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Your Essential Guide to Mortgages in Middlesbrough

Are you looking on the internet for mortgage tips and advice? We understand the variety of questions and concerns that can come up when you begin your homeownership journey.

Whether you’re a first time buyer in Middlesbrough or a seasoned homeowner looking to make a move, navigating the mortgage landscape can be daunting. By the end of this article, you’ll have more in-depth knowledge to confidently navigate the mortgage process.

How much can I afford to borrow in Middlesbrough?

Understanding your borrowing capacity is an important step in the mortgage process. It involves assessing your financial situation, including factors such as income, expenses, and existing debts, to determine how much you can comfortably borrow.

To get an initial estimate, you can make use of online mortgage calculators. These tools allow you to input your financial details and generate an approximate borrowing amount based on interest rates and loan terms.

Whilst online calculators can provide a rough estimate, it’s important to keep in mind that they may not consider all aspects of your financial situation. For a more accurate assessment tailored to your specific circumstances, it’s highly recommended to speak to a mortgage advisor in Middlesbrough.

What are the current mortgage interest rates?

By keeping an eye on financial news sources and reliable websites, you can stay on top of market trends and changes in interest rates. Additionally, our YouTube channel, MoneymanTV, offers monthly market updates, providing you with valuable insights into this topic.

What types of mortgages are available in Middlesbrough?

When searching for the perfect mortgage, it’s essential to explore various mortgage types to find the one that suits your needs.

There are different options available, including fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, and interest only mortgages in Middlesbrough, each with its own set of features, benefits, and considerations.

Take the time to conduct thorough research and consult with mortgage experts who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

By gathering information and seeking professional mortgage advice in Middlesbrough, you can make an informed decision and choose the mortgage type that aligns best with your financial goals and circumstances.

How can I improve my credit score?

Establishing a solid credit score is crucial to securing favourable mortgage terms. To improve your creditworthiness, make sure to consistently pay your bills on time and keep your credit utilisation low.

It’s also important to regularly review your credit report for any errors or discrepancies and take steps to rectify them. If you encounter challenges with your credit, there are reputable credit agencies available that can provide assistance and guidance to help you address and overcome these issues.

What documents are required for a mortgage application?

When applying for a mortgage, it’s important to gather the necessary documentation to support your application.

Typical documents include proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, identification documents like a passport or driver’s license, recent bank statements to verify your financial stability, and a record of your employment history.

The specific documentation required may vary depending on your individual circumstances. To ensure you have a comprehensive list tailored to your situation, it’s recommended that you consult with mortgage lenders or experienced mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough.

They can guide you through the documentation requirements and help you prepare a complete and accurate application.

Should I use a mortgage broker in Middlesbrough or go directly to a mortgage lender?

Both options, either using a mortgage broker in Middlesbrough or approaching a mortgage lender directly, have their own advantages.

As a mortgage broker in Middlesbrough, we have access to a wide network of lenders, allowing us to compare multiple offers on your behalf. This can save you time and effort in researching individual lenders.

On the other hand, going directly to a mortgage lender can provide you with a more direct relationship. If you prefer a more hands-on approach or have a specific mortgage lender in mind, approaching them directly may be a suitable option.

To make an informed choice, consider your personal preferences, do thorough research on both options, and seek recommendations from trusted sources such as friends or family.

What are the associated costs and fees?

It’s important to be aware that there are additional costs associated with a mortgage beyond the loan amount itself.

These costs can include arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees, and potential early repayment charges. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of these costs, it’s advisable to review the fee schedules provided by mortgage lenders.

Consulting with professionals, such as mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough or solicitors, can also help you navigate and fully comprehend these expenses. They can provide guidance on the specific fees involved in the mortgage process, enabling you to make informed financial decisions.

By considering all the costs associated with a mortgage, you can better plan and budget for your homeownership journey.

How can I save for a deposit?

