Whether you are investing in buy to let property for the first time or looking to expand your portfolio, getting the appropriate mortgage is likely to be the most significant decision you take – and might determine your financial success. There are several different types of mortgages so it’s important you get the right one. From options for over 60s
to mortgages for first time buyers, explore all your options with a broker to and ensure you know all the facts before making any big decisions.Choosing a mortgage that does not offer you all the benefits and features you require (so as no early repayment charge or a cost-effective interest rate) may see you lose money. That’s why many buyers talk to K5 Mortgage advisors before securing a mortgage and property.
Actually getting the ‘wrong’ type of mortgage for your circumstances (for example, you choose a residential buy to let mortgage when in fact, you want a buy to let holiday home mortgage) could be construed as fraud by your mortgage provider. They could demand you repay any outstanding balance immediately. Plus, allegations of financial fraud could see you face difficulty getting any form of credit in the future.
Finding your own mortgage may be a decision you wish to take on your own, by choosing the type of mortgage you need and approaching potential mortgage lenders. But – with so much at stake – the safer and better-informed course of action may likely be consulting a buy to let mortgage broker.
Why use a buy to let mortgage broker?
Credit reference agency Experian explains that a mortgage broker works directly between you and potential lenders at every stage of the process – from helping you decide exactly what type of mortgage you need, through to matching your requirements and circumstances to the mortgages available.
Although there are good reasons for consulting a mortgage broker, there are many of them about. So, what questions do you need to ask to choose a suitable Mortgage Broker for you?
Questions to ask
- your first step is to establish that anyone offering mortgage advice is duly registered and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – they are legally bound to have such authorisation, and the FCA is there to help if you are given erroneous advice, so check for yourself on the FCA Register that their name is listed;
- also ask what fees your mortgage broker charges – these might depend on the type of product you choose or the value of the mortgage you arrange, suggests the Money Advice Service;
- if your broker offers free advice, ask what commission he or she earns from any buy to let mortgage you might succeed in arranging;
- some brokers give advice relating to lenders from across the entire mortgage market, while others deal only with selected lenders, and some are tied to one particular lender – so, you need to ask whether they are “whole-of-market” or more restricted in their offerings;
- what types of mortgage is your broker able to arrange – for example, some may be unable to help with holiday let mortgages or mortgages for limited liability companies, while other brokers can help with any kind of mortgage;
- when you have determined what type of mortgage you need, ask your broker how much you are likely to be able to borrow and what deposit you may need – often expressed as a loan to value (LTV) ratio;
- precisely what range of services are offered by the broker – does it include all of the paperwork and administrative work involved in making an application, together with chasing the lender on its progress;
- the Consumers’ Association’s Which? magazine suggests you enquire about the hours your broker will be available – at the weekends and evenings, for example, or only during office hours;
- when your broker recommends a particular mortgage or makes a mortgage offer, ask them for a copy of the relevant European Standard Information Sheet (ESIS) – which is a more detailed version of the previously issued Keyfacts.
A buy to let mortgage broker may help you navigate the potential minefield of the mortgage market – but you must approach the conversation armed with the relevant questions.
