVA i called them to ask what we would need to provided in order to get another fixed rate/discount rate when this one expires. They told me several times - so long as we were up to date with no arrears that they would offer us their current deals at that time. They said they dont do credit checks etc for existing customers.
HOWEVER...
I never once mentioned to them that we would be entereing an IVA, and thought that they wouldnt know unless they did the 'credit score' stuff, BUT... I later found out on the day the IVA was accepted that the IP firm wrote to them. BOO-HOO.
SO...
I dont know what the score is now, I am taking a guess to think we will have to go onto the standard variable rate which is 7.09% (£190 extra a month!!!!) at the moment, and could go up further according to the telegraph today.
I feel like i've just stopped worrying about the unsecure debt we had thanks to the IVA, and now the biggest borrowing most of us ever make could take us under if things continue to escalate.
I cant begin to estimate how many millions of other people are struggling due to the housing market and the mortgage rate, Where is it all going to end??
In a way I think, never mind 'no mortgage deals', lets at least get the Bank of englang base rate coming down so people can afford to pay on a variable rate!
Kind Regards