Saving for a deposit requires discipline and careful planning. To start with, it’s important to set a budget that outlines your income and expenses, allowing you to identify areas where you can reduce unnecessary spending and redirect those funds toward your savings goals.

Exploring government schemes like Right to Buy in Middlesbrough can also be beneficial, but it’s important to familiarise yourself with their specific eligibility criteria to determine if you qualify. These schemes can provide valuable assistance in accumulating your deposit.

Additionally, consider opening high-interest savings accounts or ISAs designed specifically for first time buyers in Middlesbrough. These accounts often offer competitive interest rates and can help your savings grow faster.

What is the difference between a mortgage agreement in principle and a formal mortgage offer?

An agreement in principle serves as an initial indication of the potential mortgage amount a lender may be willing to offer based on basic information provided by the borrower. It is not a legally binding document but provides an estimate of the borrowing capacity.

On the other hand, a formal mortgage offer is a legally binding document issued by the mortgage lender. It signifies their commitment to providing the loan, subject to certain conditions being met.

This offer outlines the specific terms and conditions of the mortgage, including the loan amount, interest rate, repayment terms, and any additional requirements or stipulations.

While an agreement in principle provides an early indication, a formal mortgage offer is the final step in the process, providing the borrower with the assurance and confidence to proceed with their property purchase.

How long does the mortgage application process take?

The timeline for processing a mortgage application can vary depending on several factors. On average, it takes several weeks to complete the process.

The specific timeline can be influenced by factors such as the type of property being financed, the applicant’s credit history, and the efficiency of document submission.

To ensure a smooth and timely process, it is important to work closely with your mortgage advisor in Middlesbrough. They will guide you through the application process, help gather the necessary documents, and provide assistance in submitting them accurately and promptly.

It’s also advisable to be prepared for potential delays that may arise due to unforeseen circumstances or additional requirements from the mortgage lender.

By keeping up open communication with your mortgage advisor in Middlesbrough and being proactive in providing any requested information or documentation, you can help speed up the process and increase the chances of a timely approval of your mortgage application.

Get Mortgage Ready!

Gain confidence in navigating the mortgage journey with these answers to your top questions.

Seek out expert guidance from trusted mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough today, conduct thorough research, and stay proactive to make informed decisions.

Start your homeownership journey with assurance and take the necessary steps towards achieving your dream home.

How to Improve Your Credit Score in Middlesbrough

How to Improve Your Credit Score in Middlesbrough | MoneymanTV

It’s crucial to any first time buyers in Middlesbrough when applying for a mortgage. Having a high credit score is a helpful factor. It ideally means a higher chance of you getting accepted and being successful with your application.

Although this doesn’t mean you’ll be guaranteed acceptance, though, each lender has their internal scoring systems.

Each lender has their criteria that they have developed over the years. Suppose you’ve failed with one lender not to worry. Mortgage lenders may be inclined to be more lenient, and it is down to your Mortgage Advisor in Middlesbrough to match you with the lender that’s right for you.

There are multiple credit reference agencies in the UK; we recommend Experian and Equifax. It is a good idea to look into many of these agencies as possible in advance, to give you a more specific idea of your credit score.

Furthermore, it is also plausible that some of these agencies hold inaccurate information. So, by checking with multiple agencies, you can be sure that this information gets appropriately amended.

Keep Credit searches to a fair amount:

Multiple credit searches can have adverse effects on your credit score. Be on guard of using price comparison websites which are known to be significant credit culprits searching on individuals.

If you are applying for a mortgage soon, it may be wise to apply for additional credit afterward.  Whilst having some credit and paying it back is a good thing for your score in the long run.

Lenders prefer to see you leverage your borrowings right before setting up a mortgage application.

Are you registered on the Voter’s Roll:

Making sure you’re registered on the electoral roll increases your credit score. It indicates stability which lenders like. Ensure your name gets spelt correctly and that it’s your current address which is registered online.

If you aren’t registered, it’s simple and easy enough to do this online.

