Remortgaging When House Value Has Increased in Leicester

Owning a property, whether it’s your family home or a buy to let investment, is a significant asset. It’s not just a place to live, but holds the potential for financial gain if you ever look to sell, as well as being something you can pass down to future generations.

The property market is dynamic and ever-changing, and property prices can skyrocket during certain periods. When this happens, it may be beneficial for you to explore your options for a remortgage in Leicester.

Doing so could give you access to a more favourable loan-to-value ratio and better interest rates, potentially allowing you to maximise your investment.

What is a loan to value and why do people remortgage in Leicester for a better one?

Loan to value (LTV) is the ratio of mortgage to the property’s market value, expressed as a percentage. For instance, if you buy a property for £100,000 with a deposit of 10% (£10,000), you’ll need a mortgage with a 90% loan to value.

Mortgage loan to values are divided into tiers or brackets. Typically, the lowest bracket will be 60% and increase to the highest ratio of 95%. The brackets or tiers offered will vary depending on the mortgage lender.

If you have a lower loan to value, you’ll have access to mortgage deals with more competitive interest rates.

In the example above, let’s say your property value has increased to £110,000 and your initial mortgage balance of £90,000 has come down to £80,000 after some years. This means that your new loan to value is 73%.

If you were to remortgage in Leicester, you would now be eligible for a 75% loan to value mortgage, which should have a more competitive rate of interest. Other factors such as market conditions will also determine this interest rate at the time of remortgaging.

The reason why lower loan to value mortgages have more competitive interest rates is that you pose less risk to the mortgage lender.

How do I find out the value of my property?

In order to access better rates or terms when you remortgage in Leicester, you will need to determine the current value of your property. This can be done by obtaining a valuation, which involves either an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) or a physical valuation.

An AVM involves using a database to cross-reference similar properties in the same area to determine the value, without someone physically coming to your location.

On the other hand, a physical valuation involves an inspector coming to your home to inspect both the interior and exterior, taking into account any home improvements or extensions you may have had.

If you prefer a physical valuation, you can discuss this with your mortgage advisor in Leicester during your free appointment. It’s important to note that when you remortgage, you’ll be switching to a new mortgage lender, unlike a product transfer where you stay with the same mortgage lender.

The new mortgage lender will want to know the value of the property they will be lending against as part of their risk assessment.

Remortgage in Leicester to Release Equity When Home Value Has Increased

While leveraging the equity in your home can sometimes lead to better deals, another reason to remortgage in Leicester is to release equity for other desired purposes.

This is often done for home improvements or other reasons, but it requires careful planning. When you remortgage, you’ll be taking out a new mortgage to replace the old one, but with a higher loan-to-value ratio.

As a result, your monthly mortgage payments may increase. That being said, the goal is to invest in your home and increase its value so that when you remortgage in Leicester again, you’ll be on a lower loan-to-value ratio.

It’s essential to have a well thought out plan and gauge the markets, especially when dealing with such a significant financial investment like your home. A mortgage advisor in Leicester can provide guidance on the best approach for your situation.

Can I remortgage in Leicester early if the value of my home has increased?

There may be occasions where you consider remortgaging earlier than expected. Although remortgaging in Leicester before your fixed-term ends is technically considered “early”, you might have the option to do so even a year before.

Breaking your contract terms could result in paying an early repayment charge (ERC), which is a downside to this option.

While it’s impossible to predict housing market conditions, people usually choose to exit their mortgage early for compelling reasons. If you plan to remortgage early, it’s advisable to engage a mortgage broker in Leicester to help you assess your options.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of England base rate dropped to historic lows, allowing those due to remortgage in Leicester at the end of their fixed rate period to enjoy low interest rates.

On the other hand, if you were a year away from your fixed-rate ending, you wouldn’t be able to benefit unless you remortgaged early and extended your period.

This scenario is rare and unique, given that mortgage lenders withdrew most of their products, limiting people’s options.

Yet, it exemplifies how remortgaging early could financially benefit you. If your property’s value has appreciated, it’s an opportune time to consider remortgaging early to take advantage of lower loan-to-value rates.

But keep in mind that you might still incur an ERC and other costs, such as arrangement, valuation, and solicitor fees, on your new mortgage.

So, it’s crucial to weigh the potential savings against the overall costs before committing. Speaking with a mortgage broker in Leicester is recommended to fully understand your options.

Can I Remortgage in Leicester and Extend The Term?

If you’re a homeowner in Leicester, there are many reasons why you might consider remortgaging your property. Perhaps you want to release equity to finance a large expense, like home improvements or debt consolidation.

Alternatively, you might be looking for a better deal on your mortgage repayments or want to switch to a different type of mortgage product.

Whatever your reasons, it’s important to explore all of your options when it comes to remortgaging. While many people focus on getting a lower interest rate or releasing equity, there’s another option that you might not have considered: remortgaging to extend your term.

By extending your mortgage term, you could potentially lower your monthly repayments, making them more affordable and giving you greater financial flexibility.

This could be especially beneficial if you’re experiencing financial difficulties, or if you want to free up some extra cash to invest in other areas of your life.

At Leicestermoneyman, we understand that every homeowner’s situation is unique, which is why we offer a range of remortgaging options to suit your individual needs.

Whether you’re looking to release equity, lower your monthly payments, or extend your term, our experienced advisors can help you find the best solution for your circumstances.

So if you’re considering remortgaging in Leicester, be sure to explore all of your options – including the possibility of extending your term – and get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you achieve your financial goals.

Why would I remortgage in Leicester to extend my term?

