Mortgage offers can be long and complicated documents, but as you are likely to be paying them off for years, it is essential that you check the small print carefully.
There can be a vast amount of paperwork involved in buying a home and at what is bound to be a busy time it can be tempting to just sign on the dotted line. However, you could still be bound by the terms of your offer decades into the future. Karen James, Partner and Head of the Residential Conveyancing team at Ramsdens discusses what you should look for before you sign!
Basic details
First of all, make sure all the basics are correct, including the property purchase price, the amount of the loan, the interest rate, the length of any fixed term and whether the loan is on an interest-only or repayment basis.
Penalties
Look for penalty clauses which will tell you how much you would need to pay if you choose to end the mortgage early. Work out what these would mean in practice for you. For example, if interest rates fall and better deals become available, would you be able to take advantage of them, or would the penalties be too substantial for you to leave the mortgage?
Warnings
The offer may contain warnings in respect of potential increases in repayments. Make sure you will be comfortable paying back higher sums than the initial repayments.
The mortgage term
Ensure that the offer specifies the correct mortgage term. The amount you repay can be considerably higher if you have a longer repayment period, so check you have the right term to suit your situation.
Portability
An advantageous rate may lock you in to your lender, but if you think you might want to move again, the offer may permit this, with the mortgage being transferred to the new property.
Can you overpay?
A mortgage which allows you to overpay whenever possible can save you considerable sums in the long run, so if you think there is a possibility you may be able to overpay, look to see if this is allowed.
Other conditions
The lender will require you to have valid buildings insurance in place for a specified sum, and will also set out conditions regarding what you can and can’t do with the property, for example a prohibition on letting it or renting rooms.
Contact us
If you are looking at buying property and want expert advice before you proceed, then please speak to one of the experts in our property team by calling 0808 1685 643, fill out an online enquiry form, or email getmoving@ramsdens.co.uk and we will be in touch.