Know your Maximum Limit:

If you max out your card each month, your credit score will get lowered. Utilizing a credit card to keep on top of your payments each month is a preferred method. It’s a good indicator of your lender that you are good at managing your money.

The main red flag in a lender’s eyes is if you exceed an agreed card limit or overdraft. The reason lenders watch over this is because they want to know you’re able to take your finances responsibly.

Check your Address History gets keyed correctly:

Sometimes it can get perceived on your credit report that you are living in two places at the same time if providers have yet to get told that you have moved houses.

It is pivotal that the addresses which you’re updating get spelled correctly; If you have been residing in a flat, this can be a bit more complex as the address can get formatted in different ways.

Keep up to date with Credit Accounts:

If you no longer use individual store/credit cards, you should get into contact with the providers to close the account for extra security. In the short term.

This could get seen as having a brief impact on your score as the lender can’t tell who’s closing the account, e.g. you or the provider, but this will be for the better and an advantage to you in the long run.

It’s a great thing to do to reduce your chance of becoming a victim of fraud if you don’t notice you have a lost a card which you may use regularly.

Many consumers feel that credit scoring is an unfair way of applications getting assessed through lenders themselves are indifferent to this idea as it makes their overall job more manageable.

It is more cost-efficient for them to operate this way and computers give more consistent outcomes. On the other hand, some lenders do still do it the old-fashioned way but still apply the same rules about the number of defaults and CCJ’s they will allow.

When setting up your application, be sure your report is up to date to increase your chances of being accepted the first time. The more in-depth information which your specialist mortgage advisor in Middlesbrough has at hand, the better.

Buying V Renting Mortgage Advice in Middlesbrough

Renting vs Buying in Middlesbrough | MoneymanTV

When it comes to savings and avoiding extra expenses, people often get confused about whether they should buy a house or whether they should rent one, especially first time buyers in Middlesbrough. This is a very complex and complicated issue for many people. There are lots of people who consider renting a house as a total waste of money but then there are also people who consider it a wiser option.

If you are a young person and your parents are owners of a home, you will most likely be encouraged by them to save and buy a house of your own. But time changes everything and now, a lot more people rent houses as compared to the number of renters in the past. Today, we will take a look at all the pros and cons of buying a home so that you can make a wise decision.

Why should I buy?

There is one fact about the property market that you should know: you never know what cycle it is in. You never know whether it is going to crash or if it is going to boom in the near future. What’s really disappointing is when you purchase a property and the next thing you know, it has gone down a lot in value.

History does suggest that even if you buy a home when the market is at the top, it’s value could go down at some point. However, as long as you can afford to keep the property, you should be aware that its value will surely go up again sooner or later. 

If you take a look at the sold values from the period of the Credit Crunch, you will see that it was one of the worst economic times that we have faced and yet less than just a decade later, the UK property values reached to a point that is an all time high!  

You can also lose a lot of money if you are forced to sell your property at the wrong time which could be due to a reduction in the overall income or maybe even a relationship breakdown.  

You must discuss all the possible outcomes with your Mortgage Advisor in Middlesbrough and also your family before you decide to make a purchase. This will make sure that you are well protected from things like being unable to work because of illness and other things. That being considered, we are talking about a home and not just an investment in property.  

Will a mortgage be cheaper than Renting?

A lot of the times, the mortgage payments that you’ll be making will be a lot cheaper than rent payments. Interest rates always go up and down all the time which means that your mortgage payments will surely fluctuate as well. If you are worried about that fact, then what you should look at are fixed-rate mortgages so that your payments will always remain the same over your mortgage term. On the other hand, rents will either remain the same or they will go up. It is very unusual for your landlord to reduce your rent.

Security

Most people feel that owning their own home will create a very stable situation in many regards for them and their family. This is because nobody can ask you or force you to move from your house unless you want to yourself or you fail to meet your mortgage payments.