The length of time you agree to pay back your mortgage, known as the term, can significantly impact your monthly mortgage payments. Many homeowners opt for a term of 25-30 years, which can be daunting to pay back such a large amount over a long duration.

If you are part way through your mortgage term, you may find it challenging to keep up with your payments, especially if other bills have increased. In such a scenario, you may consider remortgaging to extend your term.

By extending your term, you can spread your mortgage payments over a more extended period, which can lead to lower monthly payments, thereby freeing up more disposable income. There is a downside to this option as you will end up paying more back overall, including additional interest.

It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of extending your term before making a decision. While it can make your monthly payments more affordable, it may not be the best option for everyone. You may end up paying more in the long run, possibly even into your retirement.

If you are considering a remortgage in Leicester, there are several options available, including remortgaging to release equity or for home improvements. Extending your term is another possibility, but it is essential to seek professional advice before making a final decision.

Can I remortgage in Leicester to extend my term if I’m borrowing more money?

Extending your term can be a viable option if you’re looking to remortgage in Leicester and need to borrow additional funds, release equity, make home improvements, or consolidate debts. It’s important, however, to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Extending your term can lower your monthly mortgage payments and increase your disposable income, making it easier to manage your finances. This can be especially helpful if you’re going through a difficult financial period, facing unexpected expenses, or experiencing a change in circumstances.

On the other hand, extending your term will mean that you’re paying interest over a longer period, which can result in you paying more overall. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re approaching retirement age or have other long-term financial goals.

It’s important to note that extending your term may not always be possible, as some lenders may have specific criteria or restrictions. It’s also important to consider other factors, such as fees and charges, when exploring your options for remortgaging in Leicester.

Ultimately, it’s important to seek professional mortgage advice and do your research before making any decisions about remortgaging in Leicester.

Whether you’re looking to extend your term, release equity, consolidate debts, or make home improvements, there are a variety of paths you can take to achieve your financial goals.

You should think carefully before securing other debts against your home. By adding your unsecured debts to your mortgage, which is secured on your home, you are potentially putting your home at risk if you cannot make the required repayments.

Although the total monthly cost of servicing your debt may have reduced, the total cost of repayment may still have risen as the term of your mortgage is longer than it may have taken to repay the debts originally.

When wouldn’t I be able to remortgage in Leicester and extend my term?

Remortgaging can be a great option for homeowners who are looking to ease their financial burden. However, it’s important to note that each lender has their own set of criteria that must be met before extending the term of a mortgage.

Factors such as age, type of mortgage, and any outstanding mortgage payment debts can all play a role in determining whether or not you are eligible for a remortgage in Leicester to extend your term.

Some lenders may have strict age restrictions, requiring borrowers to pay off their mortgage before they reach a certain age.

Fortunately, if remortgaging to extend your term is not an option for you, there are other paths to consider. A dedicated mortgage advisor in Leicester can help you explore alternative solutions that will help lower your monthly payments and improve your financial situation.

At our company, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of owning a home without the stress of high mortgage payments. That’s why we take the time to carefully review each client’s unique situation and recommend the most suitable options for them.

Our goal is to help our clients achieve their financial goals and find the best possible solution to meet their needs.

Can I remortgage in Leicester to extend the term of my interest only mortgage?

Extending the term of an interest only mortgage can be a challenge, as not many lenders allow it. While some may allow it, you will still need to pay the lump sum of interest at the end of the term, and some lenders may not want you to delay it any further.

Residential properties are typically on a repayment mortgage, and interest-only mortgages are now less common. Instead, they are more commonly attached to buy to let properties.

However, extending the term of an interest only mortgage on a buy to let property can also be difficult, as some lenders may not allow it while the property is occupied by a tenant. This makes it challenging to address the issue of paying back the lump sum.

In such cases, it may be a better option to remortgage your property and replace your interest-only mortgage with a repayment mortgage. This would allow you to pay back a combination of both capital and interest, making it easier to manage your mortgage repayments.

It is important to note that these are complex circumstances, and it is highly recommended that you speak to an expert member of our remortgage advice team before making any decisions. They can help you better understand your options and find the best solution for your individual circumstances.

What if I want to reduce my term instead?

A viable option to consider during the remortgage process is to reduce the term of your mortgage. This option can be applied to almost all mortgage situations and is opposite to extending the term.

Reducing the term would allow you to pay back less overall, but this would also result in higher monthly mortgage payments. It’s important to note that this option may not be feasible for everyone, as larger monthly payments may not be affordable.

To make an informed decision, it’s recommended to seek remortgage advice in Leicester from a remortgage expert who can guide you through the process and provide insights on the best option for your financial situation.

Alternatives to Extending Your Term

If you’re looking to reduce your monthly outgoings, downsizing may be a viable option to consider, rather than extending your term through remortgaging.

This involves selling your current home and moving into a smaller property, which typically costs less, resulting in a smaller mortgage and lower monthly payments.

Another option to consider if you’re over 55 and own a property worth at least £70,000 is equity release. This enables you to release tax-free funds from your home through a lifetime mortgage, either in a lump sum or through occasional payments.

However, equity release may not always be the best option, and alternatives such as “RIOs” and “TIOs” – retirement interest-only mortgages and term interest-only mortgages – may be more suitable for over 50’s.

With a RIO or TIO, the loan is only repaid when you pass away or move into long-term care, and your home is sold. To navigate the complex landscape of later life mortgage options, it’s best to seek advice from a qualified, honest later life mortgage advisor.

They can help you understand the pros and cons of each option and advise on the most suitable path for your future plans and financial goals.

To understand the features and risks of equity release and lifetime mortgages, ask for a personalised illustration.

