Are you wondering how to buy a house before selling yours?

Ideally, a homeowner would choose to sell a property within the same property transaction chain as when purchasing, however in reality this ideal is not always possible.

There are many scenarios that may occur that prevent the sale of the property from taking place before the subsequent purchase and therefore short-term finance may be required.

Short-term finance methods such as bridging loans can provide a solution to secure the purchase of a property before a currently owned property has been sold.

This may be urgently required in situations such as a buyer pulling out of a chain or a slow property market resulting in the owned property not being sold when needed.

In this guide, we will explore bridging loans in more detail including how the finance option works and at what point are the borrowed monies repaid.

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What is a Bridging Loan?

A bridging loan is a method of short term secured finance that can fund a property purchase whilst the sale of other assets is still in progress.

A bridging loan can enable a property transaction to take place without delay by applying owned equity within a current property as a deposit towards another property.

The result of which is that the mortgage holder owns multiple properties while further transactions are proceeding.

Bridging loans can be arranged at short notice and promptly, therefore should a reviewed homebuyer need to move fast, they can be the perfect solution comments Homebuyers4u.

Typically, the loan is offered for up to twelve months, although other durations may be possible depending on the circumstances.

Like many other financial products, there are considerations to be aware of such as often, bridging loans are subject to arrangement fees and exit fees. Interest is also applicable and is usually charged monthly.

Commonly there is the option available to defer the repayment of interest until the end of the term. Should this option be selected, the interest would be payable at the end of the bridging loan term. Along with the principal amount, providing cost savings during the loan term compared to other financial products such as a standard mortgage, where this option is not usually available.

It should be noted that if the interest repayment is postponed, the total loan must include the total interest total due over the period.

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Common Reasons for Using a Bridging Loan

Example 1 – Downsizing with the use of a Bridging Loan

Homeowners often seek to downsize their property with the objective of reducing or paying off the current mortgage, decreasing household bills or maintenance requirements however sometimes a downsize requirement can also be the result of a change in personal circumstances such as divorce or ill health.

The use of a bridging loan can enable the purchase of a smaller property before the current, larger property is sold, which can be useful in many scenarios when time is of the essence for the new purchase however, the currently owned property isn’t ready for sale yet.

Example 2 – Purchase of a Retirement Property

This example of purchasing a retirement property could face similar challenges to the downsizing example above. There may not be delays due to purchasing a retirement property as often there is ample supply however, additional time may be needed before the sale of property owned due to sorting possessions or undertaking renovations.

Example 3 – Buying Property Quickly such as at Auction or Due to a Relocation

Sometimes a property purchase needs to be undertaken rapidly either due to a change in personal circumstances such as a property relocation or due to the nature of the method of purchase such as at an auction. A bridging loan can be an ideal solution to finance a relocation move whilst the original property is put on the market, whereas purchasing property via an auction requires completion within 28 calendar days and therefore access to funds promptly is required.

Example 4 – Purchasing a Property Which Would Not Obtain a Standard Mortgage

Another use for a bridging loan could be to purchase property that would not typically meet the criteria of standard mortgage such as properties without functional kitchens and bathrooms or properties with structural concerns. The bridging loan could be used to purchase the property and undertake the necessary renovations to make the property habitable, at which stage a standard mortgage application could be submitted.

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When would a Bridging Loan be Repaid?

When a request is made for a bridging loan, the repayment strategy must be specified within the application, clearly detailing a plan of how the loan will be repaid at the end of the term.

Often, in a simple transaction where a bridging loan is used to purchase property while the sale is of other assets are still progressing, the repayment strategy is straightforward as the proceeds of the sale will pay off the additional borrowing. If the reason for the bridging loan is more complex, a more detailed repayment plan would be required, however, in any circumstance our brilliant team of experts can assist.

How to Access Bridging Loans

Bridging Loans can be obtained via specialised finance brokers who have access to the financial market and can therefore provide knowledge, guidance and quotes on a wide range of financial products. Brokers can also find the most favourable interest rates and borrowing terms for the homeowner’s circumstances.

In addition to accessing a wider choice of financial products, brokers can also assist with the application process.

How to Buy a House Before Selling Yours Summary

There are many benefits to bridging loans including the flexibility and speed offered by this method of short-term finance. In addition, bridging loans can be applied against both residential and commercial property types, therefore providing a prompt funding solution for a variety of investment opportunities.

As with any financial transaction, there will be positives and negatives associated with the financing options available, and therefore it is highly recommended that independent financial advice is sought as early as possible, to review the circumstances of the situation as well as the financial products that may be able to assist.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

If you are dreaming of developing a property but are overwhelmed with obtaining finance to make this happen, you have come to the right place!

You may already be a property developer needing to change direction with a next investment, or a budding new developer.

Either way, we can help guide you through the process of securing finance for development projects of any size.

What is Property Development Finance?

Property development loans are short term financial products that can be utilised to build a new property or to develop existing properties.

Such loans are a secured type of lending and can be obtained for a range of different development projects including residential houses, commercial property or industrial buildings.

Property development finance is an attractive method of borrowing due to the flexibility offered to the applicant and can also be a cost-effective way of funding development projects.

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What is the Application Process of Development Finance Loans?

Due to the specialised nature of property development finance, the use of a broker is highly recommended to aid the application process. Brokers perform many services from assisting with the initial market research and comparing lenders to assisting with the application itself and liaising with the preferred lender throughout.

An application for property development finance requires gathering lots of information about:

  • The applicant themselves including their current financial circumstances.
  • Details of other assets to be used security.
  • Thorough details of the planned project.
  • A documented proposed exit strategy.

The lender would review an application in its entirety, sometimes requesting further information and undertake the usual credit checks. If successful, an agreement in principle can be issued.

At this stage, further investigations are undertaken including a site visit to ensure project viability and an independent valuation of the project is forecast. Should the findings of these investigations be sufficient, a formal loan offer and terms can be issued.

Any legal elements would be taken care of next, followed by the completion of the loan and the first drawdown payment.

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What are the Advantages of Development Finance?

One of the main benefits of property development finance is that this type of borrowing can enable access to a higher level of finance than traditional borrowing methods.

Typically, should the borrowing be required for the initial purchase of the site or plot, the amount that can be borrowed at this stage is typically between 50%-60% of the purchase price of the property.

