Fixed interest rate
A fixed interest rate means that your interest rate is fixed from the start of your mortgage loan and stays the same for your entire mortgage term.
A fixed interest rate can be a good choice if you prefer stability, as it protects you from possible future interest rate increases. The disadvantage is that you are unable to benefit in case interest rates decrease.
Variable interest rate
If you opt for a variable interest rate, your interest rate will be adjusted after certain periods of time. This can be favorable if interest rates fall, or disadvantageous if interest rates rise. How often the review takes place, depends on your chosen formula.
At ING you can choose for a 1, 5 or 10 year interest rate review period. Your variable interest rate can rise or fall within a certain band. This means the rate can increase as much, as it can decrease. The “cap” sets the maximum increase deviation during the lifetime of your mortgage where the “floor” sets the maximum decrease. Additionally terms & conditions stipulate that an interest rate can double at most.
An example:
A cap +1 means that a variable interest rate of 3.5% can increase to a maximum of 4.5% and decrease to a maximum of 2.5%. With cap +2 the upper limit is 5.5% and the lower limit 1.5%.
If you opt for a variable interest rate, the law also stipulates that the original interest rate may never rise more than it can fall. Taking into account the terms and conditions, this means that the interest rate can double at most.
An example: on 1 April 2026 you opt for a variable interest rate of 2,5% for your mortgage, with a term of 15 years. Then the interest rate during those 15 years can rise to a maximum of 5%.
Variable interest rates are generally available at lower starting rates than fixed interest rates. A variable interest rate can be a good choice if market rates are high and you hope that rates decrease in the future. If interest rates go down, so do your monthly payments. It is however important to be comfortable with change.
"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/home/the-advantages-of-a-variable-interest-rate","text":"More information about the advantages of variable interest rates"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"What is the difference between an interest rate and an APR?","richBody":{"value":"The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the total cost (including costs like handling charges) of your mortgage. The APR is expressed as an annual percentage.
Note: not all charges are included in the APR. For instance, the fee you pay the notary for the mortgage deed is not included in the APR.
The interest rate only relates to the interest you pay, excluding the charges.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://assets.ing.com/m/5416a8832447b818/original/Online_credit_Brochure_HYPO_en.pdf","text":"See this brochure for all the details."}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"In summary: which rate fits your situation?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"You can choose for a fixed rate if you:
- Prefer predictability.
- Want stable monthly payments.
- Want protection against fluctuations.
You can choose for a variable rate if you:
- Prefer a lower starting rate.
- Are comfortable with variation.
- Expect income growth or early sale.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Do you dream of owning your own home?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"We are ready to help you make your dreams come true. Discover how we can support here or read through our 6 steps towards a dream house
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Did you know that you can benefit from a rate reduction linked to a better EPC?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"ING encourages you to opt for energy-saving projects:
The ING Mortgage Loan, the ING Bridging Loan and the Mortgage loan combined are mortgage loans subject to the law of April 2016 concerning mortgage loans. Offer reserved for natural persons over the age of 18 and subject to prior acceptance of your application by ING Belgium and to mutual agreement.
Your application and any approval of your application by ING Belgium (after examination of your file by ING Belgium) in-branch or via the ‘Mortgage Loans Online’ service at ing.be are not binding for ING Belgium or you until you’ve signed the credit offer at your ING branch (or, in the case of an online application, at home) and returned it to ING. (subject to prior approval of your file by ING). Before this, we’ll look at whether the data disclosed in your application are correct and complete based on, for example, the supporting documents that have been or will be supplied).
General conditions for ING loans are available from any ING branch and on www.ing.be.
This advertising message, relating to a mortgage loan for real estate purposes and for private use, subject to the legislation on mortgage credit, does not constitute a credit offer.
*Offer exclusively intended for adult natural persons and subject to the acceptance of your file by ING Belgium. The general conditions and credit fees are available in all ING branches or on www.ing.be (section “Tariffs and regulations”).
You will receive a personalised mortgage loan proposal when you submit your request, based on a set of factors including, but not limited to, preliminary checks and your risk profile. The request and any approval of your request by ING Belgium (after review of your file by ING Belgium) do not bind either ING Belgium or yourself as long as you have not signed a credit agreement. The accuracy and completeness of the information provided in the request are verified beforehand (including on the basis of documents submitted or to be submitted).
ING Belgium NV/SA – Bank/Lender – Marnixlaan/Avenue Marnix 24, B-1000 Brussels – RLP Brussels – VAT: BE 0403.200.393 - BIC: BBRUBEBB – IBAN: BE45 3109 1560 2789
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