A lifetime mortgage may impact the value of your estate and it could affect your entitlement to current and future means tested benefits. The loan plus accrued interest will repayable upon death or moving into long term care.

Can I Get a Mortgage With Bad/Adverse Credit in Leicester?

Bad Credit Mortgage Advice in Leicester

It is a common practice nowadays to seek Specialist Mortgage Advice in Leicester when clients have bad credit or not paying off their bills on time. 

Something as small as a missed or late payment from your bills may result in a default attached to your credit report. Which may harm your capability to obtain a mortgage because it implies that you cannot keep up with repayments on time.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible, having any missed payments or defaults in your credit file may require some additional help from a Mortgage Broker in Leicester like ourselves. This is because most High Street Banks will reject your application for a mortgage, especially if you only have a small deposit.

Your lender will need to know the date the default was registered against you and how long ago it was. The more details are given, the more likely it is that the lender will be able to help you. Especially if it was down to a life-related event such as ill-health, redundancy or separation.

We tend to find that clients often make mistakes in the past, and these financial mistakes can come back to haunt them. We may also be able to help you if you have had historic mortgage arrears or a CCJ (County Court Judgement).

Bad Credit Mortgage FAQs

Below are some helpful responses to frequently asked questions about Bad Credit mortgages in Leicester and nearby areas. If you can’t find what you need in our bad credit FAQs, one of our Mortgage Advisors in Leicester will be more than happy to get back to you. 

What will my mortgage advisor in Leicester need to see?

Your advisor will need to see an up-to-date copy of your credit report and show any previous credit problems you had in the past. You can find a copy of your recent credit report online for free.

Before applying for any mortgage, doing multiple credit searches can damage your credit rating. However, it’s still vital that you obtain an up-to-date copy of your credit report. 

I have a good income but bad credit. Can I still get a mortgage?

This all comes down to your circumstances and affordability. Some customers find themselves a little perplexed by their credit reports. It might look bad, they may have had issues, but they have a stable income and enough deposit to reduce a rate and obtain a decent mortgage deal. It makes you wonder if you are in that same position but the lender still won’t let you borrow the amount you’ll like or need. That’s because it all comes down to risk. 

After all, your lender needs to be convinced that you afford all your repayments on time without a likelihood of any arrears occurring. In the event of these arrears, the lender may need to repossess the home, which is something that everybody wants to avoid. 

There may be a chance for those who are looking to get a mortgage while having bad credit, you just may have to pay higher rates. For more information, it’s best to speak to a Specialist Mortgage Advisor in Leicester, with their help they can hopefully find you a potential mortgage.

I’ve had mortgage problems before. Will that stop me from getting a mortgage?

One day you may find yourself in financial trouble and no longer able to keep up with the mortgage payments. These circumstances are unfortunate, and whilst it could be a short blip that you can pay back not too long after, the damage is done, and it will be on your credit report as a missed payment.

You may be faced with other credit issues too, and when it comes to getting a Remortgage or a new mortgage after Moving Home in Leicester, you may find yourself struggling to obtain a new mortgage. As previously stated, this always comes down to risk. Can the lender trust you? Will you be in the same position again?

The good news is, with the help of Specialist Mortgage Advice in Leicester, we have had helped previous customers who have had a mortgage and have since ended up with Bad Credit. If you are in a similar situation, speak to a Mortgage Broker in Leicester like ourselves, we may be able to help you achieve your mortgage goals.

What other types of adverse problems are customers faced with?

Customers may find themselves in a position to have adverse issues regarding their credit, all of which can impact your affordability for a mortgage. These issues vary from, but are not limited to;

• Bankruptcy
• Credit Card or Loan Defaults
• Missed Mortgage Payments
• County Court Judgements (CCJ’s)

Whilst this is an awful situation to be in, it’s not the end of the world. Your mortgage process may be longer, more challenging, and you may end up on a higher rate, but there are lenders out there, who might have a mortgage deal on their panel, who will accept your mortgage application.

To boost your chances of success and open yourself up to better rates, you need to focus on improving your credit score. We have a handy guide on different ways to improve your credit score, which will hopefully put you in a much better place for obtaining a mortgage in the future.

Get in Touch for Bad Credit Mortgage Advice

If you require any Mortgage Advice in Leicester regarding a Bad or Adverse Credit situation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team. Utilising their knowledge working in the industry, working extra hard to try and put you in the best possible position to eventually obtain you a mortgage.

A Guide to Remortgages in Leicester: Top Reasons to Consider

Remortgage Broker in Leicester

The mortgage journey can have both positives and negatives along the way, but by the end of it, you will end up with one of the following outcomes; you’ll have a dream home to possibly raise a family in, a stepping stone property to help you climb the property ladder, or you could have an investment property that you are able to rent out.

Regardless of the initial path that you took, eventually you will find that your mortgages’ fixed period is coming to an end. At this point you could possibly look to upsize or downsize into a newer home. Some landlords perhaps look to sell their portfolio or sell a home to the tenant.

We find, however, that a more popular option is for homeowners to remortgage their home instead.

What is a Remortgage?

First of all, let’s look at what defines a remortgage in Leicester. In short, a remortgage is where you use funds raised from a new mortgage, to pay off a mortgage you already have. There are a lot of different ways this can be done, each with their own benefits.

Making use of the over 20 years of knowledge that the “Moneyman” Malcolm Davidson (host of our YouTube channel MoneymanTV) has, we have put together a useful guide to all of the options that may be available to you when the time comes to remortgage.