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In addition, developers can usually also borrow up to 100% of the build costs, providing that the total amount is within 60-70% of the gross development value. However, as with most lending, the actual figures offered to an applicant may vary depending on the personal circumstances and details of the project itself.

Another huge benefit of property development finance is the flexibility offered, such as drawing down finances as needed throughout the project as well as having fewer restrictions when it comes to settling the loan.

These elements also ensure that borrowing costs are kept to a minimum as interest is only charged when monies are drawn, and monies are not borrowed for longer than needed.

What are the costs involved with Development Finance?

There are various costs applicable to borrowing via property development finance, however, these will vary between lenders. Typically, this type of finance will be subject to;

  • Facility fees – Or otherwise known as arrangement fees are calculated as a percentage of the total value of the loan.
  • Interest – Interest can be charged monthly or annually, however in comparison with standard mortgages, the interest rates are higher due to the short-term nature of the financial product. Although, as already discussed, the flexible way that interest is charged is likely to be cost-effective compared to other methods of borrowing.
  • Exit fees – A fee payable on repayment of the loan is common. This fee can be calculated in different ways, either as a percentage of the value of the monies borrowed, or the total value of the project.
  • Broker fees – Broker fees will often vary between companies.

It is always best to check the terms of lending upon receiving an offer to compare such fees. Again, a specialised broker will be best placed to assist with the comparison of offers between lenders, ensuring that the most favourable terms are selected.

Other project costs to be aware of when investigating developing property

All development projects will incur other costs that will need to be factored into a business plan needed for the application process. These will include;

  • Valuation fees – As with most property transactions, a valuation will be required and there will be charges for this.
  • Legal fees – The cost of any legal advice throughout the project as well as charges to undertake the legal transaction of the property will need to be considered.
  • Monitoring fees – Due to the nature of development finance, lenders will usually need to monitor the progress of the project. All costs attributed to monitoring are to be paid by the borrower.
  • Transaction fees – Lenders will typically charge each time an instalment payment is paid to the developer throughout the project for both the administration and the banking fees.

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How is property development finance repaid?

Either at the end of the term of the loan or beforehand, if desired, the development loan would be repaid. Often repayment would involve one of the following;

  • Sale of the property – Upon completion of the sale, the property development loan would be settled in full.
  • Refinance – There would be a range of refinancing options available to be considered at the end of the initial finance duration period, depending on; the circumstances of the borrower, the plans with the development property and the timeframe of such plans. For example, the developer may choose to rent out the property at this stage, and therefore a landlord type of finance may be sought for a longer term of borrowing.

How much can you borrow with a bridging loan?

The exact amount you can borrow will depend on a variety of factors, one of the major considerations being the purpose of the loan.

For example, if you are borrowing against a residential property, it may be possible to borrow up to 80% of the property value. The lower the loan to value (LTV), the lower the interest rates, with some lenders offering interest rates at 50% LTV.

For non-residential properties, such as commercial properties and land, it may be possible to borrow up to 70% LTV.

This means that if the property is worth £100,000, the maximum you could borrow (including your existing mortgage) would be £70,000.

Choosing a Bridging Loan

Before researching the market to commence comparing various bridging loans, a few key facts will be required about the loan and properties that will be involved.

  • The ideal amount to be borrowed – Typically, lenders will offer bridging loans between £5,000 and £10 million.
  • The value of the owned property – The value of the currently owned property will impact how much that can be borrowed and the loan rates available.
  • The duration of time the loan is required – Best estimations are used to map out how long the additional funds are required for, for example, the timing of a housing purchase chain and the required legal process. As discussed above, the duration of the loan will define the type of loan needed.
  • The equity owned within the property – The level of equity and whether there is a mortgage currently on the property will affect how much additional funds can be borrowed.

Property Development Finance Summary

Property development finance can be a highly attractive form of short-term, cost effective borrowing due to the flexibility offered via the terms of the lending.

For most developments requiring finances of £25,000 and above, development finance may be the most suitable type of loan, however as with all large financial decisions through impartial financial advice should be obtained before committing.

In addition, as with all secured borrowing, the property and security deposits are at risk should repayments not be made.

The use of a specialised broker is highly recommended to ensure that the chosen financial product is the most competitive available and that all terms are fully understood.

Give us a call on 03330 90 60 30 or get in touch for advice that is personal to you and takes your credit history into account. That way you will know where you stand in the development finance market and we can guide you on your route to securing a suitable loan.

Construction or development loans are types of financial products to be used to build a new property or to develop existing properties.

As with any financial products, there are risks to the lender however these are amplified where first-time developers are concerned and therefore sometimes new developers can find it tricky to obtain finance to commence new projects.

Even experienced developers can sometimes face challenges when securing finances for projects depending on a range of factors linked to the project, personal circumstances or the market conditions.

What is a Construction Loan and what are the application criteria?

Construction or development loans are short term, secured lending products that have been created for the purpose of funding the development of the property. The type of property can include residential houses, commercial property or industrial buildings.

Should the borrowing be required for the initial purchase of the site or plot, the maximum amount that can be loaned is typically between 50%-60% of the purchase price of the property.

Sometimes lending of up to 100% of the build costs can also be applied for, providing that the total amount requested is within 60-70% of the gross development value.

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The application process for development finance will usually vary between lenders and requests are often analysed on a case by case basis. The lender would need to review the business plan of the development including the estimated costs including the stages at which the funding is required to be released.

The lender will also require information on the applicant’s personal circumstances, financial background and experience within the building and construction industry.

The lender would analyse all of the information provided within the application and undertake the usual background and credit checks as required when applying for any financial product.

The application process can involve ongoing requests for additional information throughout the analysis phase and therefore can become a lengthy, complex and time-consuming process. Developers often find using a financial broker beneficial as the broker can provide assistance with the application, which is sometimes known as loan packaging.

If an application is successful, an agreement in principle can be issued.

At this stage, further investigations are undertaken including a site visit to ensure project viability and an independent valuation of the project is forecast. Should the findings of these investigations be sufficient, a formal loan offer and terms can be issued.

The legal process would then take place for both parties, followed by the completion of the loan and the first drawdown payment.

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What is loan packaging?

