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Can You Have Two Separate Mortgages on One Property?

Can You Have Two Separate Mortgages on One Property?

Having two separate mortgages on one property, also known as a second charge mortgage, is common in the UK. However, the process isn’t always so simple, and there are eligibility criteria that must be met. To learn more about having two separate mortgages on one property and the reasons behind it, continue reading.  

Reasons for Having Two Separate Mortgages on One Property

Having two separate mortgages on the same property is pretty common, but why? There are a few reasons why people decide to get a second mortgage on one property - let’s find out. 

1 - Refurbishments 

Homeowners looking to refurbish their property or make general improvements that may cost a large sum often take out a second mortgage on their property. Renovations can be costly, and securing a second mortgage through a lender is usually necessary to cover the funds. 

2 - Purchase a Second Property

Many homeowners take out a second mortgage loan to purchase an additional property. In most cases, the second property is used as a holiday home or buy-to-let investment property, but this varies. 

3 - Consolidate Debt

A second mortgage can help pay off various debts with high interest rates. These debts could be from credit cards or general personal loans over the years. With a second mortgage, you can consolidate your debts into one singular loan, with a potentially lower interest rate. 

Eligibility Criteria to Have Two Separate Mortgages

To be eligible for having two mortgages on the same property, you must meet some criteria:

  • Equity: Lenders often check equity before approving a second mortgage charge to ensure there's minimal risk involved.
  • Credit: Having a strong credit score proves to lenders that you can borrow responsibly and make payments on time.

Does a Second Charge Mortgage Hurt Your Credit?

No, having a second mortgage will not hurt your credit score. If anything, having an additional mortgage can help improve your credit score if you make your repayments on time. Missing repayments across both your separate mortgages can be detrimental to your overall credit score, which could prevent you from getting further loans in the future. 

Is it More Difficult to Obtain a Second Mortgage?

It can be more difficult to obtain a second mortgage on one property. This is because second mortgages are riskier to lenders than a singular mortgage.

Regardless of whether you know you can make repayments on both mortgages, your first mortgage will always take priority over the second. This is why a second charge mortgage often has higher interest rates and can be more difficult to get. 

Managing Two Mortgages on One Property

Opting for two mortgages on one property should be considered carefully. While it’s possible to have two mortgages on the same property, ensuring sufficient funds for payments is important

Circumstances change, and it’s vital to keep this in mind when considering a second mortgage. As with any type of mortgage, you must keep up with both your first and second mortgages to prevent your property from being at risk. Unlike a remortgage, a second mortgage is completely separate from your first mortgage. 

The Differences Between Having Two Mortgages and Remortgaging 

Getting a second mortgage and remortgaging a property are favourable options for UK homeowners. In some cases, the two get mixed up - however, they aren't the same. Let’s take a look at the key differences. 

Two Mortgages Remortgaging
Keeps your existing mortgage and adds a new one Replaces your existing mortgage with a new one
Repayments are made on two separate mortgages Repayments are made on one mortgage
Higher interest rates Lower interest rates
Process can be quicker than remortgaging Process can take longer, especially if you switch mortgage lenders
Lenders will perform an affordability check to ensure you can repay both separate payments Lenders will perform an affordability check to ensure you can repay the new (and potentially larger) payment

Can You Have More than Two Mortgages?

Yes, it’s possible to have more than two mortgages. In fact, there's no limit on the number of mortgages you can get in the UK.

However, obtaining multiple mortgages isn’t easy, and thorough eligibility checks must be performed before a lender allows you to have several mortgages. Unlike having one or two separate payments, managing multiple mortgages can be demanding. 

Applying for a Second Mortgage With Bell Financial Solutions 

At Bell Financial Solutions, we offer expert mortgage advice for homeowners looking to get a second mortgage. Our team of experienced mortgage advisor professionals are here to guide you through your options, offering personalised advice and support.

We can assess your financial situation and help secure the most competitive mortgage rates on your behalf. 

To learn more about our award-winning services, please don’t hesitate to contact our welcoming team today!

Daniel Bell

Daniel Bell

Founder & Mortgage Expert at Bell Financial Solutions

Daniel Bell, founder of Bell Financial Solutions, combines decades of experience in both lending and borrowing to provide expert mortgage advice, specialising in complex cases like Divorce Law and Mortgage Capacity Reports.

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