Remortgage For Better Interest Rates

Your initial fixed period will typically last somewhere within the realm of 2-5 years and will generally have lower fixed rates or potential discounted rates. Depending on your case, you may even be placed on a tracker mortgage, which will follow along with the Bank of England’s base rate.

Once that initial fixed term ends, it is likely that you will be placed onto the lenders Standard Variable Rate (often shortened to SVR). Basically, an SVR is a mortgage with a potentially fluctuating interest rate that is dependant on what the lender themselves chooses to charge.

Whilst this does not follow the Bank of England’s base rate in the same way a tracker mortgage does, these fluctuations have been known to come about as and when there are any changes to the base rate or the market. For example, if the base rate increases, your lender may push their rate even higher.

Because of this, Standard Variable Rates tend to be pretty expensive options to take, which is why a lot of homeowners would much rather remortgage for better rates. The hope is that in doing so, you’ll be saving yourself some money on a monthly basis.

Remortgage For Home Improvements

Once you have gotten a few years into occupying your home, you may be looking for a change. Rather than move home to accommodate these changes, lots of homeowners instead look to remortgage to release equity, to cover the costs of these.

There’s lots of popular changes we hear of customers looking to achieve. Perhaps you’re in need of more space for your family or possessions. Maybe you’ve been looking to refurbish the kitchen. Some may look to convert their loft into a bedroom or a spare room into an office.

Though the idea of obtaining planning permission and managing your own project can seem intimidating, many who have done so would argue it’s a lot less stressful and a lot more rewarding than finding a new home altogether.

This may work out a lot better for the future too, as creating additional space and having good quality craftsmanship is something that is likely to increase the worth of your home. If you were to ever sell your home and move elsewhere, this would be very useful.

Remortgage for Changes to Your Term

Depending on your case, you may simply wish to remortgage in Leicester in order to access a better term. This can either be done by reducing the length of your mortgage term or by switching to a more flexible mortgage product.

Reducing the length of your term will mean that you aren’t paying back or restricted for as long, but it will most likely mean higher monthly mortgage payments for you. The longer your term is, the lower your monthly mortgage payments should be.

Some will choose for a more flexible mortgage term when the time comes to remortgage. Doing so may allow you to overpay, meaning you could pay your mortgage off quicker, as well as possibly having the option to carry the same mortgage and rates over to a different home, should you ever wish to move home.

Though this may sound like the ideal path to take, they are generally tracker mortgages, which as we touched upon before, will follow the Bank of England base rate. This makes your monthly payments a little unreliable, as depending on base rate changes, they could fluctuate in cost.

Remortgage to Release Equity

Unless a serious market crash were to occur, every homeowner will have some amount of equity in their property. Your amount is worked out as the difference between property value and your mortgage balance.

As mentioned before, people will generally remortgage to release equity as a means of funding home improvements, though there are other options for this also.

Some will use their released equity to cover long-term care costs, whereas others may use it as a boost to their income. Other popular options include to pay for a large holiday, to pay off an interest-only mortgage that is in your name or to free up some spending money.

Occasionally, we find that Buy-to-Let landlords will remortgage to release equity from a property in their portfolio, as a means of covering the deposit for a future property purchase.

Equity Release in Leicester is a possibility for those who are aged 55+ and own a home that is valued at least £70,000. Explore your options by getting in touch with an expert later life mortgage advisor who can provide further information and assist you through your process.

Remortgage to Consolidate Debt

Another reason why a homeowner may remortgage to release equity, is to pay off any unsecured debts that you may have unfortunately built up over time.

Though it seems straightforward in concept, gaining access to a debt consolidation remortgage not only bases the amount you are looking to borrow on how much you owe a creditor and what your property is worth, but also your credit rating. This means that you could have a limited borrowing capacity.

On top of this, in order to fully pay off your previous mortgage and the debts you have gathered, you will have to borrow more than the mortgage amount. This means you will most likely have higher mortgage payments per month.

Though this is not at all an ideal situation, you’ll at least find solace in knowing that should your financial state take a turn for the worse, there are options for you to explore.

If your credit rating ends up particularly damaged, it’s not completely the end of the road, though it will likely be very difficult and require specialist remortgage advice in Leicester before you are able to proceed. Even in taking that step, a mortgage is not guaranteed.

Homeowners should always take out specialist mortgage advice before beginning the process of consolidating and securing debts against their home.

Book Your Free Remortgage Review with a Mortgage Advisor in Leicester

If you are nearing the end of your primary fixed period and are considering your options for a remortgage in Leicester, we would love to speak with you. Book your free remortgage review with a trusted mortgage advisor in Leicester today. We have time slots available all throughout the week, from early until late.

One of our dedicated mortgage advisors will be able to discuss your case and any future plans you have, in order to create the most appropriate next steps for you to take on your mortgage journey. We aim to make sure that this process is quicker and smoother than when you first took out a mortgage!

The Pros and Cons of Using a Mortgage Broker in Leicester

As could likely be predicted, we personally feel like there are some really great reasons why you should use a mortgage broker in Leicester. This isn’t born out of bias, however, as we understand there are pros and cons to both, no matter if you’re a first time buyer in Leicester, looking to remortgage in Leicester, or have another situation.

Regardless of if you’re going via a branch or online, you are still able to go direct to the mortgage lender yourself. Below are all the pros and cons to either of your options.

Pros & Cons

When thinking about going direct to a bank or building society, the first thing that springs to mind is that you won’t be required to pay a broker fee, which in turn would possibly save you money. In the past, another positive that people thought of was “the bank manager knows my finances inside out”, though after credit scoring systems were introduced, this no longer became a factor.