As briefly mentioned, the assistance that an expert financial broker can provide during the application process of a construction loan is known as loan packaging. This process will include ensuring that the lender has sufficient information to make a decision on the borrowing request, which will often include a business plan and timeline of the proposed project summarising:

  • The purchase costs of the land plot and or current building.
  •  The detailed costs of the building work to be undertaken during the development project.
  • Detailing all of the additional costs that will be required throughout the project such as; finance costs including interest, exit fees and any broker or arrangement fees, the costs of insurance, costs of paying any utilities or council tax during the project plus any professional fees for advice or services.
  • Full disclosure of any possible legal issues that may arise during the project.
  • A thoroughly costed exit plan advising how the financing will be settled at the end of the term of loan. Often an exit strategy involves either the sale of the property or refinancing.

The process may require regular communication between the lender and applicant representative while the lenders undertake thorough due diligence of the applicant and project itself. Therefore, the use of a specialised broker to manage the progress and respond to queries directly is highly recommended.

How does a Construction Loan work once approved?

Following an offer from a lender, the finances will be released at set stages throughout the project. The duration of the stages will be agreed in advance and will depend on the type of project itself, however, they could be for example:

  • Stage 1 – Purchase of the land or existing property.
  • Stage 2 – The development stage, which would often be split down further into stages depending on the nature of the building project.
  • Stage 3 – Sale of the property and settlement of the construction loan.

The number of drawings from the total loan value would be agreed upfront and also have an agreed schedule to match the planned programme of works.

There will be some degree of flexibility of the duration of the stages, especially as even the best-made plans can easily go off the rails during the project due to external elements such as the weather or materials or labour resourcing issues.

However, the overall maximum duration of the loan will be set out within the application and lender’s offer.

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What are the Advantages of Construction loans?

The main benefit of a construction loan is that it allows borrowers to have access to larger sums of money than traditional borrowing methods.

The flexibility available with this type of finance is also a major benefit to developers, both with the ability to plan and fund the project in stages, but also to provide a method of keeping the costs of borrowing as low as possible. The costs are kept low due to the fact that interest is only charged when monies are drawn.

Construction Loans Summary

Construction finance is a short-term, cost-effective and flexible type of borrowing that is suitable for a range of development projects. Such financial products are rarely found on a typical high street and therefore are usually applied for and accessed via a specialised broker.

Specialised brokers have access to a wider market of financial products and varied specialist lenders and therefore can assist in obtaining the most competitive borrowing terms and interest rests.

As with all secured borrowing, the property and security deposits are at risk should repayments not be made and therefore any investment decisions should be fully considered before committing, along with the consequences should developments not go to plan.

Give us a call on 03330 90 60 30 or get in touch for advice that is personal to you and takes your credit history into account. That way you will know where you stand in the construction loans market and we can guide you on your route to securing a suitable loan.

You may have been researching a property to purchase for letting out, but the thought of undertaking some developments to convert the property into flats has been crossing your mind.

Or perhaps, you are seeking to convert a currently owned property into flats for the purpose of selling them on for a profit.

Either way, this article will guide you through the process of turning a house into flats, including the financing options and further considerations to be aware of.

Undertaking Market Research

As with any business decision, plenty of market research should be undertaken to establish who is the target audience of the product, in this case, the tenants or purchasers of the flats, as well as further research into the current market conditions.

The research should include taking time to understand the local area, including the current or planned local facilities such as university campus’ or transport links into cities or towns which are ideal for young professional commuters.

In addition to the local facilities, the area demographics should be reviewed, ensuring that there is evidence of typical flat tenants or owners.

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To establish a picture of the current market conditions recent local selling statistics could be reviewed including investigating the duration of time that properties are on the market before selling. In addition, it would be recommended to establish which type of properties are currently in demand.

Once all of the wider elements have been reviewed, thoughts can turn to the property itself, planning the conversion such as the layout of rooms and corridors, ensuring that health and safety can be met and also that the property facilities will suffice additional habitants.

It is essential that extensive market research is undertaken prior to committing to development, to ensure that the project is viable and is forecast to generate a profit.

Costs of Converting the Property

Often the costs of renovations will vary dramatically between one conversion project and another however as a very rough guide, if the current property is structurally sound with existing kitchen and bathroom facilities, typical costs of converting a house into flats could be between £15-£25k.

As mentioned, project costs will vary greatly depending on a wide range of factors including the condition of the property itself, plus external factors that can impact during a conversion.

When drafting a business plan for such a conversion project, the following elements should be considered and cost to establish a project’s estimated profit:

  • The cost and time duration of planning consent – Costs will include obtaining architectural drawings, any property surveys that may need to take place, submission costs of the planning application to the local council plus the cost of financing the project during the planning phase.
  • Building regulation approval – Similar to planning consent, there will be costs involved to meet and document that building standards have been met as well as the costs of submission.
  • Costs of fitting individual utility meters, boilers and heating systems– Each unit will require its own heating system and utility meter for each provision.
  • Costs of fitting out each individual unit with kitchen and bathroom facilities – Each flat will require such facilities to make the space habitable, however, the costs of such will vary depending on the quality chosen.
  • Cost of installing additional entrances and separating the building into flats – There will be costs applicable to rearranging the layout of the property, reconfiguring corridors, separating rooms and adding additional entrances for each of the individual flats. The layout will also need to consider fire safety regulations.
  • The Costs of re-decorating – There will also be costs of redecorating the property following the separating the space into units, such as plastering and painting.
  • The Costs of financing the development – In addition to the interest costs of borrowing money, there could be arrangement fees and exit fees depending on the type of finance opted for.

In addition to the costs listed above, there will likely be extra costs during the development phase such as paying the utilities for the property and council tax, unless exemptions are applicable.

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Also, depending on whether the flats are due to be let or sold, there will be additional costs involved. Selling costs will involve marketing costs and agent fees, whereas letting the properties will incur charges to undertake tenant checks and set up tenancy documents.

Should a letting agent be used to minimise the ongoing burden of administration, the letting agent fees should also be considered.

Obviously, all of the above expenses are to be reviewed and estimated for the project scale to create a thorough business plan to enable a property development project to be fully considered before committing to a project.

Sourcing Finance for Converting Property

Due to the nature of any conversion project, a simple residential mortgage would not be suitable and therefore specific finance for such projects must be sought.

Specialised development finance would be needed, which is a type of financial product that can enable both the purchase and development of the property. There are many different financial products available on the market which would be suitable for conversion products depending on a number of factors such as;

  • The personal circumstances of the applicant.
  • The plan for the property once developed such as retaining the property to let or selling. Such plans will also provide a guide of how long the borrowing is required for.
  • The scale of the project.

