Everyone talks about purchasing a property and the associated mortgage you secure. Then people talk about remortgaging or doing a product transfer to keep a good interest rate and mortgage product on your property. But very few people talk about what else remortgaging could help with. Every day borrowers look into remortgaging their property for debt consolidation purposes, to make their existing debt more manageable. In this blog we will explore in the ins and out of remortgaging to consolidate debt, and how a mortgage advisor could help.
Can I Remortgage for Debt Consolidation?
Yes, you can potentially remortgage for debt consolidation. Remortgaging is a viable option for many homeowners looking to manage their finances more effectively. By remortgaging to consolidate debt, you can potentially lower your monthly payments, reduce the interest you pay, and simplify your financial obligations. However, it is not something that is possible for everyone. You must meet standard mortgage affordability criteria and credit criteria in order to get any kind of mortgage. For example, if you have £50,000 worth of debt and you want to consolidate it into a £300,000 mortgage, you will need to be able to afford a £300,000 mortgage in the first place. The best way to check you eligibility is to use a mortgage calculator and then speak to one of our mortgage advisors here to look at your affordability more closely.
What is Remortgaging?
Remortgaging is the process of switching your current mortgage to a new deal, either with your existing lender or a new one. This new mortgage pays off the old one, effectively replacing it. People choose to remortgage for various reasons, such as securing a better interest rate, accessing equity, or, as in this case, consolidating debt. Normally every few years a mortgage borrower will look to remortgage to make sure that they are getting the best deal available for their circumstances, and mortgage advisors are there to help with this process.
The Process of Remortgaging
Remortgaging can seem complex, especially if you are consolidating debt. But with the right guidance from a mortgage professional, it can be straightforward. Here are the steps involved:
1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation
Before considering remortgaging to consolidate debt, evaluate your current financial status. List all your existing debts, including credit cards, personal loans, and any other outstanding balances. Calculate your total debt and the interest rates you’re paying.
2. Determine Your Property’s Value
Understanding your property’s current market value is crucial. This will help you determine the equity available in your home. Equity is the difference between your home’s value and the outstanding mortgage balance. If your debt is too high compared to the value of your property, your equity will be low and you will not be able to raise any money on your property through a remortgage.
3. Research Mortgage Deals
Look for mortgage deals that suit your needs with the help of a mortgage advisor. Your mortgage advisor can compare interest rates, terms, and conditions. It’s essential to find a mortgage that offers a lower interest rate than your existing debts to make remortgaging beneficial.
4. Consult a Mortgage Advisor
A mortgage advisor can provide expert guidance throughout the remortgaging process. They can help you find the best deals, understand the terms, and navigate the application process. At Oportfolio Mortgages, we specialise in helping clients remortgage and switch to a more beneficial mortgage product. Our advisors can assist you in finding a deal that fits your financial situation and goals.
5. Apply for the New Mortgage
Once you’ve chosen a mortgage deal, submit your application. The lender will assess your financial situation, credit history, and property value. They may also require a valuation of your property.
6. Pay Off Existing Debts
If your application is approved, the new mortgage will pay off your existing one. You can then use the additional funds to clear your debts. This consolidates all your debts into a single monthly mortgage payment.
Remortgaging for Debt Consolidation
Remortgaging to consolidate debt involves using the equity in your home to pay off multiple debts. This can be a strategic move to manage high-interest debts more effectively.
Benefits of Remortgaging to Consolidate Debt
- Lower Interest Rates: Mortgages typically have lower interest rates compared to credit cards and personal loans. By remortgaging, you can benefit from these lower rates, reducing the overall interest you pay.
- Simplified Payments: Managing multiple debts can be stressful. Remortgaging to consolidate debt means you only have one monthly payment to make, simplifying your finances.
- Improved Cash Flow: Lower monthly payments can free up cash for other expenses or savings, improving your financial stability.
- Potentially Lower Monthly Payments: Extending the term of your mortgage can spread the cost over a longer period, potentially reducing your monthly payments.
- Debt Management: Consolidating your debts into a mortgage can help you manage your debt more effectively and avoid missed payments or penalties.
Risks of Remortgaging to Consolidate Debt
While remortgaging to pay off debt has its advantages, it’s important to consider the potential risks:
- Longer Repayment Term: Extending your mortgage term means you’ll be paying off your debt over a longer period, which could increase the total amount of interest paid.
- Securing Unsecured Debt: By remortgaging to clear debt, you’re converting unsecured debt (like credit cards) into secured debt against your home. This means if you can’t keep up with payments, you risk losing your home.
- Fees and Costs: Remortgaging involves fees such as valuation fees, legal fees, and potential early repayment charges on your current mortgage. Ensure these costs don’t outweigh the benefits.
Remortgaging to Pay Off Help to Buy
If you used the Help to Buy scheme to purchase your home, remortgaging can also be a way to pay off the equity loan. Yes, Help to Buy IS a debt that will need to be paid off at some point. This can be beneficial if the value of your property has increased, allowing you to pay off the loan with the increased equity.
Benefits of Remortgaging to Pay Off Help to Buy
- Remove Equity Loan: By remortgaging to pay off the Help to Buy equity loan, you remove the obligation to pay a percentage of your home’s future value, which can be financially beneficial if your home’s value increases.
- Simplified Finances: Paying off the equity loan means you only have your mortgage to manage, simplifying your financial obligations.
- Potential for Better Mortgage Deals: With the equity loan paid off, you might qualify for better mortgage deals based on your home’s increased value.
Steps to Remortgaging to Pay Off Help to Buy
- Assess Your Property’s Value: Determine your home’s current market value. This will help you understand how much equity you have.
- Consult a Mortgage Advisor: At Oportfolio Mortgages, our advisors can guide you through the process of remortgaging to pay off your Help to Buy loan. We can help you find suitable deals and manage the application process.
- Find a Suitable Mortgage Deal: Look for mortgage deals that offer better terms and can cover the outstanding balance of your equity loan.
- Apply for the New Mortgage: Submit your application, including the details of your Help to Buy loan. The lender will assess your financial situation and property value.
- Pay Off the Equity Loan: If approved, the new mortgage will cover your existing mortgage and the Help to Buy equity loan, consolidating them into a single monthly payment.
Why Choose Oportfolio Mortgages?
Remortgaging to consolidate debt can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can be a strategic move towards better financial management. At Oportfolio Mortgages, we specialize in helping clients navigate the remortgaging process. Our experienced advisors can provide personalized advice, helping you find the best deals and manage the application process smoothly.
Our Services
- Expert Advice: Our mortgage advisors have extensive knowledge and experience in remortgaging for debt consolidation. We can provide tailored advice based on your financial situation and goals.
- Access to a Wide Range of Deals: We have access to a vast network of lenders and mortgage deals, ensuring we can find the best options for you.
- Comprehensive Support: From evaluating your financial situation to submitting your application and managing the process, we provide comprehensive support every step of the way.
- Transparent Communication: We believe in clear and transparent communication. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you understand your options and the terms of your new mortgage.
Contact Us
If you’re considering remortgaging for debt consolidation, Oportfolio Mortgages is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert advisors. We can discuss your financial situation, explore your options, and guide you through the process of remortgaging to clear debt. Remortgaging to pay off debt can be a strategic move towards better financial management. With the right guidance and support, you can simplify your finances, reduce your interest payments, and improve your financial stability. If you are looking at remortgaging for debt consolidation or any other reason, let Oportfolio Mortgages help you achieve your financial goals.