While you will surely have some protection as a tenant in terms of how much notice your landlord will have to give you, if they want their house back to themselves, sadly, there isn’t much that you can do in such a case. This is not very ideal, especially if you have a family and have your children in a local nearby school or if you work nearby.  

Flexibility

Regarding flexibility, renting can be a lot more flexible than owning a home. For example, there is absolutely nothing to stop you from giving your landlord a notice to leave if you get another job in another area. This is not as easy if you are a homeowner though. You will have to decide whether or not if you want to sell your home or sell it out as a buy to let in Middlesbrough. The process of selling a home and then purchasing a new one is very complicated, difficult, and expensive and time-consuming.

If you are aware that you will not be living somewhere for a long period of time, you should surely think a lot about whether it is worth buying a home or not. Buying a home should mostly be considered as a long term investment for everyone.

Repairs

Being a tenant, your landlord is going to be responsible for all the repairs. Some of the letting agents and landlords are a lot better than others when it is a matter of repairs and even if you are renting, you will surely end up doing some of the minor maintenance of the property yourself.  

If you are a homeowner then all of this will be on you along with insuring the property as well, which will surely be a condition of any of the mortgage that you take out.  

As opposed to what many people might say, having your own home is not for everyone. If you are someone who is young and moving in with a partner of yours for the first time there is nothing wrong with renting for a while. Things will not always work out the way that we plan and it can be a very difficult to get removed from mortgage.  

Buying a home is a very major financial commitment and all the people should consider each and every option before they dive into it. If you plan on renting, it will surely take you a longer time to save up enough for a deposit.  

Consider the Following

In the end, a lot of people end up deciding that they prefer to buy a house as opposed to renting one. Whether you are going to rent or will be paying a mortgage, you will be making monthly payments to live somewhere and a lot of people would rather see this go towards their own benefit as opposed to someone else’s.

It is mostly just a situation of getting your timing right and also being in the correct financial state to be able to proceed with all this. For a free mortgage consultation and an accurate affordability measure, get in touch with your mortgage broker in Middlesbrough today.

Buying a Property with a Friend or Partner in Middlesbrough

Property inflation has outstripped wage increases over the years. In order to be able to afford a suitable property many people feel the need to buy with another person.

This is because two incomes are then contributing to the payments so the costs are shared and lenders can also take the two incomes into account when calculating your maximum mortgage amount. Although, there are risks to be considered which will be answered throughout this article.

How many people can jointly own a property? 

Some lenders often allow up to four people to jointly co-own a property. If, for any reason, a borrower stops their contributions towards the mortgage payments then any joint owners have a legal right to stay in their home unless a court rules otherwise. Because of this, it’s best to be very aware of who the property is bought with.

If the borrowers wish to increase the mortgage later down the line then all borrowers will need to consent. So this will mean it’s important that long term plans are made should circumstances change or the borrowers end up wanting different things.

Joint Tenancy or Tenancy in Common? 

Most married couples tend to opt for joint tenancy. If either applicant were to die then the property passes to the other owner. If mortgage life insurance has been taken out then the mortgage would be repaid at that point also. Consent will be needed from the other applicant if there is thoughts of selling or remortgaging the property in the future.

Tenants in common is sometimes chosen by relatives or friends that buy together. They will still jointly own the property but are not forced to do so in equal shares. This makes sense more if one party is contributing a bigger financial input than the other.

An applicant can act individually if they are a tenant in common. For example, the share of the property is able to be sold or given away.

What happens if one party stops making mortgage payments? 

All mortgage borrowers are jointly and severally liable for mortgage payments. If one of the parties stops paying then the other(s) will have to make up for the shortfall to prevent the mortgage from falling into arrears. Any arrears that appear may stop you from getting a mortgage in the future.