Various types of financial products will be available such as short-term refurbishment mortgages or bridging loans, or longer-term mortgages for specific requirements such as an HMO mortgage which would be sought should the property be retained to rent out to multiple occupants.

Although there may be some high street lenders offering suitable financing options, typically for more specialised finance and to obtain the most competitive rates it would be worth considering approaching an experienced financial broker.

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Converting a House to Flats Summary

There are many considerations to review when planning to convert a property into flats however our friendly, expert team can help guide you through the process and advise on the most suitable finance options along the way.

Why not book a personalised appointment with our amazing team, no matter which stage of the conversion process you are currently, to see if we can help in any way.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

Portfolio mortgages are a relatively new type of financial product designed to streamline landlord finances.

Multiple recent, and additional forthcoming tax legislation changes have resulted in reduced tax reliefs available for landlords to claim, and therefore many sole trader landlords are considering changing their business profile to a limited company and researching portfolio mortgages.

This guide will explore the purpose of portfolio mortgages as well as common application criteria and benefits of this type of finance.

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What is a Portfolio Mortgage?

Portfolio mortgages have been designed to simplify the finances for landlords by pooling all of their buy to let mortgages under one financial product.

Portfolio mortgages act as one single account managed by one lender and therefore have one monthly payment. The benefits enable simplified cash flow management, as all mortgage payments are consolidated, but also could reduce banking and transaction fees.

Most lenders will have their own definition of a property portfolio holder, however, generally, the term is associated with landlords that let out a minimum of four properties.

Portfolio mortgages are suitable for landlords that have registered as a limited company.

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What are typical Portfolio Mortgage rates?

As lenders take on more risk by mortgaging an increased number of properties, the mortgage interest rates tend to be higher than those offered by traditional methods. Also, lenders take the consideration that if a limited company owning a property portfolio goes bust, lenders often find it very difficult to recover the debts.

Although, saying that, as portfolio mortgages become more common, the interest rates offered will become more competitive.

Portfolio mortgage interest rates are calculated by reviewing the existing rates across the entire portfolio. For example, with a traditional buy to let mortgage, each property would have its own interest rate, but these would generally be averaged with a portfolio mortgage.

In addition to the minimum four properties within a portfolio, lenders will often require other criteria to be met such as requiring the portfolio to have a minimum of £500,000 worth of value. The rental income generated from the portfolio is usually required to be between 120% and 140% of the loan repayments also.

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Advantages of Portfolio Mortgages

As with any financial product, there are many considerations to take into account when reviewing if it is suitable for the requirements and if it is cost-effective.

There are a number of advantages that are associated with portfolio mortgages as follows:

  • Tax efficiency – The use of portfolio mortgages enables limited companies to manage their tax liabilities in the most efficient way by treating the entire portfolio as one, rather than paying tax calculated on net income. This enables landlords to retain funds within the portfolio for renovation purposes or for further property investments and subsequently pay a lower rate of corporation tax due to the accounting treatment of expenses.
  • Simplification of finances – As already mentioned, a portfolio mortgage incorporates all buy to let mortgages into one and therefore reduces the number of payments. Also, one lender is used and therefore communications become simplified and easier. Another benefit of having one streamlined mortgage for an entire portfolio rather than individual mortgages is that underperforming properties can be hidden within the pool, as long as they are offset by the rest of the properties. This can be helpful as often underperforming properties can ring alarm bells for lenders who in turn may monitor the landlord more carefully to assess their risk.
  • The utilisation of equity within the portfolio – As the finances of the portfolio are managed as a whole, the equity can be utilised to finance additional investment by further borrowing against the equity within the portfolio. This can enable the growth of the property portfolio with little or no cash deposits which helps the cashflow.

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Disadvantages of Portfolio Mortgages

The disadvantages would really depend on the individual circumstances of the landlord, and the current business set up. For example, if the landlord was not already registered as a limited company, this additional administration step would be required before an application for a portfolio mortgage which can take both time and money.

Meeting the portfolio mortgage criteria may be a hurdle for some landlords and therefore this would be a consideration when reviewing financing options. Also, if the portfolio finances are not in such good shape, having one mortgage payment a month may not ease the cashflow situations as individual mortgage repayments may currently be spread out across the month.

However, if mortgages are already in place funding the properties, there are not any additional risks to the landlord by moving to a streamlined structure such as a portfolio mortgage.

As with any mortgage product, the risk is on the property owners to make the repayments otherwise the properties associated are at risk of being repossessed by the lender. With a larger portfolio, obviously, these risks are greater, however, landlord insurance can be put in place to minimise the financial risks of unlet periods.

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Portfolio Mortgages Summary

As every landlord’s circumstances and the background will differ due to many factors such as the number of properties within its portfolio, how the portfolio is managed; either directly or by a management company or the equity level, landlords will require specialist advice on the best approach to managing their finances.

Also, as a portfolio mortgage is a relative niche financial product, a specialist mortgage broker would be required to review the individual circumstances mentioned above, and the market conditions in order to provide tailored advice.

It is always worth seeking independent financial advice during the review stage, for example before any current fixed-term mortgage rates expire before committing to any future financial decision.

Also as mentioned throughout this guide, the finance products are chosen, and the business structure can have tax implications and therefore any decisions should also be taken into account with tax and business planning considerations.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

Bridging loans can provide a solution to secure that perfect property quickly before there has been an opportunity to sell other property.

Throughout this article, we will explore bridging loans in more detail, including running through a few examples of how this type of loan can be used in various scenarios.

What is a Bridging Loan?

A bridging loan, also known as gap finance, is the financial term commonly used to describe a method of short term secured finance that funds a property purchase whilst the sale of other assets is still in progress.

A bridging loan enables the property transaction to take place, without delay by applying the equity owned within a current property as a deposit towards another property. The result is that the client owns multiple properties while further transactions are proceeding.

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What are the Differences Between a Bridging Loan and Standard Mortgage?

Duration

The short-term nature of a bridging loan, that provides the flexibility required in certain circumstances is the major difference between a standard mortgage. Most standard mortgages have a repayment duration of up to 35 years, whereas a bridging loan usually will typically have repayment terms of between 12 and 24 months.

Speed

Often a lender’s decision on a bridging loan application will be received within a few days, which is substantially quicker than the response from a standard mortgage application.

