Homeowners are fixing their mortgage repayments for longer, according to research.

Figures compiled by MoneyExpert.com, a personal finance website, revealed that deals upwards of ten years were becoming increasingly common and now accounted for 11.5 per cent of the fixed rate market.

The trend is seen as evidence of the growing unease among homeowners.

With energy and food bills increasing and many home insurance premiums set to rise following last summer's floods, some households are finding it hard to make ends meet and want to protect themselves against future increases in the cost of borrowing.

"Even though there is now more choice for homeowners, that choice also comes at a higher cost," said Sean Gardner of MoneyExpert.com.

"Average rates on long term deals are up, meaning the consequences of making such a big decision are even more severe.

"If interest rates start to spiral, you’ll be laughing. But if they continue to drop then you could have saved money sticking to shorter term arrangements," he added.

The Bank of England has been steadily reducing the cost of borrowing since the end of last year.

However, with the credit crunch continuing to restrict the flow of money between banks, many are seeking to reduce their exposure.

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