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.
- Income: Affordability checks, looking at your income, outgoings, and also debt-to-income ratio, show lenders whether or not you can afford to make repayments on another mortgage.
- 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.
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!