This speed in the approval process can provide flexibility and aid decision making for purchasers. One example of where the speed of approval can be crucial is when a property chain breaks down by a buyer pulling out. In this scenario, the ‘upward chain’ of the purchase could be salvaged by the use of a bridging loan.

Deferring interest

The repayment of interest can be delayed on bridging loans until the end of the loan period. If this option is selected, the interest would be payable at the end of the bridging loan term, along with the principal amount.

This option can provide significant cost savings during the term of the loan compared to a standard mortgage, where this option is not usually available. However, a consideration is that if the interest repayment is postponed, the total amount borrowed must include the interest total due.

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Loan to value rates

There is often higher loan to value lending available via a bridging loan compared with a standard mortgage. Typically, a bridging loan’s terms could offer a loan to value rate of up to 80%, offering increased flexibility with financing.

Exit strategy

With a standard mortgage, the principal value is paid off throughout the duration of the loan, however with a bridging loan an exit strategy is required to map out a plan to pay off the loan. Due to the short-term nature of a bridging loan, an exit strategy will need to be proposed during the application process, detailing a plan of how the loan will be repaid at the end of the loan.

Property type

High street lenders will not offer finance against properties with certain characteristics such as; properties without functional kitchens and bathrooms or properties with structural concerns, however, the criteria for bridging loans are often more flexible and therefore may be an option should the property type be an issue upon a standard mortgage application.

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Bridging Loan Examples: 

Example 1 – Buying a House with a Bridging Loan

It has become more commonplace within recent years for bridging loans to be used to fund the purchase of a house, due to the benefits of this type of finance, such as:

  • Speed – A bridging loan can usually be arranged promptly and therefore the property purchase can often complete quickly. The property chain can often treat purchasers using bridging loans as cash buyers and therefore can be favoured above other contenders that need to sell the property first, before proceeding.
    An example of where the speed of a transaction is crucial is at a property auction when an investor would require access to funds quickly to fund deposits so they do not miss out on the property lot. Other scenarios when the speed of a property transaction may be beneficial include; investment purchases or the funding of business ventures, tax bills or divorce settlements.
  • Flexibility – Bridging loans lenders are specialised and therefore often have different borrowing criteria to high street lenders. As such, potential borrowers with a less than perfect credit score, or those fluctuating incomes could be granted access to this type of loans, secured against the property value.
    Bridging loans can also be used to break a mortgage chain providing increased flexibility of the timing of further property purchases.
  • Variety -Bridging loans can be applied against both residential and commercial property types, including building plots without planning permission, therefore providing quick access to funding for a variety of investment opportunities.

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Example 2 – Downsizing with the use of a Bridging Loan

Within a downsizing scenario, the property owners may require a slower-paced property hunt, either to undertake renovations on the property that will be sold or to provide extra time to search for the perfect smaller property. Therefore, a bridging loan could finance the gap between the sale of the larger property, to fund the downsized purchase.

With a longer timeframe available, the market can be scoured for the best lending rates available.

Example 3 – Relocation

A property relocation may sometimes be needed for a variety of reasons such as a work opportunity or family commitments, however often timings can be challenging. In these circumstances, sometimes a new property is required to be purchased for the relocation purpose before currently owned property is sold. A bridging loan can be an ideal solution to finance the move whilst the original property is put on the market.

How much does a Bridging loan Cost?

The interest costs on bridging loans can seem fairly high, typically around 0.4% – 1.5% a month, however the duration of the loan must be considered to calculate the overall costs.

There are also additional charges to be taken into consideration such as arrangement fees, and sometimes exit fees applied by the lender. As with a standard mortgage, legal fees, valuation costs and bank transfer fees will also be payable.

Bridging Loan Examples Summary

As with any financial transaction, there will be pros and cons of the options available, and therefore it is recommended that advice is sought from an independent mortgage advisor to review the entire situation as well as the applicants’ personal circumstances.

Specialist brokers often have access to the entire financial market and can therefore provide a wide range of quotes from a wide variety of bridging lenders.

Give us a call on 03330 90 60 30 or get in touch for advice that is personal to you and takes your credit history into account. That way you will know where you stand in the development finance market and we can guide you on your route to securing a suitable loan.

Landlords are continuously faced with adjusting to changing legislation within the rental sector as well as tax legislation developments, meanwhile managing their own finances with the objective of making a profit from their property portfolio.

The type of mortgage used to fund property purchases is key to the profitability of a landlord’s business and therefore throughout this guide will explore the buy to sell mortgages.

What is a buy to sell Mortgage?

Buy to sell mortgages, sometimes known as bridging loans, are a short-term financial product to enable the purchase of a property, that you will sell before the end of the agreement.

One of the main benefits of opting for a buy to sell mortgage, is the flexibility offered, as with a standard mortgage an investor could be locked in for a specified duration as well as being liable for early settlement fees.

Therefore, this type of finance option is popular with investors seeking to make a profit from purchasing and selling on properties.

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Buy to sell mortgages are not usually available from traditional high street lenders, however, on the odd occasion that they do offer such financial products, the interest rates and fees may be higher than a standard mortgage.

Therefore, a specialised mortgage broker is often sought to access a wide range of deals available on the market and seek the most competitive rates.

However, like most financial decisions, the most suitable product will depend on an individual’s circumstances and plans for the property, including how long they intend on owning it before the sale.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Options available for buy to sell Mortgages

There are three common types of finance options under the umbrella term of a buy to sell mortgage. These are as follows:

Buy to sell short term loan

If the turnaround time of a property purchase and sale is expected to be very short term, under 12 months, for example, this quick process is often known as ‘property flipping’.

In this scenario, a bridging loan could be the finance solution to fund the purchase due to the short term nature of the financial product.

Bridging loans are a type of secured lending and therefore as part of the criteria for the mortgage, a procession of a high-value asset is required, which is ideal for landlords.

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Bridging loans typically will be offered at higher interest rates compared to standard mortgages; however, they can be beneficial for landlords as they can be used to purchases non-mortgage properties, and also won’t have early redemption penalties.

Another benefit of using a bridging loan is the speed of the transaction, often the application and payment processes are much quicker than standard mortgages, and therefore having the finance available promptly can be an advantage for the landlord.

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Refurbishment Finance

Should the property sought to require refurbishments, especially on a large scale meaning that the current condition is unhabitable, obtaining a mortgage could be challenging. Traditional lenders will not approve a mortgage on properties in certain conditions, such as without a functioning kitchen or bathroom, due to the risks involved and therefore other finance methods will be required.