On top of this, some mortgage lenders will have exclusive mortgage products on offer, that can only be obtained by going direct. They offer these as a way of attracting a good spread of business from their consumers and other brokers, turning exclusive products on and off whenever they believe it to be necessary. On the other side of the coin, some products may only be accessible by going to the broker and not by going direct to the lender.

From 2014 onwards, lenders were restricted from selling their mortgages on a non-advised basis to any customers of their services (those with bank accounts, for example). Up until that point, some applicants felt like members of staff who were not qualified for giving advice, were pushing their services on them.

They also felt like they weren’t able to benefit from some of the consumer protection that would normally come with mortgage sales performed by professionally trained mortgage advisors in Leicester.

The changes took a long while for lenders to come to terms with and towards the back end of 2014, it was not uncommon for customers to have to wait a long time to get a mortgage appointment. This is unfortunately still the case today sometimes. When you have had an offer accepted on a house, this is the last thing you need or want!

Because of the issues present with going direct, much like the wait for an appointment, more and more applications were made with mortgage brokers who could freely offer a same day service, something we are able to do ourselves. When you get in touch with us, we get you booked in with a mortgage advisor in Leicester as quick as we can, either on the same day or at your earliest convenience.

Affordability is an important factor too, as the quality of a lenders deal won’t matter if you have no way of affording it. Buying a house is such a large step in people’s lives, that they often would rather get professional and personal advice from a qualified and experienced mortgage advisor in Leicester.

Handling Difficult Cases

Nowadays we find that a lot of mortgage applications aren’t as simple anymore. For whatever reason it may be, there are so many things that can make a case more complicated. Some examples of these are:

• Mixed source of deposit (savings/gift)
• Poor credit history
• Let to Buy (keeping your current house and buying another)
• Affordability
• Contract workers/zero hours contracts
• Self-Employed Income

In the past, mortgage lenders were able to stand head and shoulders above the competition by simply offering a deal that was similar to one offered by another lender, but with slight differences to make it more appealing. Fast forwarding to where we are now and it is all so much more different, with lending criteria being the difference maker between deals and lenders.

An example of this, is that some lenders may lend more than other lenders might have to Self Employed applicants. Some also take a more sympathetic view on previous discrepancies that are showing on your credit report.

Your situation will be unique to you. It may be similar, but it will never be the same as another case. When you explain your position to an experienced mortgage broker, it is highly likely that there will at least be at least something similar that we have encountered before, allowing for a more personalised service. Hopefully, our hard working mortgage advisors will be able to get you a favourable deal with good interest rates.

It’s more than just getting a mortgage though. Even if the application itself is fairly easy, our customers who are first time buyers in Leicester rely on our experience and knowledge for more insight into the mortgage process.

For example, we are able to sit and discuss how much they are going to offer on the property they are buying. From there, our team of mortgage advisors in Leicester can recommend our customers other necessary professional services such as solicitors, whilst also explaining the different types of property survey and protection that is available to them.

Responsive Service

One of the main pros of using a mortgage broker in Leicester, we believe, is that we are a lot more responsive than the mortgage lenders have been known to be. Our team work from early until late, all throughout the week (including out of hours), dedicated to our customers and ensuring the process is as speedy and stress-free as it can be.

Something that does get overlooked from time to time when looking at why customers may prefer to use a broker, is that everyone nowadays everyone has such a busy schedule. You might need a mortgage but don’t have the required time to sort it out. In these cases, your mortgage advisor can take the weight off your shoulders and work through it for you.

Professional applicants especially will see the benefits of this service, as they have clients of their own that they charge out their services to and often don’t have the time to work through it themselves. The customers we deal with regularly appreciate the benefits of having an expert on their side.

Perhaps in the future we’ll see lenders wanting to limit their links to brokers and wanting to take their business back. If this does happen, we don’t see it being likely that they will hire more staff in their branch networks. The future of all industry seems to be based around technology and the mortgage market may very well be heading this way too.

That may work for customers who are more than happy to do business with a “robo-advisor”, especially for cases that are easy and don’t require a thorough analysis. For the majority of people, however, there’s an element of “realness”, that “human touch” that can’t be obtained by going this route, and can only be found by speaking to a real mortgage advisor in Leicester.

To find out more information on our service or to present any mortgage queries that you have, please Contact Us and we’ll book you in for an appointment with a mortgage advisor in Leicester as soon as we can.

Buying a New House in Leicester

Mortgage Advice in Leicester

Obtaining a home as a first time buyer in Leicester will be one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. It’s best to take your time when buying a home, as you need to be sure that the property you are looking at ticks all the boxes for you. Therefore, you must ask important questions that will help you make a decision.

If you are unsure of what to ask the seller, have a look at our shortlist of questions you could ask:

1. How much interest has been shown in the house?

In many cases, a new home that has been recently added to the property market can spark a lot more interest and become high in demand. Therefore, it’s best to act quickly to secure the plot. To have an insight into the amount of attraction there has been towards the house, you could ask the seller how many people have already viewed the property to see the amount of ‘competitors’ you may have.

2. Is there a chain?

A property chain is when you are waiting on the occupant that is in the property you are buying off to move out to their new property which they have to wait for. When it comes to a chain, it can mean that it will take longer to move due to the property already being occupied, however, if there isn’t a chain, this could mean you will be able to move in quicker.

From a seller’s point of view, a first time buyer in Leicester or someone who is not in a chain could be seen as more desirable as this could lead to a quicker sale. From a buyers point of view, these points can be a huge advantage and something to mention during your ‘negotiations’. 

3. Is there anything extra included in the sale?

In some cases, new homes can come with ‘extras’ that could persuade you to buy the house. Sometimes this is intentional and other times, the seller may simply wish to leave their older furniture behind. If you’re looking at buying an older home, you may find that there are unwanted items included, such as outdated furniture or well-used appliances.