Sales Tactics of Estate Agents & Builders in Middlesbrough

Sales Tactics Mortgage Advice in Middlesbrough

Whether you are a first time buyer in Middlesbrough actively viewing properties or a home mover in Middlesbrough with your house on the market, you may have noticed that some of the larger estate agents and builders are very keen for you to use their in-house mortgage advisor and conveyancing services.

Being part of a stand-alone mortgage business we receive lots of feedback as to what sales tactics can be used, examples of this are;

Don’t be Fooled, Popular Estate Agent & Builder Sales Quotes Include:

Gifted Deposits More Popular Than Ever in Middlesbrough

In recent years, the mortgage market in Middlesbrough has witnessed a significant shift in the way prospective homebuyers secure their dream homes. Among the various trends that have emerged, one of the most prominent is the increasing popularity of gifted deposits. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this surge in gifted deposits and explore the benefits and considerations associated with this practice.

Why Are Gifted Deposits on the Rise?

A Helping Hand from Family and Friends

One of the primary reasons behind the growing popularity of gifted deposits in Middlesbrough is the rising property prices in the area. As house prices continue to climb, it has become increasingly challenging for first time buyers in Middlesbrough to save up for a substantial deposit on their own. Gifted deposits offer a lifeline, allowing buyers to get on the property ladder with the assistance of their loved ones.

Mortgage Rates

Another factor contributing to the rise of gifted deposits is the competitive mortgage rates available in the current market. By providing a gifted deposit, buyers can often access more favorable mortgage deals, potentially saving them money over the life of their mortgage. This incentive encourages both buyers and their benefactors to explore this option.

The Benefits of Gifted Deposits

Easing the Path to Homeownership

Gifted deposits provide a practical solution for individuals and families who aspire to own their homes but face obstacles due to high deposit requirements. By receiving financial support from relatives or friends, buyers can secure a property sooner and build equity in their homes over time.

Lowering Monthly Mortgage Payments

One of the key advantages of using a gifted deposit is the potential to reduce monthly mortgage payments. With a larger deposit, buyers may be eligible for lower interest rates, resulting in more affordable monthly instalments. This can significantly improve their financial stability and long-term affordability.

Expanding Property Options

Gifted deposits can open up a wider range of property options for buyers. With a larger deposit, buyers can access properties that may have been previously out of their budget. This can lead to greater choice and the ability to find a home that truly meets their needs and aspirations.

Book a Free Mortgage Appointment

Once you have a gifted deposit saved, as a mortgage broker in Middlesbrough, we have an incredibly valuable and in-depth knowledge of the various mortgage lenders’ criteria. Using this knowledge that we have, we are then able to take a look at your income, expenditure, and credit history, in order to recommend the absolute best mortgage deal for your circumstances.

Can I Buy a Home With a Small Deposit in Middlesbrough?

The happy days of 100% and even 125% mortgages seem a long time ago. Now the credit crunch is behind us, and lenders tend to be more confident again to offer 95% mortgages to first time buyers in Middlesbrough.

It’s reasonable that you should show you can save each month. It also gives lenders comfort that you have something to invest in the process showing you have something to lose should it start to become more challenging to keep up your mortgage repayments.

We know it’s challenging to save up a deposit for many people, and this is their primary barrier to entry into the property market. It is daunting if you have a family or are in rented accommodation.

Is it better to invest more than a 5% deposit for a mortgage?

The higher the deposit the lower interest rate you will receive and this usually is more cost-effective and helps you in the long-term. The reasons for this is that you appear more reliable to them. Bands differ in price depending on various factors such as your deposit.

The percentage of your mortgage provides lenders with an idea of how invested you are to your mortgage, although considering – the higher the interest rate, the more expensive. This means that the higher your deposit, the more secure you will be when it comes to purchasing your dream home meaning you will be happier in the long term.

Can I take out a personal loan for the deposit?

In a limited number of circumstances, it can be successfully achieved. The Lender will make the monthly payment as an additional credit commitment, therefore, grant you a smaller mortgage.