A refurbishment mortgage may be the solution. It is a short-term type of mortgage that requires a strategy upon application to notify the lender of how the monies will be repaid.

Refurbishment mortgages come in two types; Light refurbishment finance suitable for projects that do not require planning permission or building regulation consent to undertake the planned improvement works, or heavy refurbishment finance that would finance larger projects, typically that cost more than 15% of the property value.

The duration of the loan will require on the type of refurbishment mortgage opted for, and the timeline of the refurbishment works, however the longer the finance is in place, the more it will cost due to interest.

Refurbishment mortgages are usually offered by specialist lenders who would assess the property value after the proposed renovations have been completed, and therefore a landlord or investor can benefit from borrowing more than with a standard mortgage as typically standard mortgages are assessed on current property values only.

Flexible mortgages

Flexible mortgages provide a landlord or investor with an option to save on early redemption fees, as often the timeline of property sales cannot be exactly planned.

An early redemption fee is charged on standard mortgages to penalise borrowers for ending a mortgage term early, whereas flexible mortgages have little or no early redemption fees so mortgage terms do not have to be considered when seeking to sell the property.

Flexible mortgages can be obtained for both residential and buy to let types of properties, however, they differ from refurbishment mortgages, as the property secured with the mortgage needs to be habitable.

Related reading: 

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Development mortgages

Should a property investor be researching developing a plot of land to then sell on, often there would two types of mortgage suitable; self-build mortgages or development finance.

Self-Build mortgages

Should the development plan conclude with the mortgage owner living within the built property, a self-build mortgage may be option depending on the financial circumstances.
Self-build mortgages are often limited to 70% loan to value rate of the build cost, and therefore the balancing 30% would need to be self-funded as a deposit.

The funds are released from the lender in stages throughout the build. The work completed at each stage is then assessed by a surveyor, feeding back to the lender. The number of stages required would be set at the beginning of the process, depending on the scope of the building project.

Should the plot of land need to be purchased initially also, land mortgages would be an option.

Related guides: 

Buy to Sell Mortgages Summary

As every landlord or investor’s circumstances and background will differ due to many factors such as the number of properties within their portfolio and the level of equity available for further borrowing. As well as the objective for further borrowing, these other circumstances will be taken into consideration by lenders.

As the options discussed throughout this article are specialist financial products, a specialised broker would be required to review the individual circumstances as mentioned above, and the market conditions in order to provide tailored advice as well as source the best option and rates available.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

Development loans, also known as bridging finance, are short term loans that can be utilised to build a new property or to develop existing properties, for a range of purposes including residential houses, commercial property or industrial buildings.

Development finance is a type of secured lending, typically available at values of £25,000 and above.

This type of financial product is available, depending on the circumstances of the applicant, even if they are a first-time developer, and the duration of development finance is often between 12 and 36 months.

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Usually, there are no early repayment charges applicable on development loans, and therefore this type of finance can be a flexible and cost-effective source of finance for developers or investors.

Should the finance be required for the initial purchase of the site or plot, the maximum amount that can be borrowed at this stage is usually between 50%-60% of the purchase price of the property.

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Development finance for purchasing the site would usually include criteria that the site was already subject to suitable planning permissions required for the development.

In addition, developers can sometimes borrow up to 100% of the build costs, providing that the total amount is within 60-70% of the gross development value.

The lender would usually review build cost borrowing on a case by case basis and provide any additional terms as required. Funds are available to the developer in stages and interest is usually only charged on the funds that are drawn.

What are the Advantages of Development Finance?

The main benefit of development finance is that enables borrowers to have access to much larger levels of money than traditional borrowing methods.

Also, this type of finance is available on a range of properties that traditional mortgages would not be, such as unhabitable buildings.

As previously mentioned, the flexibility available with development finance is a major benefit to investors, both with the ability to plan and fund the project in stages, but also to provide a method of keeping the costs of borrowing as low as possible.

The costs are kept at a minimum as interest is only charged when monies are drawn but also as there are fewer repayment restrictions, enabling the finance to be repaid quickly.

Recommended reading: Guide to Bridging Loans Brokers.

What are the costs involved with Development Finance?

There are various fees applicable to development finance, however, these will vary between lenders. Typically, this type of finance will be subject to:

  • Facility fees – Or otherwise known as arrangement fees are calculated as a percentage of the total value of the loan.
  • Interest – Interest can be charged monthly or annually, however in comparison with standard mortgages, the interest rates are higher due to the short-term nature of the financial product.
  • Exit fees – A fee payable on repayment of the loan is commonplace. This fee can be calculated in different ways, either as a percentage of the value of the monies borrowed, or the total value of the project.
  • Broker fees – Broker fees can vary in amounts but also between different charging methods. Some brokers receive a commission from lenders on successful loan applications and therefore do not charge clients directly, however, others will set a fixed fee for their services.

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Other costs will also need to be factored into a business plan including:

  • Valuation fees – As with most property transactions, a valuation will be required and there will be charges for this. Where the valuation for a development differs, is that an assessment will be made, projecting the valuation of the completed development project.
  • Legal fees – Any legal advice throughout the project as well as undertaking the legal transaction of property that has been developed will need to be paid for.
  • Monitoring fees – Due to the nature of development finance, lenders will usually need to monitor the progress of the project. All costs attributed to monitoring are borne on the borrower.
  • Transaction fees – Lenders will typically charge each time an instalment payment is paid to the developer throughout the project for both the administration and the banking fees.

What is the Application Process of Development Finance Loans?

Due to the specialised nature of development finance, brokers are often used to research the market, provide advice and compare lender offers.

Following this initial stage, an application would be submitted to the selected lender. An application for development finance would include details of;

  • The applicant including their current financial circumstances.
  • Details of other assets to be used security.
  • A documented proposed exit strategy.

The lender would then review an application in its entirety and undertake the usual credit checks. If successful, an agreement in principle can be issued.

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At this stage, further investigations are undertaken including a site visit to ensure project viability and an independent valuation of the project is forecast. Should the findings of these investigations be sufficient, a formal loan offer and terms can be issued.

Any legal elements would be taken care of next, followed by the completion of the loan and the first drawdown payment.

How is Development Finance Repaid?

