Mortgage Guide
Entering the mortgage world can be hard work, even if you are applying for a remortgage! Today’s mortgage market has products to suit the needs of nearly any borrower. Following are descriptions of some of the diverse mortgage options offered:
Bad Credit Mortgages - For borrowers with adverse credit due to County Court Judgments, bankruptcy, defaults or unpaid credit cards, there are many non-standard mortgage options. Many lenders have options for borrowers with light to severe bad credit, albeit at higher interest rates.
Buy to Let Mortgages – Suited to amateur investors and seasoned landlords alike, a buy-to-let mortgage allows for the purchase of a rental property. Typically, buy-to-let mortgages levy a higher interest rate than residential mortgages to reflect their increased investment risk. The gross rent, or overall income from rent required by a lender can be as low as 100% at payrate and in fact there are now some lenders requiring no rental income as long as you have already held a Buy to Let mortgage for the last 12 months.
First Time Buyer Mortgage – Borrowers who have never previously bought a home or have been without a mortgage for some time have a range of loan options. Depending on borrowing capacity, a first time buyer can secure a standard fixed, capped or variable rate mortgage. Those without the funds for a down payment may also be able to borrow up to 125% of the value of the property and avoid a deposit altogether. However some products can incur a Higher Lending Charge. Please note that the higher lending rate is the lenders way of rating the higher risk present.
Flexible Mortgages – Borrowers not on fixed incomes, such as freelancers and the self-employed, can opt for a flexible mortgage. Flexible mortgages allow the borrower to repay more or less per month according to their available funds.
Overseas Mortgages – Used to purchase property outside the country, overseas mortgages can be arranged through many UK brokers. As well, rather than taking a mortgage through a foreign financial institution, remortgaging a UK property can provide funds to purchase an overseas property.
Remortgage – Taking a new mortgage on the home can reduce interest payments or generate a lump sum for reinvestment. Many remortgage and put the saved income or extra borrowings toward new purchases, remodelling or other investments.
Second Mortgage – If there is available equity in a property, a second mortgage may be taken against its value. Second mortgages are suited to borrowers unable to take a new mortgage due to early completion penalties or other restrictions on their existing mortgage.
Self Build Mortgages – Also called stage payment mortgages, a self build mortgage is taken to finance the construction of a new home. Self build mortgages are specialised and often complex, so borrowers should seek out an appropriate lender or the aid of a broker.
Self Certification Mortgage – Catering to the self-employed and others with non-standard income, self certification mortgages do not require payslips or accounts as documentation but rather a personal projection of income. Reflecting the lender’s increased risk, self certification mortgages involve large down payments, usually 20-30% of the value of the loan.
For fuller descriptions and a guide to other aspects of mortgaging please read our other articles below.
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This site is intended for UK residents only. The overall cost for mortgages for comparison is % APR. The actual rate will depend on your circumstances. APR variable and based on a usual case. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) do not regulate some types of buy to let, commercial, overseas mortgages, tax advice and credit or loans not secured on property.
Best UK Mortgages is a trading name of Grovelawn Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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