Those consumers wishing to maintain their secured loan costs should look to act as soon as possible, it has been suggested. Research conducted by moneysupermarket has indicated that the top ten mortgage providers have increased their fixed-rate mortgage products following the Bank of England's decision to raise the base rate last month. Due to the quarter of a percentage hike to 5.5 per cent in May, consumers could well find the pressure to make secured loan payments increasing over the course of the next few months. Louise Cuming, head of mortgages for moneysupermarket, said: "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. "While fixed rates have been looking pretty good in relation to the base rate, they appear to be going up - and fast." The financial firm indicated that lenders are continuing to increase costs on their fixed-rate deals, ahead of an increase to the base rate predicted to take place on July 5th - which consequently could place further pressure on those making repayments on secured homeowner loans. Ms Cuming pointed out that Abbey pushed up the price of its fixed-rate products last week, with Halifax set to do the same today (June 25th). "It is only a matter of time before other lenders follow suit and increase their rates again," the industry expert claimed. She added that those looking to maintain their monthly secured loan repayments in the future can reserve a mortgage deal at the current rate for a period of up to six months. The comments from moneysupermarket are the second in recent weeks to suggest that cheap fixed-rate mortgages are becoming increasingly scarce. Earlier this month, Moneyfacts spokesperson Lisa Taylor claimed many loan lenders are increasing interest rates on their products to beyond the six per cent figure. She also pointed out that since the beginning of June "at least nine" suppliers have withdrawn some, or all, of their fixed-rate products. As a result, the representative suggested that those concerned about meeting secured loan repayment costs should aim to take out a fixed-rate product as soon as possible as a third interest rate rise of the year could take place. Ms Taylor said: "With a further rate rise still potentially on the cards for 2007, those consumers on a tight budget will need to act quickly before more of the current best buy fixed-rate deals vanish." She claimed those who fail to take out a fixed-rate product as their current deal expires are set for a "nasty shock" as monthly secured loan loan repayments rise. However despite increased pressure to pay off loans, consumers were always advised to make repayments on their borrowing. MoneyExpert chief executive Sean Gardner claimed that failing to make payments could see borrowers damage their credit rating and risk going to court. His comments follow research indicating some 1,389,000 personal loan repayments have been missed so fear this year. Mr Gardner said: "This is yet another warning of real financial distress and a sign that finances are being stretched to the limit by recent interest rate rises."