Either at the end of the term of the loan or beforehand, if desired, the development loan would be repaid. Often repayment would involve one of the following;

  • Sale of the property – Upon completion of the sale, the development loan would be settled in full.
  • Refinance – There would be a range of refinancing options available to be considered at the end of the initial finance duration period, depending on; the circumstances of the borrower, the plans with the development property and the timeframe of such plans. For example, the developer may choose to rent out the property at this stage, and therefore a landlord type of finance may be sought for a longer term of borrowing.

Development Finance Summary

Development finance is a short-term, cost-effective and flexible type of loan suitable for a range of development projects. Such financial products are rarely found on the high street and therefore are usually accessed via a broker.

As with all secured borrowing, the property and security deposits are at risk should repayments not be made.

Give us a call on 03330 90 60 30 or get in touch for advice that is personal to you and takes your credit history into account. That way you will know where you stand in the development finance market and we can guide you on your route to securing a suitable loan.

Over recent years, as the property market has developed and the rental market has boomed, it has become increasingly common to switch from a residential mortgage to a buy to let mortgage.

If you want to make the switch from a residential mortgage to a buy to let, you will need to seek consent from your current lender.

If they decline your request, you may have the option to remortgage with a new lender. This may incur charges.

Converting your mortgage depends on the following factors:

  • Current type of mortgage.
  • Consent of the lender.
  • Other mortgages you have.
  • The plans you have for the property.

How to convert your mortgage to buy to let

Switching your mortgage type can have major financial implications and so it’s important to do your due diligence. If necessary, make sure to consult a mortgage advisor to have any questions answered. You can contact us today for a free no-obligation chat.

A buy to let mortgage and a residential mortgage are very different, for example, you may be able to increase your rental income, where this would not have been an option with a residential mortgage.

If you are considering changing your mortgage with your current lender, be aware that you will only be presented with their rates. Our mortgage advisers will be able to search a wide range of different UK lenders to find you a range of competitive deals.

Common switching from residential to buy to let scenarios

Buying a new home and switching your existing home to a buy to let

Converting a current residential mortgage to a buy to let and then buying a new property is common. Often, these are referred to as let to buy mortgages, the principle is essential that you rent the property rather than selling it.

Remortgage to a buy to let 

If your request to switch is rejected by your lender, or it’s not suitable for your situation, you may have the option to remortgage to a completely new product with a different lender.

For example, if you want to use your existing home to fund the purchase of your new home, the rental income could then be used to reduce payments on your new residential mortgage.

Another common purpose for wanting to remortgage and switch is if you paid a higher price than your properties current value. Remortgaging to a buy to let allows you to hold the property and wait until it goes back to a value at which you would consider a sale.

Common reasons people convert from a residential to a buy-to-let mortgage

There is a range of scenarios that could lead to a homeowner seeking to switch the type of mortgage they have in place including:

  • Inheritance – A homeowner could inherit property and move into it, therefore leaving the mortgaged property empty and available for letting out. Other factors could be at play within this scenario such as inheritance tax.
  • Property not selling – Should property a chain breakdown, but a homeowner be able to continue to purchase their desired property in other ways, the result could be that the original mortgaged is not sold at that time. The homeowner may wish to explore a rental income from the property for a set period of time before attempting to sell on. Market conditions could be at play delaying the sale such as a dip in the market or changes in government schemes such as stamp duty.
  •  Temporary Relocation – A homeowner may be required to relocate for a set period of time for reasons such as a job opportunity or family circumstances. The result of which may be that the homeowner moves into rental accommodation at the new location, leaving the mortgaged property vacant and available to let out.

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What is a Buy to Let Mortgage?

A buy to let mortgage is a financial product specifically targeted at investors who plan to let out a property, and not live within it.

Buy to let mortgages often require high deposits of between 25% and 40% loan to value rate and can have high-interest rates attributed to them in comparison to standard residential mortgages. Buy to let mortgages can also have higher lender arrangement fees.

There are different types of buy to let mortgages, however, most investors seek interest-only mortgages. With this type, the monthly repayments cover the interest due only, and therefore the capital balance remains at the end of the mortgage term.

Interest-only mortgages carry higher risks for the lender and therefore may often have higher interest rates. Like standard mortgages, buy to let mortgages can be obtained with varying terms in relation to interest such as:

  • Fixed-rate – Usually fixing the interest rate linked to the mortgage for a set period of time, often between 2 and 5 years.
  • Standard variable rate – This is the long-term interest rate often applied once an introductory offer ends on a mortgage.
  • Tracker – A tracker rate follows the Bank of England base rate at a set percentage higher and will vary if interest rates change.

The criteria and terms of a buy to let mortgage will vary between lenders however often lenders will require that the rental property income is higher than the mortgage payment each month.

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Need more information? Read our related quick help guides: 

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Other Considerations

There will be many other factors to consider when researching letting out a property including:

  •  The costs of renting out the property – A decision of whether to use a letting agent or not to manage the processes of renting the property from advertising, undertaking viewings and the necessary legal checks on the tenants. Should a letting agent be used, the fees of their services will need to be factored into the business plan of the investment.
  • Maintenance costs – The costs of repairs and maintenance will be factored into the calculations of the costs.
  • Insurances – Buy to let insurance covers the property itself, its contacts as well as landlord liability. Building insurance is also likely to be needed as a lending criterion.
  • Taxes – There is a range of taxes to consider when renting out property including; income tax, capital gains tax and the initial stamp duty due when purchasing a property.
  • Missed payments, rental disputes and periods of unoccupancy – An investor should also consider the consequences of situations when rental income does not materialise either due to a dispute, personal circumstances changing of the tenants or through periods of unoccupancy.

Switching to a Buy to Let Mortgage Summary

As with any financial decisions, research and consideration of all viable options and other factors at play are strongly recommended.

Borrowers are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial advisor who is extremely knowledgeable of the different types of mortgages available, their application criteria as well as the market conditions.

As discussed, negotiating with the current residential mortgage lender to switch financial products could often be seen as a simpler process. However the interest rate, terms and fees may not be the most competitive, and therefore by approaching a financial advisor, the whole market can be explored for the best rates and terms.

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As a buy to let mortgage differs significantly from a standard residential mortgage, all factors should be considered, including the likely rental income that could be achieved as well as options to maximise this.