It’s wise to check just to clarify, are things like cookers, fridges, and carpets, for example, could be included in the sale (or offered at an additional price). Make sure you clear as you may be left with unwanted items that you then need to remove and dispose of.

4. What are your new neighbours like?

Your experience with neighbours can make or break owning your own home. You risk losing enjoyment if you are stressed all the time with the people next door. Gaining an understanding of the neighbours can give you a good indication of what living there will be like, saving you that stress down the line.

5. What is the local area like?

Your personal criteria for the local area when hunting for a home, could be that you need a shop nearby or somewhere that’s only a short commute to work

Asking what the local area is like could mean you wanting to know about any leisure spots nearby e.g bars, gyms and restaurants or wanting to know what are the schools like if you are thinking of having a family in the future.

It’s best to do your research about the local area before committing yourself to any purchase. As people’s opinions are subjective so it’s best to make your own judgement.

6. Are there any running costs?

Associated costs such as heating, council tax, water (newer homes tend to have a water meter) are something to ask as it is part of running a home that you need to know. Many people are more aware of the running costs involved in owning a home or if not, you could ask a family member or friend.

7. What is the garden like?

Even though the British weather isn’t always sunny, some people still like spending time in the garden. Therefore, you may want to ask if the garden gets as much natural light and whether it’s south-facing etc.

8. Will any home improvements be needed?

When you move into your new home, you will often find that you will want to decorate it to your tastes. Home improvements can be essential to some older properties due to many needing ‘fixes’ or repairs. You may want to make improvements on the property such as insulation, efficiency, or garden work.

9. Are there any remedial fixes?

Buying an older property can come with repairs on some items. The seller can fix these issues if you have requested it to happen before the sale goes through or, in some cases, the seller may reduce the price. There can be some minor repairs if you are looking at a new build because of settlement or simple faults you identify after you moved in.

To make you aware of the remedial fixes that would be needed on a property, you may want to look into the different types of property surveys. Our mortgage advisors in Leicester can help recommend the most suitable survey for your property. Generally speaking if it’s a new build property, you will only need a basic valuation as you would hope with the property being new, that it is structurally sound. Whereas, if you are purchasing an older property, you may want to look into a home buyer’s report or full structural survey which should outline any defects with the property such as damp, subsidence etc.

When you are buying a new home whether it’s a new build or older property, make sure you ask the questions you need to know about the house. Asking the right questions, may be the difference between you buying the property or not.  

The Different Types of Mortgages Explained in Leicester

The different types of Mortgages in Leicester we provide

When you start your mortgage process in Leicester, you will come to realise that there are lots of different options available to budding homeowners and existing homeowners alike.

Whether you’re a First-Time Buyer looking for your first home, are Home Movers looking for your next home or are looking to Remortgage in Leicester, there are many different routes you could take.

This article will cover a list, alongside related videos, of the most popular types of mortgages available on the market to customers. If you have any further questions mortgage-related, then please do not hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our dedicated Mortgage Advisors in Leicester.

What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage means that your mortgage payments will remain as they have been for a set period. You can set the length of the fixed term yourself, with common options typically being 2, 3, or 5 years or longer.

No matter what happens to inflation, interest rates, or the economy, you can rest assured that your mortgage payment, usually your biggest outgoing, will not change at any point during your term.

What is a Tracker Mortgage?

A tracker mortgage means that your interest rate will follow on with the Bank of England’s base rate. This means that the lender that you are with does not set the rate themselves.

You will be paying a percentage above the base rate of the Bank of England. To provide an example of this; if the base rate is 1% and you are tracking at 1% above base rate, that means you will be paying a scale of 2%.

What is a Repayment Mortgage?

When you take out a repayment mortgage, you are paying capital and interest together. So as long as you keep your payments going for the full length of the mortgage term, the mortgage balance is guaranteed to be paid off at the end, with the property becoming yours.

It is the most risk-free way for your capital to be paid back to the lender, in the early years it is mainly the interest that you are paying, and your balance will go down at a slower rate, especially if you have taken out a 25, 30, or 35-year term.

This situation will switch up in the last ten years or so of your mortgage, where your payments are paying off more capital than interest, and the balance will come down at a much quicker rate.

What is an Interest Only Mortgage?

While many Buy to Lets in Leicester get set up on an interest-only basis, it is much more challenging to get a residential property on that same basis.

It is a lot less likely for lenders to offer an interest-only product nowadays. However, there are certain circumstances where this may be a viable option.

These include downsizing when you get older or having other potential investments that you will use to pay back the capital. Lenders are being a lot more stricter when it comes to offering these products now, and the loan to values are a lot lower than they once were.

What is an Offset Mortgage?

With an offset mortgage, the lender will set you up a savings account alongside the mortgage account you have with them.

This works in a way where, let’s say you have a mortgage balance of £100,000 and £20,000 gets deposited into your savings account, you would only pay interest on the difference, so in this case it would be £80,000. It can be a very efficient way of managing your money, especially if you pay higher rates of tax.

Should I overpay my mortgage in Leicester

Mortgage Broker in Leicester

You could be a First-Time Buyer in Leicester looking to get onto the property ladder, a Home Mover in Manchester or a homeowner at the end of your term, looking to Remortgage for Home Improvements. In any of these cases, overpaying, even by a small amount, can be incredibly useful when it comes to the amount on the interest you pay back over your mortgage term. The earlier you begin to overpay on your mortgage, the better the effects it will have.