As a result, one will qualify if you hadn’t borrowed the deposit. Most lenders oppose this as you are essentially borrowing 100% of the purchase price.

Do Lenders accept gifted deposits for a Mortgage?

Yes, most accept gifted deposits from family members and friends can be acceptable too. The sender of the gift will need to confirm it’s a gift, rather than a loan, and need to produce ID and proof of funds for anti-money laundering purposes.

Others have turned to the Bank of Mum and Dad, gifting their children funds towards a deposit.

Evidencing the Deposit

For Anti-Money Laundering purposes, providing bank statements help to evidence funds. Lenders like to see how the money is being built up as this provides more of genuine insight.

If you have deposited a large amount into your account, you may need evidence to support this.

For example, if you have sold a car, then you’ll need a receipt and the amount you have sold the asset for would match the amount paid into your bank account. This will highlight reliable sources backing up your finances.

If you are selling a property, then the Memorandum of Sale provided by the Estate Agent is your proof.

Buying as a Sitting Tenant / Buying from a Family Member

Usually. If it is a genuine discounted purchase, i.e. the house is worth £100,000, and you have been offered it, for example £90,000, then some Lenders will accept this as your guaranteed deposit.

This works well if you are eligible for a Right to Buy from the Local Authority or other Social Landlord, our mortgage advisors in Middlesbrough can help you find the most suitable right to buy mortgage in Middlesbrough.

What is a 95% Mortgage?

A 95% mortgage is as simple as the name would suggest; you are borrowing against 95% of the price of a property, and then you are covering the remaining 5% with your deposit. An example of this is if you are a first time buyer in Middlesbrough who looked at buying a property that was worth £150,000 with a 95% mortgage, you would be putting down £7,500 as your deposit and borrow the remaining £142,500 from the lender.

95% Mortgage Advice in Middlesbrough

Off the back of the March 2021 Budget, Boris Johnson announced a Mortgage Guarantee Scheme for mortgage lenders, making 95% mortgages more readily available from the bigger high street banks.

This is fantastic news for first time buyers in Middlesbrough and people moving home in Middlesbrough alike, as this scheme will continue running until December 2022. Certain terms and conditions will apply though, which is something your Mortgage Advisor in Middlesbrough will be able to look at, to see if you qualify. 

All our customers who opt to get in touch will receive a free, no-obligation mortgage consultation where one of our dedicated mortgage advisors will be able to make a recommendation on the best possible route for you to take.

Can I get a 95% mortgage?

95% mortgages are usually accessible by both first time buyers in Middlesbrough & those who are moving home in Middlesbrough. Whilst saving for a 5% deposit sounds like a pretty straightforward concept, you’ll still need to have an acceptable credit score and prove that you are able to afford your monthly mortgage repayments, in order to access a 95% mortgage.

Improving Your Credit Score

A good credit score is essential in the process of obtaining any mortgage, especially a 95% mortgage. Things like paying any current credit commitments on time, ensuring your addresses are updated and checking that you’re on the voters roll, can all help with your credit score.

Affordability 

Affordability is another one that is important to take note of. By giving the lender details of your income and monthly outgoings (things like your bank statements will be necessary for this) and any pre-existing credit commitments, your lender will be able to get a general overview of whether or not you are able to afford this type of mortgage.

Can my family help me get a 95% mortgage?

Nowadays we see lots of family members helping each other get onto the property ladder, especially parents looking to further their children’s lives. The way this usually happens is by gifting the person looking to find their home, the deposit required. Known through the industry as the “Bank of Mum & Dad, Gifted Deposits are only intended to be a gift, and not as a loan. The lender will need proof that this has been agreed, before it can be used towards your mortgage. 

When looking for a 95% mortgage, you want to make sure you have the right type of mortgage. Each mortgage type works differently, with that choice allowing you to find one that is most appropriate for your personal and financial situation. 

Some homeowners and home buyers prefer Fixed Rate or Tracker Mortgages, mortgage types which mean you either keep interest rates at a set amount for the term given or have your interest rates tracking the Bank of England base rates.

