House buyers should act now to make sure they get a fixed-rate mortgage - as, after a series of recent rate rises, lenders are again increasing their rates in anticipation of another rate hike on July 5th, according to a new study.

A report from price comparison site MoneySupermarket.com shows that the top ten lenders in the UK have all increased their rates since the Monetary Policy Committee decided to raise the base rate on May 5th - and some are increasing them further in anticipation of another rise on July 5th.

"Borrowers needing the stability of a fixed rate product should reserve their next deal now if their current mortgage term is set to end soon," Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, said.

"While fixed rates have been looking pretty good in relation to the base rate, they appear to be going up - and fast.

"The market is already preparing for the next rate rise - probably on July 5th. Abbey increased its fixed rate range on Wednesday and Halifax is doing so today. It is only a matter of time before other lenders follow suit and increase their rates again.

"Borrowers may not be aware they can reserve a mortgage deal at the current rate for up to six months," Ms Cuming added.