Some homeowners prefer not to do this, some cannot afford to. Quite often though, it will come down to life just getting in the way. Regardless of the circumstances, overpaying is definitely a good habit to get into when you take out a mortgage, but in reality, there’s always something else we’d rather buy, as opposed to making an extra payment on our monthly mortgage.

Put the Plan into Action | Mortgage Advice in Leicester

Part of the dilemma here is remembering to make those extra payments. It’s unlikely to cross your mind too often, except perhaps when your mortgage only has a few years left to run.

So, if you can see something of yourself in the above and would like to be making those extra payments so that, perhaps you can retire a year or two early, then what should you do?

It’s highly recommended setting up a standing order payable to your lender each month. Set up the standing order to go out on the same day as your regular mortgage payment. E.g. your mortgage payment is, say £500pm and is collected on the 1st of the month. You can afford to pay an extra £75pm, so set up a standing order for £75pm to go out of your bank also on the 1st

The reason for the above is that very quickly you will start to “feel” that your mortgage is £575pm and you will get used to that within a matter of months.

You are Still in Control |Mortgage Advisor in Leicester

The big advantage of setting up a standing order to a direct debit, is you (the payer) are completely in control, unlike a direct debit where this is the receiver.

Therefore, if you find yourself a little tight with money for one month. You can easily log in to your online banking and pause the standing order so that it would cancel any future payments from going out until reactivated.

Up until the point of stopping the payments, at least you have benefited from the additional payments made until that point, and as mentioned above, this does not stop you from reactivating your standing order in the future when you are more financially comfortable.

Some mortgages will even let you make reduced payments or take a Mortgage Payment Holiday in Leicester if you have been overpaying for a while. Before choosing a payment break though it’s essential to check with your lender that you are eligible to do so to avoid a bad mark on your credit report.

Whether a First-Time Buyer or going for a Remortgage in Leicester, overpaying your mortgage is a great habit to get into. You don’t need to go hell for leather at it unless you feel so obliged but even shaving a year or two off will be very welcome when you near the end of the term.

Remortgage Advice in Leicester

Reason To Seek Remortgage Advice in Leicester

Is your current mortgage deal approaching its end? Are you in need to borrow some extra money? If so, then it could be the appropriate time for you to Remortgage.

Many people, due to unfavourable economic situations, can find themselves in hot waters when it comes to making mortgage payments. If you are in the situation, you should ideally speak to your current lender and see if they have better alternatives to offer you. Remortgaging is perhaps one solution to the problem. However, the remortgaging process can sometimes be complicated and require Mortgage Advice in Leicester.

We frequently observe that customers leave searching for a new deal too late and end up falling straight to their existing lender’s standard variable rate. This is why you should always be aware of when your current deal is about to expire. Unquestionably, a lender’s rate will be a lot higher than your current rate thereby increasing your monthly payments by a significant number. So remember, there is nothing bad to think ahead and speak to Remortgage Advisor in Leicester.

Should I look elsewhere for a remortgage or stay with my lender? 

It is always the best approach to look around for other deals first before committing to an existing lender. Sticking with your existing lender may speed up the process, as you have an established relationship and they have your details on file, but there could be better deals with lower rates out there. So, go straight to the same lender just because you think it’s easier. Lenders never reward loyalty, they could offer better deals and rates to their new customers than to customers who have been with them for the past five years. 

On the contrary, many people look for online options where they can apply for remortgage online without speaking to an advisor or lender. Such a scenario is called an execution-only mortgage. Yes it can be easy to perform everything online, however, the consumer protection that an individual would have gotten by seeking advice will be no longer available. 

Lenders love their customers doing everything online as applicants often end up messing things up and picking out the wrong product, which can result in the borrower being on a higher rate than what they could’ve been on had they taken Remortgage Advice in Leicester earlier.

Remortgage Advice in Leicester for home improvements

Do you feel like your home is due to some upgrades and improvements? Home improvements or minor house upgrades are great ways to freshen up your home and increase your home value. 

Did you know that you could remortgage for home improvements? It can be a significant investment, as improvements such as extensions or loft conversions can add significant value to your property. People who are not even looking to increase their property value, because they have found their “dream home”, will also borrow for a home makeover. This could either be cosmetic alterations or some structural work. 

If you need to borrow a significant amount of money, your lender will reserve the right to ask you for estimates of the work you intend to carry out. You do not necessarily have to use the contractor that provided the estimate to do the actual work. 

Capital Raising Remortgage Advice in Leicester 

For any legal reason, you can raise capital on your property when you remortgage. This case is specific for large consumer purchases, gifts to help out family members, purchase a Buy to Let property, or for debt consolidation. 

Remember that you will be paying interest on a remortgage for an extensive period after you take one out so you need to ensure that you are borrowing for the right reasons and that you will be able to meet monthly payments during the whole mortgage term. 

Debt Consolidation Remortgage Advice in Leicester 

Most people associate remortgaging with securing a better interest rate for their monthly repayments or releasing funds for home improvements, but it is also possible to remortgage to consolidate debt. 

Adding unsecured debt to your mortgage may result in paying higher interest overall. It is because a mortgage term is usually much longer than the duration of a personal loan (this isn’t always the case). 

You will need to realise that you are acquiring an unsecured debt and securing your home. This will not fit in easily with everyone as you are lying under the risk of repossession if you failed to afford your mortgage payments down the line. 

You will need to notice that if you have 0% credit cards, the interest rates that apply to the debts that you are considering rolling onto your mortgage will start attracting interest ultimately. 

It’s important to know that you need to speak to a qualified mortgage advisor prior to securing any debts against your home.