Alternatively, you might find that Interest-Only or a Repayment Mortgages are more your style. Interest-Only allows cheaper payments until you need to pay a lump sum at the end (mostly now used for Buy-to-Lets), whereas a Repayment mortgage (a normal mortgage if you’d like) means you’ll be paying interest and capital combined per month.

How can a bigger deposit help with my mortgage? 

Seeing as a mortgage is such a large financial outgoing, you need to be prepared and need to be aware. You might find things like higher interest rates, remortgaging difficulties due to less equity and then negative equity all cropping up if you’re not. 

There is no need to worry though, as all these can be avoided if you’re savvy enough with your process to begin with. The more deposit you put down for a property, the less risk the lender will see you as. 

A larger deposit, of say 10-15%, would not only reduce the rates of interest by a noticeable amount, but would also give the property more equity and reduce the risk of negative equity, thanks in part to you borrowing less against the property. 

So, whilst the risks may seem intimidating, planning ahead and saving for a bigger deposit to access something like a 90% or even an 85% mortgage will be a massive help in your mortgage journey and something you’ll be able to reap the rewards from in the future. 

Different Types of Mortgages Explained in Middlesbrough

Mortgages in Middlesbrough generally fall into two primary categories: fixed-rate and variable-rate. A fixed-rate mortgage locks your interest rate for a set period, providing predictable monthly payments.

In contrast, a variable-rate mortgage’s interest rate fluctuates based on economic conditions, potentially altering your monthly repayments.

This guide delves into the workings of each mortgage type, offering expert advice on various mortgage options in Middlesbrough.

It includes information tailored for first-time buyers in Middlesbrough and those over 50, who may face unique challenges in securing a standard mortgage.

Popular Types of Mortgages

Fixed Rate Mortgages

Fixed-rate mortgages are the most popular choice for first-time buyers in Middlesbrough and homeowners looking to remortgage in Middlesbrough.

With this type of mortgage, your interest rate remains constant for a specified period, ensuring your monthly payments stay consistent regardless of changes in the Bank of England base rate.

Common fixed periods include two, three, five, seven, ten, and fifteen years. At the end of your fixed term, you’ll need to remortgage in Middlesbrough or be moved to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), which is typically more expensive.

Tracker Mortgages

Tracker mortgages in Middlesbrough are tied to the Bank of England base rate plus a set percentage determined by the lender.

For example, if the base rate is 5.25% and your tracker rate is ‘base rate plus 1%’, your rate will be 6.25%. Payments rise and fall with the base rate unless a ‘collar’ limits how low the rate can drop.

Trackers often have an introductory period (commonly two years), after which you’ll revert to the lender’s more expensive SVR if you don’t remortgage in Middlesbrough.

Discount Mortgages

Discount mortgages in Middlesbrough offer a reduced interest rate set below the lender’s SVR for an introductory period.

For instance, if the lender’s SVR is 5% and the discount is 1%, your rate will be 4% for the discount period. This rate can fluctuate if the lender changes its SVR.

These mortgages are appealing because of the initial lower payments, but it’s essential to consider that the rate is variable and can increase during the discount period if the lender’s SVR rises.

Once the discount period ends, you’ll move to the lender’s SVR, which is typically higher.

Standard-Variable-Rate (SVR) Mortgages

Each lender sets its own SVR, typically higher than fixed, tracker, or discount mortgage rates. While SVRs are influenced by the Bank of England base rate, they are not directly tied to it.

For instance, if the base rate rises by 0.25%, lenders may increase their SVR by a similar amount, though they are not obligated to do so. SVRs tend to remain relatively stable and do not change frequently.

Which type of mortgage is better?

Deciding between a fixed-rate and a variable-rate mortgage in Middlesbrough depends on your financial goals.

A fixed-rate mortgage offers stable, predictable payments, ideal for those wanting consistent outgoings or planning to stay in their home long-term.

