If you’re a software professional working in the UK mortgage domain, it’s really important to know key concepts to make informed decisions.
Here’s an overview:
- Mortgage Principle: A mortgage in principle is also known as a Decision in Principle (DIP), Agreement in Principle (AIP), or mortgage promise. This is a written estimate from a lender saying that they’ll lend a certain amount to you before you’ve finalized the purchase of your home. It’s not a guarantee but can show sellers you’re serious about buying.
- Interest: The cost of borrowing money. Interest can be ‘fixed’ (the rate remains the same for a set period) or ‘variable’ (can change).
- Deposit: The upfront amount you pay towards the property’s purchase price. It’s typically expressed as a percentage of the property’s value.
The size of your mortgage deposit will depend on the value of the home you want to buy. For those buying a property to live in, it’s usually at least 5% or 10% of the overall property value. For example, on a property valued at £200,000, a lender may ask for a 10% deposit – which is £20,000. - Loan-to-Value (LTV): A ratio that compares the size of your loan to the value of the property. If you borrow £80,000 on a £100,000 property, your LTV is 80%. Generally, a lower LTV gives access to better interest rates.
- Mortgage Term: The length of time you have to repay the mortgage. A typical mortgage is repaid over 25, 30, or 35 years.
- Repayment Mortgage: A mortgage where you pay back both the interest and the principal loan amount. By the end of the term, you’ll have paid off the entire loan.
- Interest-Only Mortgage: You only pay the interest on the loan amount each month. At the end of the term, you’ll need to repay the original loan amount in full.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): A tax paid on the purchase of properties in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales have their own equivalent taxes.
- Mortgage Broker: A professional who offers, negotiates, and/or arranges mortgages on behalf of individuals or businesses.
- Standard Variable Rate (SVR): The default mortgage interest rate your lender will charge after your initial mortgage deal period ends. This can go up or down in response to changes in the Bank of England base rate or internal decisions by the lender.
- Early Repayment Charge (ERC): A fee you might have to pay if you repay your mortgage (or overpay more than the agreed amount) during a fixed or discounted period.
- Equity: The difference between the value of your home and the mortgage you owe. If your home is worth £250,000 and you owe £200,000, you have £50,000 equity.
- Negative Equity: When the value of your home is less than the amount you owe on your mortgage.
- Remortgaging: Switching your current mortgage to a new deal, either with the same or a different lender.
- Buy-to-Let Mortgage: A mortgage specifically for people buying property as an investment, intending to rent it out.
- Affordability Assessment: Before giving you a mortgage, lenders will assess if you can afford the monthly repayments. They’ll look at your income, outgoings, and other financial commitments.
- Conveyancing: The legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer.
- Mortgage Protection: Insurance policies like life insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection, ensure that your mortgage is paid if you die, fall seriously ill, or lose your job.
- Help to Buy: A government scheme designed to help people buy a home with a smaller deposit.
- Initial interest rate
This is the initial percentage rate at which we calculate the interest on the mortgage. - Initial interest rate period
This is the period during which the fixed or tracker rate applies. For fixed and tracker rate mortgages, when the specified period expires, the rate will revert to the HSBC Standard Variable Rate/Buy-to-let Variable Rate.
Understanding these concepts provides a solid foundation for navigating the UK mortgage domain. If you’re considering obtaining a mortgage, it’s always advisable to seek professional advice or counseling to ensure you understand all the implications and potential costs involved.