Remortgage options

Before deciding to consolidate debts, you should consider all of your options beforehand. The best way to go about it is to seek Remortgage Advice in Leicester from a remortgage advisor. They will evaluate all of your options and then recommend you with the best route to go down. They might even recommend that you do not take a debt consolidation remortgage; it is the option that will benefit you the most. 

Often, when you consolidate debts into your mortgage it would lead to a reduction in your monthly outgoings. This would ultimately result in many customers reducing their payments by hundreds of pounds. 

Be vigilant enough to evaluate if this is the right option for you and then decide to speak to a Remortgage Advisor in Leicester today.  We are all up to assist you with all of your remortgage needs. 

Mortgage Payment Holidays | Mortgage Advice in Leicester

Mortgage Payment Holiday Advice in Leicester

At the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government promised that all borrowers would be allowed a three-month mortgage payment holiday if they needed it. Most lenders followed the Government’s guidelines and did their best to help out their borrowers during these hard few months. 

We feel that it is best, to sum up, what mortgage payment holidays are, what lenders are doing, and who can deliver you with help and advice through these next few months. 

What is a Mortgage Payment Holiday?

Mortgage payment holidays are an agreement entered into with your bank, building society or mortgage lender to defer your monthly mortgage payments for a set period. In this case, 3-months.

It does not mean you never have to pay the amount back, but the interest you defer gets added back onto the loan amount, while your capital balance will not decrease. In other words, your mortgage amount will increase slightly, and you will continue to attract interest on the whole amount.

When you are ready to continue the payments, this could mean that either your monthly payments recalculated at a slightly higher level or your mortgage term increases to some extent.

Most lenders will probably prefer not to extend your mortgage term as this could take you past their standard retirement ages, but the detail on this will follow in due course.

Dependent on your mortgage deal, you may be able to pay off a lump sum later in the year to bring your mortgage back to where it would have been.

Mortgage Payment Holidays are available both for those with residential or Buy-to-let Mortgages in Leicester, which means landlords also have assistance if rental payments are affected.

What is the Government Proposal?

The full proposal is in detail below:

• Mortgage lenders will offer an automatic 3-month mortgage payment holiday for customers impacted, directly or indirectly, by COVID-19.
• The mortgage payment holiday will apply to customers who are up to date on their payments, not in arrears, and wanting to self-certify that COVID-19 impacts them.
• Meaning that lenders will not complete an income and expenditure assessment, or evaluation of alternate payment options as ordinarily required under MCOB.
• This proposal will allow lenders to be more responsive to customer needs and offer forbearance in a simple way to customers in an environment where COVID-19 also impacts the operation of collections teams made.
• Customers will be made aware that interest will accrue in the holiday period, and they will need to make up deferred payments in the future.
• Customers who wish to undertake a full assessment of their ability to pay or financial difficulty may still do so.

How do I apply?

We would recommend speaking to your Mortgage Advisor in Leicester. They will asses your financial situation first before looking to defer your payments as your situation may not yet be pressing.

Approaching a Mortgage Broker in Leicester like us will allow you to explore all of your current mortgage options and could make things feel a lot less stressful.

For a customer, up to date with payments, not in arrears, and impacted by COVID-19:

What does this mean for my Credit Score?

In some cases, a mortgage payment holiday can harm your credit score, but most lenders have now said that for matters linked to the virus, they will ensure that this is not the case.

You must ask this question to your lender directly and record the response, including the date and the name of the person you are speaking to avoid confusion later. Different lenders are doing different things.

Will I still be able to Remortgage or take a Product Transfer with my lender?

At first, everything seemed like it would remain the same, and you would still be able to make changes to your mortgages as usual. Leading to a change over in the last couple of days, and lenders have been asking borrowers to avoid making changes while you are within a mortgage holiday period. So, at the moment, they are not allowing mortgages and product transfers.

Borrowers nearing the end of their existing product could get compelled to move on to the higher lenders variable rate, which means that borrowers who act too early could find themselves on a mortgage payment holiday that accrues interest on a costly variable rate.

We would highly recommend speaking to your Mortgage Advisor in Leicester, and they will determine the best course of action based on your personal and financial situation. If possible, arranging your mortgage transfer first then asking for the holiday would seem to be the most sensible way forward.

My Mortgage got Offered Will my Lender Withdraw the Offer?

At the moment, no Lenders have withdrawn mortgage offers; in fact, some are extending offers past the standard six-month expiration date. 

Should I Pull out of my Purchase?

You should not pull out of your purchase unless, for example, you are worried about losing your job as a result of Coronavirus. We are advising everyone to proceed as usual for now and “wait and see” – you are not committed to completing your purchase until contracts get exchanged.

What “Other Options” are available?

In some cases, lenders can offer you a temporary switch to interest-only to reduce your monthly payments but not to add any further to the loan amount by still servicing the interest payments each month.

It may not be necessary to convert all your mortgage to interest only, and it may be that putting part of the mortgage on this basis could give you the breathing space you need.

People with savings may find that remortgaging onto an offset basis could give them a helping boost they were looking for, and they will be cutting down on their monthly payments while keeping hold of their savings.

For example, someone with a £400,000 loan and £100,000 in savings would only pay interest on £300,000. Meaning their monthly mortgage payments will massively be reduced.

For others, a straight remortgage to another lender, calculating the cost of any early repayment charges, may well be enough to ease the burden or simply extending the term of your mortgage.

If you still have any other questions on mortgage payment holidays or just want general Mortgage Advice in Leicester, give us a call today. We want to help you and your mortgage journey through these tough few months ahead. Speak to an experienced Mortgage Advisor in Leicester today.