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If there were one type of mortgage then perhaps it would make life simpler. However the fact is that that there are all sorts of mortgages with varying terms and conditions, interest rates, payments deals, fees and much more so do your research prior to committing.

What is a Mortgage?

In simple terms a mortgage is a loan you have agreed to take out on a property in order to finance it. Unfortunately with this type of loan as with all others, there will be an interest charge included which is usually paid off before you start paying off the actual loan for your property.

Why do I need a Mortgage?

Unless you have a stash of money lying around the unfortunate fact of todays life is that if you want to own a home then you will have to take out a mortgage. With house prices on the increase it is becoming more difficult to fund property without getting some type of mortgage. A mortgage will probably be one of the largest debts you will commit to throughout your lifetime so make sure you look into all the options available to you before making a decision.

Borrowing money for a Mortgage

It is very important for you to work out just how much money you can afford to spare each month to pay your mortgage as if you are unable to make payments, your home will be at risk. Some lenders and financial advisers will help you with this by working out your monthly outcomes and look at your income. To give you an indication as to how much lenders will be willing to lend you, the general rule is two and a half to three times your salary as an individual or two and a half times a joint salary. It is not unusual however for some lenders to offer much more than this especially in Cities like London where property prices have soared over the years making it more and more difficult for people to get onto the property ladder.

Other costs to consider when taking out a Mortgage

Legal Fees are costs for a solicitor to manage the sale of the property. This cost is sometimes taken as a percentage of the sale.

If you decide to take your mortgage out through a broker (someone that acts on behalf of a number of lenders) then they may charge for this. Ask the question if you go with a broker so you know what they charge if anything.

Buildings insurance is a requirement when taking out a mortgage. If you decide to take out your buildings insurance with someone other than whom you are taking your mortgage out with, then you will be required to give confirmation that you have got this insurance.

Lenders will inspect the property before granting you the mortgage. This is to check that the property is worth the amount the sellers are asking for. Lenders will be reluctant to borrow you money for a property that is not worth the market price. They will also get a property surveyor to inspect the property for any serious defaults or any structural problems. These fees are known as the valuation and survey fees.

If you are purchasing a property that is worth more than 125,000 then you will have to pay stamp duty on this. How much you pay will be anything from 1-4% depending on the cost of the property.rate.

Please visit Mortgages UK for more information.