Conversely, a variable-rate mortgage might offer lower initial payments and potential savings if interest rates decrease but comes with the risk of higher payments if rates rise.

Your decision should consider current interest rate trends, economic conditions, and your intended length of stay in the home. A mortgage advisor in Middlesbrough can guide you through this process.

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Other Types of Mortgages

Interest Only and Repayment Mortgages

When taking out a mortgage in Middlesbrough, it will either be on an interest-only or a repayment basis. With an interest-only mortgage, you pay only the interest each month, leaving the principal to be paid off at the end of the term.

A repayment mortgage, more commonly, includes both interest and a portion of the principal in each monthly payment, gradually reducing the total amount owed.

Joint Mortgages

Buying a property with someone else, such as a partner, friend, or family member, involves a joint mortgage in Middlesbrough.

Both parties are named on the mortgage agreement and property deeds, making them jointly responsible for the repayments.

Offset Mortgages

Offset mortgages in Middlesbrough link your savings and current accounts to your mortgage account, allowing you to reduce the amount of interest you pay.

Instead of earning interest on your savings, the balances in your savings and current accounts are subtracted from your mortgage balance when calculating interest charges.

This can significantly lower your interest payments and help you pay off your mortgage faster. Offset mortgages offer flexibility, allowing access to your savings while benefiting from reduced mortgage interest.

Guarantor Mortgages

Guarantor mortgages in Middlesbrough involve a third party, often a parent or close relative, who agrees to be responsible for the mortgage repayments if the primary borrower cannot meet them.

This can help individuals with poor credit or insufficient income secure a mortgage. The guarantor’s income and assets are considered in the application process, potentially increasing the amount the borrower can access.

While this provides an opportunity for homeownership, it also places significant financial responsibility on the guarantor, who must be prepared to cover repayments if necessary.

Which Property Survey Should I Choose in Middlesbrough?

The Different Type of Property Surveys | MoneymanTV

Property Survey Mortgage Advice in Middlesbrough

Which type of survey to consider?

Regardless of your mortgage scenario, if you are a first time buyer in Middlesbrough and have had your offer accepted on a property, the next step is to arrange a property survey to confirm your property’s condition and find out whether or not it’s worth what you’re paying for it.

Our qualified mortgage and protection advisors will help you choose the right survey for your situation and the type of property you are purchasing. Please feel free to get in touch, and we will be happy to help.

What is a property survey?

A property survey is a comprehensive review of a property’s condition. It’s a property surveyor job to go out to the property and examine its suitability for the homeowner to live in; they will produce a report highlighting any dilemmas with the property. These problems vary from internal to external. 

The issues could be severe or easily rectified with a potential small fee, but you will need to get a property survey either way. The surveyor report will also feature expert commentary on the property, from the type of wall to the kind of window glazing.

The three main types of property survey are:

  1. Mortgage Valuation
  2. Homebuyer’s Report
  3. Full Structural Survey

What is a mortgage valuation?

A mortgage valuation takes a brief looks at your property to assess how much the property is worth to your mortgage lender. Your mortgage lender will usually insist on using a company they trust, and you will have to pay for it.

The cost of a mortgage valuation varies depending on the size of the property. We tend to find; some mortgage lenders offer free valuations as part of a deal. 

What is a homebuyer’s report?

This survey will cover structural safety and highlights problems, including damp and anything that doesn’t meet current building regulations.

You will receive an independent report of your property by an expert. It is advisable to ask the mortgage companies surveyor to carry out this report for you, and it will take a couple of hours to complete depending on property size and condition.

What is a full structural survey?

This survey is advisable for older properties and those of non-standard construction. Depending on the property size and type – a full structural survey can take as long as a day to complete.

A full structural survey provides a detailed report on the condition of the property and highlights issues that the homebuyer should investigate further before going ahead with the purchase, providing you with peace of mind about the state of your property.

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