See the Finfacts, Rea, Indo etc links I posted earlier-not posts-these links compare fixed rates across lenders-I don't understand the reference to NIB and 92%.
And no, you are of course correct, we dont have to take a fixed rate but im afraid that if we take a discounted or tracker that we may regret it at a later date if rates go up....
Unless you are tight on money for the mortgage repayments or would be if rates increased by a few percent then you really should go with a competitive variable/tracker rate. There is no point in attempting to time the market and go with a fixed rate in order to save money. Only do so if you need the reassurance/peace of mind that fixed rates/repayments give you. Chances are that, in the long run, you will pay a premium for a fixed rate rather than saving money.