Second charge lending is forging ahead

Second charge mortgages are becoming a progressively more competitive way for borrowers to raise funds on their existing property, and product innovation means that there are more ways for clients to access a second charge mortgage.

For example, a growing number of landlords are choosing to raise capital with a second charge on a buy-to-let property and there is a growing range of options for clients.

We are also seeing a rise in second charge mortgages that take an equitable charge on the property. With an equitable charge, the lender does not take a legal stake in the property, but instead is given the right for a judicial process of recovery, which means that an equitable charge can be used where the first charge lender declines their consent to a second charge being registered. It even means that equitable charge mortgages are available to clients who have bought their home using a Help to Buy loan.

Therefore, with the growth in the availability and diversity of second charge mortgages, here are four frequent opportunities where a second charge mortgage might just prove to be the most suitable solution for a client.

Low legacy rate or interest-only

There are many borrowers on a lifetime tracker or variable rate that is so low that they would be unable to match their current rate by re-mortgaging. For clients in this situation who want to raise extra money from their property, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to use a second charge loan to borrow the money, rather than shift the entire balance onto a more expensive rate.

Need some assistance?

If you think this form of loan could assist you in your future planning it is particularly important to ensure you get the correct advice. There are many lenders offering numerous second charge loans, please call one of our independent advisers who will be able to guide you in the correct direction.

Second charge loans increasing rapidly

The number of new second charge loans taken out in June was 1,960, up 195% on the same month last year, according to the latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA).

The value of second charge business in June was £91m, equating to a 236% increase in value compared to May 2020.

For the three months to April, 5,853 second charge new agreements were arranged, worth £260m.

However, for the full year to June 2021 19,903 new second charge loans were completed, worth a total of £833m, down 24% and 21% respectively.

The second charge mortgage market continued its recovery in June as new business grew for a third consecutive month.  In H1 2021, new business volumes increased by 21% compared with the same period in 2020, and we expect further growth during the second half of this year.”

FLA figures for second charge borrowing in April showed a rise of 176% on the same month last year.

Need some assistance?

If you think this form of loan could assist you in your future planning it is particularly important to ensure you get the correct advice. There are many lenders offering numerous second charge loans, please call one of our independent advisers who will be able to guide you in the correct direction.

Are you self-employed? is borrowing money a problem?

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show self-employment is at its highest point since records began over 40 years ago, this means nearly 19% of UK workforce is now self-employed. 

This ever-increasing sector of the UK workforce is probably the most in need of specialist lenders.

A large number of high-street lenders appear not to be interested in them at all as they see them as high risk.

This also applies to not only the self-employed but pretty much any working person in non-standard employment. Regular lenders seem to class this category of the work force as “too difficult” thus the need for specialist lenders. 

If you are self-employed and have a current mortgage a second charge loan could be just the help you are looking for. Second charge loans are fast to complete and far more flexible than any re-mortgage.

A second charge loan offers a quick affordable solution to raising cash secured on your home.  As lending to the self-employed is a specialist market it is recommended to contact an independent broker to get advice as to which loan suits your needs. Independent brokers have access to various lenders who offer very competitive rates in all areas of lending.

One of the many advantages of a second charge loan is it does not affect the first charge mortgage sitting on the property. In this case it makes a second charge a very cost-effective option and can save thousands on exit fees on the first charge mortgage.

Need some help?

If you think this form of loan could assist you in your planning please do get in contact and one of our independent qualified advisers will be happy to guide you in the correct direction.

Second charge loans and consolidating your debt.

Has this pandemic increased your debt?

The coronavirus has left many people financially worse off with debts increasing.

One of the many advantages of debt consolidation is that when done properly it lowers the total amount of interest you are paying. The idea is to consolidate higher interest debts into a single loan with a lower rate. So, the first question to ask is what makes up the bulk of your debt?

If most of what you owe is on high-interest credit cards, you may be a suitable candidate for debt consolidation. Credit card interest rates can run anywhere from 9% to 35% or more. Debt consolidation loans structured as secured loans against property almost always offer significantly lower rates.

Sometimes interest rates and terms are not the two most key factors for debt consolidation. Sometimes the simple matter of needing more money to pay your monthly bills is the priority. So, your next question is whether you absolutely need a lower monthly payment.

Scrutinize your outgoings

Take a look at your budget. If your finances are taken to the brink of disaster every month, you have no room for emergencies or unforeseen expenses. In your case, debt consolidation would also be a good idea if it could substantially lower your monthly outlay. It is better to pay more interest over the long term than face continued problems because you cannot pay monthly bills.

Second charge loans nowadays come in “all shapes and sizes” and there is likely to be one to fit your needs. The crucial thing is to get professional advice as there are so many options open to homeowners.

Essential, get independent professional advice!

If you are looking to raise funds on the equity within your property please do contact us and one of our independent advisers will be happy to assist.