Property, Buying, Selling and
Maintaining Tips and Hints - A Short Article Packed with
Useful Information
Property: Mortgage Types
Finding the right type of mortgage and repayment method for you is crucial.
This is an area where independent financial advice is essential.
Repayment Mortgage
Each repayment contains some capital and interest. In the early years, the monthly
repayment is made up almost entirely of interest. There will be a gradual reduction
in the amount of capital owing. This mortgage is guaranteed to be repaid in
full so long as you make each repayment when it is due.
Standard variable rate mortgage
Lenders set a standard variable mortgage rate which will fluctuate in line with
the market conditions. It can prove to be a suitable option for those whose
immediate future is unplanned and who may not wish to commit to a product which
includes a tie in period in the form of redemption penalties. But can be difficult
to accurately budget for your mortgage payments.
Discounted variable rate mortgage
Discounted variable rate mortgages involve paying a set amount below the basic
variable mortgage rate for a certain number of years.
After the discounted period the rate will revert to the standard variable rate.
There will usually be a charge for early repayment.
Fixed rate mortgage
A fixed rate mortgage allows you to fix your monthly payments for a specified
period of time. After the fixed rate term has expired, the interest rate will
revert to the standard variable rate available at the time. It may be possible
to fix again when the period ends. This mortgage allows easy budgeting because
you know exactly how much your monthly payments will be.
Fixed rate mortgages will protect you against possible rises in
variable rates but, if general rates fall below the level of the fixed rate
then this could work out a more expensive option.
Flexible mortgages
Allows you to make additional or lump sum payments in excess of your scheduled
monthly amount, enabling you to pay off your mortgage early. This reduces the
amount of interest charged. In addition, you can choose to re-borrow the money
at any time.
Capped rate mortgage
Somewhat like the fixed rate in that the maximum amount you pay is determined
during the given capped period, however if interest rates come below your capped
rate then your rate will reduce to that rate as appropriate.
Cash backs
The lender gives you either a percentage of the loan or a flat amount as a cash
incentive. This is not added to the loan and does not attract interest, though
it may be repayable if the loan is repaid before a given period of time. It
is common for a cash back to be combined with other mortgage products such as
fixed or discounted rates. Cash back appeals particularly to first time buyers,
money can be used for legal fees, soft furnishings etc.
ISA (Individual savings account)
Throughout the period of the loan only the interest is paid off. At the end
of the loan period the loan amount is still to be paid off. To pay this amount
a separate endowment policy or other suitable strategy is created at the start
of the loan period. The funds created by this are used to pay off the loan.
If the investment has done better than expected then you will have the surplus
funds. However, if the policy does not cover the loan amount you will have to
cover the shortfall.
If you have any dependents it is a good idea to make sure that,
in the event of you becoming seriously ill or dying, they can continue to live
in your home.
Other charges
-
Valuation Fee: depending upon a) the lender b) the type of valuation/survey
you require.
-
Lender's Arrangement Fee: payable either in advance or on completion
and is sometimes added to the loan
-
Legal Fees: Solicitor's fees which may include the need to pay
-
Stamp Duty, Local Searches, Conveyance
Costs and Land Registry
Fees.
-
Stamp Duty: Effectively a purchase tax. Properties valued at over
£60,000 attract a tax of 1%. Properties valued at over £250,000
are taxed at 3% and over £500,000 4%.
-
Higher Percentage Lending Fee: An insurance fee if the mortgage
is more than a certain percentage of the value of the property. This is used
to protect the lender and not you. If the lender claims on the insurance policy
you will owe the insurer the amount paid out.
-
Buildings and Contents Insurance: All lenders require that you
insure your property to the full cost of rebuilding it. You should also have
the contents of your home insured in case of a burglary, fire etc..
-
Mortgage Payment Protection: This will help protect your mortgage
and you in the event that you are unable to work through accident, sickness
and/or involuntary unemployment.
You should always seek professional help before deciding on a
mortgage.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage (Go4aMortgage.com
| 1st4 Secured Loans)
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
NOTE: RESULTS WILL
OPEN IN A NEW WINDOW
CLICK
HERE!
Travel Options
HOTEL + AIR | HOTEL
+ AIR + CAR
|
AskLiz aims to provide short,
informative articles on a range of everyday topics. Use the links below
to explore each topic or use the handy search box to search the
Internet.
|
|
