Mortgage affordability has hit its best level for 10 years, according to new research released today from Barclays, but the lender is urging homeowners to look ahead and be prepared for any increase in their payments.

In an analysis of more than one million customers' accounts it found that, on average, people paid out 15.4% of their take home pay at the end of December 2010 to cover their monthly mortgage payment, the lowest level registered as part of the analysis, which is now in its tenth year.

The trend, attributed largely to the low interest rate environment, is despite the average house price having increased by 68% over the same period and the average salary increasing by just 37%. Supporting opinion research commissioned by Barclays found the majority of homeowners say they are comfortable with their current payment levels.

The poll of over 1,000 homeowners who have bought their home with a mortgage found that 13% say they can easily afford their current mortgage repayments and are not worried if interest rates rise; 39% class themselves as comfortable, and with some room for manoeuvre, and 28% are stretched but still have disposable income available to help them navigate a rising interest rate environment. Of those who said their mortgage was actually less affordable than a year ago, over a third (36%) cited lower salaries as the main cause, while an additional 29% said their other outgoings had increased.

If your mortgage deal is due to end soon and you want to to avoid a rate shock, the securing a new mortgage deal may well be the answer. To find the best uk mortgage deals on offer today try using a mortgage comparison specialist who will help you to locate the best deal to suit your individual needs.