As also briefly mentioned above, tax planning will also need to be considered both on the initial investment and the income received from the rental properties and therefore specialised, personal advice is likely to be invaluable in the long run.#

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

Skilled foreign workers that have settled in the UK with a relevant visa, may assume that they cannot purchase property here, however, this is not usually the case.

Foreign workers may wish to purchase property within the UK for a short-term purpose such as to live in while they remain within the UK, or for longer-term investment purposes.

Lenders are usually prepared to offer mortgages to skilled foreign workers that meet the borrowing criteria however there are additional risks involved due to the uncertainty, such as whether a foreign national will remain within the UK for the full mortgage term.

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The main difference for a foreign national mortgage compared with a standard mortgage is the application criteria, which will be discussed later in this guide.

However, if approved, the mortgage is like any other standard mortgage such as the choice between fixed and variable interest rates and the process will follow the standard application process.

There will be the usual fees to pay including:

  • Mortgage arrangement fees.
  • Property valuation fees.
  • Legal fees.

What is a Foreign National Mortgage?

If you’re not a UK citizen, it’s still possible to secure a mortgage on UK property. A foreign national mortgage is available to applicants that meet the following requirements:

  • You’re a non-UK resident or don’t have permanent residency in the UK.
  • Born outside of the EU but have indefinite leave to remain or permanent residency.

Factors that impact a Foreign National Mortgage application

When assessing your application for a foreign national mortgage, lenders will take into account the following factors when determining your suitability:

  • Remaining time on your visa to stay in the UK.
  • The type of visa you hold.
  • How long you have been in the UK.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

How to get a Foreign National Mortgage in the UK 

If you are just considering applying for a mortgage as a foreign national living in the UK, the first important steps to take, which will make your application much more attractive for lenders include:

  • Open a UK bank account.
  • Secure a permanent job in the UK.

If these steps are not possible, certain lenders may accept mortgages paid from an overseas income, so it’s not the end of the road.

We also have foreign national mortgage brokers who can help you locate the lenders and best products for your specific circumstances, contact us today for a free, no-obligation chat.

Visa classes and how it affects lending

When applying for a foreign national mortgage, the type of visa you hold is an important consideration for lenders.

Here are the three main types of visas and what they may mean for your mortgage application:

Family Visa

These visas are for individuals married and living with their UK spouse, as well as children and parents.

This visa enables you to work and stay indefinitely, there’s also the option of making a joint application with your spouse, which can improve your application success rate.

Tier 1 or Tier 2 Work visas (now called Skilled worker visas)

The chance of securing a mortgage on either of the visa types will depend on the amount of time remaining on your visa. Most lenders will request that foreign nationals have at least 12-24 months remaining on their visa.

Read all about Skilled Worker Visa Mortgages.

EU Nationals

Skilled foreign workers with an EU passport are currently deemed by lenders as UK national and therefore will usually be able to apply for a standard mortgage in the normal way, as long as they have been living within the UK for at least 6 months.

The usual affordability and credit checks will be required during the application process, so as long as the EU passport holder meets these requirements, there should not be a reason why high street lenders would not consider lending with competitive rates and terms.

This may however change depending on the outcome of Brexit.

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Which Visa is Required to Obtain a UK Mortgage?

Skilled foreign visa holders with either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 category visa can usually be accepted for mortgages within the UK depending on the usual affordability and credit checks required.

However, a Tier 5 foreign national would be considered a temporary worker and therefore would usually not be offered a mortgage.

A spousal visa is granted to those married to UK nationals and are usually treated in the same way as Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa holders.

In addition to the usual checking process, lenders considering a mortgage application from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa holder will also be interested in two other factors:

  • How long the applicant has lived in the UK.
  • The duration of time left on the visa.

Typically, lenders will require a skilled foreign worker to have been a UK resident for two- or three year’s dependant on their criteria.

This time frame is set so that an applicant would have a chance to build up a credit file within the UK including employment and credit history. Also, lenders will expect foreign applicants to have a permanent job within the UK as well as a UK bank account.

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Lenders commonly ask for applicants to have a minimum of 6 months remaining on their Tier 2 visa, although they will usually take into consideration the circumstances of whether the visa is likely to be renewed due to continuous employment within the UK.

Should an applicant have less time left on their visa, a larger deposit down payment can be advantageous to the application.

Other elements can help the application process, such as if the reason for the relocation to the UK is through work with the same multinational employer, the income could be traced for a longer duration, reassuring the lender.

As Kenneth Clarke, from Sidepost.com.au states “it’s important to provide full documentation when moving abroad, including your tax returns and annual profit and loss statements.”

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Foreign Nationals with a Poor Credit Score

Should a mortgage applicant have a very minimal credit record history within the UK, or a bad credit score, it may be more challenging to secure a mortgage however often not impossible. In such a scenario, the interest rate offered, and other terms applied are likely to be less desirable or competitive due to the risks involved for the lender.

A credit record history can be built up over time, and therefore the duration that a foreign worker has been residing within the UK is a key factor.

The credit scoring system not only reviews the affordability of an individual but also the records of regular payments on consumer credit agreements on everyday expenses such as mobiles or utility bills.

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Should a negative mark be applied to a credit record such as a County Court Judgment, a default of a loan or an IVA, there can be increased difficulties in obtaining a mortgage.

In such situations when a foreign national has a poor credit score for a variety of reasons, it would be very worthwhile to seek independent financial advice to explore all of the options available to secure a mortgage and obtain the most competitive rates.

Foreign Nationals who are self-employed

Self-employment adds complexity to any mortgage application, even to UK residents and therefore if an applicant is a foreign national also, it would be worth seeking independent financial advice to explore the options available.

Other Considerations

Foreign nationals may wish to consider the following when seeking to purchase a property within the UK:

  • The location of property purchased for investment would be key. For example, lenders may favour investment purchases on properties within cities compared to dwellings in towns for example, without great transport links or universities campuses.
  • Should the foreign nationals are utilising funds from abroad for a deposit, additional checks may take place and therefore this could cause delays to the mortgage completion process. The source of funds must be traceable to enable the mortgage application to be approved.

Related guides: 

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Foreign National Mortgages Summary

Certain categories of foreign nationals can obtain a mortgage within the UK as long as they meet both the general borrowing criteria as well as any specific criteria relating to foreign nationals as set by the individual lenders.

Depending on the personal circumstances and credit history of the mortgage application, independent financial advice may be required to seek out specialist lenders and compare the interest rates and terms on offer.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: