Saving for a mortgage deposit can be challenging in today’s financial landscape. As experienced mortgage brokers in Beverley, we understand that first time buyers in Beverley may feel overwhelmed by the homebuying process.
It’s crucial to assess your credit score, accumulate a sufficient deposit, and provide evidence of your affordability.
In this article, we will delve into effective strategies for saving towards your mortgage deposit and provide valuable insights on key factors to consider before embarking on your mortgage journey.
Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and guidance necessary to make informed decisions along the way.
Work Out How Much You Need to Save For Your Mortgage in Beverley
Determining your monthly disposable income is the first step in saving for a mortgage deposit. Begin by assessing your average monthly expenses to estimate the amount you can allocate towards your savings. This will provide a realistic perspective on how much you can save each month.
Typically, the minimum deposit requirement is 5% of the property’s value. We have observed that some first time buyers in Beverley aim to save even more, sometimes up to 20% of the property’s value.
A larger deposit translates to lower monthly mortgage payments. For individuals with bad credit, a deposit of around 15-20% may be required.
Remember, a larger deposit reduces the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and mitigates risk for lenders. It also demonstrates your ability to save and enhances your reliability as a mortgage applicant.
Additionally, it’s important to consider other costs associated with taking out a mortgage, including arrangement fees, solicitor fees, property survey fees, and potential costs associated with using a mortgage broker in Beverley.
Properly accounting for these expenses will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the financial commitment involved.
Are there any schemes available?
Exploring government-led schemes can be beneficial in boosting your mortgage deposit or facilitating savings for it. It’s worth checking your eligibility for these schemes to see if they can help you.
One popular scheme is the Shared Ownership scheme, allowing you to secure a mortgage for a percentage of a property, thereby reducing your initial deposit requirement.
With this scheme, you can obtain a mortgage for 10%-75% of the property, providing a helpful starting point for your first time buyer journey in Beverley.
There are additional schemes available, such as the Lifetime ISA, first homes scheme, and the mortgage guaranteed scheme, each with its own advantages and criteria.
If you’re interested in these schemes or would like to learn more, feel free to reach out to us or book a free mortgage appointment online with one of our knowledgeable mortgage advisors in Beverley. You can also find further information on the government’s OwnYourHome website.
Help From Elsewhere
Receiving a gifted deposit can be a valuable opportunity to enhance your mortgage deposit.
A gifted deposit refers to a contribution towards your mortgage that is given to you by a family member or friend. It’s important to note that a gifted deposit is not a loan but a genuine gift, meaning it does not need to be repaid in the future.
Review Your Outgoings
It’s essential to review your monthly bills and subscriptions to identify potential areas where you can save money. Take a close look at each expense and consider if there are any alternatives or cheaper options available.
Additionally, it’s worth examining your memberships to see if there are more cost-effective alternatives elsewhere. By maximising your savings each month, you can contribute more towards your mortgage deposit.
Have you considered buying a property with a friend or partner?
Purchasing a property with a friend or partner is a common approach taken by many first time buyers in Beverley. This option is appealing because it allows you to pool your savings, effectively doubling your purchasing power.
It’s important to exercise caution when entering into financial agreements with others. If your partner or friend has a poor credit history, it could potentially impact your own eligibility for a mortgage. For instance, if they have a default on their credit record, it may hinder their ability to secure a mortgage.
Fortunately, there are specific mortgage options available for individuals who wish to purchase a property jointly with a friend or partner. These mortgages are tailored to accommodate such arrangements and provide suitable financing solutions for joint buyers.
Joint Tenants
With this type of mortgage, both parties are joint owners of the mortgage and have equal ownership rights over the property. In the unfortunate event that one party passes away during the mortgage term, the full ownership of the property will automatically transfer to the surviving owner.
It’s important to note that lenders treat both parties as a single unit when assessing the mortgage application. Therefore, any decisions regarding the sale or remortgage of the property will require agreement and cooperation from both joint owners.
This ensures that both parties have equal involvement in the decision-making process.
Tenants in Common
With this type of mortgage, multiple owners have specific shares in the property, and these shares do not have to be equal. Each owner’s share represents their ownership interest in the property.
In the future, as individual shareholders, you may have the flexibility to sell or transfer your shares in the property. This means that you have the option to sell your share to another party or gift it to someone else, subject to any legal agreements or restrictions in place.
It’s important to note that any changes in ownership shares should be handled in accordance with the mortgage agreement and legal requirements. Consulting with a legal professional is advisable to ensure a smooth and legally compliant process.
Saving For a Deposit if You Have Bad Credit in Beverley
If you have bad credit, it’s likely that lenders will require a higher deposit from you. In such cases, you may need to save around 10% to 15% of the property’s value as a deposit. This means you might need to allocate more time to save up for your desired deposit amount.
It’s important to note that you can also take steps to improve your credit score. By implementing certain strategies and following helpful tips, you can work towards enhancing your creditworthiness.
These tips may include managing your existing debts responsibly, making timely payments, keeping your credit utilisation low, and reviewing your credit report for any errors or discrepancies.
Improving your credit score can increase your chances of obtaining a more favourable mortgage offer with lower deposit requirements.
It’s always advisable to consult with a professional mortgage advisor who can provide personalised guidance and help you navigate the process of improving your creditworthiness.
Register on the Voter’s Roll
To enhance your credibility with lenders, it’s important to ensure that you are registered on the voter’s roll. This registration not only validates your current address but also demonstrates your reliability and stability.
Additionally, it’s crucial to review and verify that all your personal information, including your name and address, is accurately spelled and consistent across various platforms. This includes your banking details, store cards, billing addresses, and other relevant records.
Maintaining consistency in your personal information helps build trust with lenders and reassures them of your reliability and attention to detail. By aligning your address information across different accounts and documents, you present a cohesive and dependable profile to potential lenders.
Remember to periodically update your information if you move or change addresses to ensure that your records remain up to date and aligned.
Try to Keep Within Your Maximum Limit
It’s important to avoid maxing out your credit card and failing to pay off the balance each month, as this can have a negative impact on your credit score. Instead, it’s advisable to use a credit card responsibly by ensuring that you pay off the full balance on time each month.
By using your credit card responsibly and paying off the balance in full, you demonstrate good financial management and responsibility. This helps establish a positive credit history and shows lenders that you can effectively manage credit without accumulating excessive debt.
Maintaining a low credit utilisation ratio (the percentage of your available credit that you use) is also beneficial for your credit score. Aim to keep your credit card balances well below the credit limit to showcase responsible credit usage.
By using your credit card wisely and paying off the balance promptly, you can maintain a positive credit score and enhance your financial standing.
Meet Payment Deadlines
It’s crucial to prioritise meeting payment deadlines and ensuring that you have sufficient funds in your account when credit card payments are due. Consistently fulfilling these obligations can have a positive impact on your credit rating.
By consistently making timely payments, you demonstrate your financial responsibility and reliability to lenders. This helps build a positive credit history, indicating that you can effectively manage your financial obligations.
To ensure that you meet payment deadlines, consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to help you stay organised. By doing so, you can avoid late payments, which can negatively affect your credit rating.
Consistency in meeting payment deadlines and maintaining a strong payment record will contribute to a positive credit rating, which is important for future credit applications and financial opportunities.
Close Down Any Unused Credit Accounts
It’s important to consider closing credit accounts that you no longer use or intend to use. Keeping unused accounts open can potentially have a negative impact on your credit file.
Having an old address linked to an account can create discrepancies and affect your credit score. Therefore, it’s advisable to update your address information and ensure that all accounts reflect your current and accurate details.
This advice also applies to store accounts. If you have store accounts that you no longer utilise, it’s beneficial to close them down. By doing so, you can streamline your credit profile and prevent any potential negative impact on your credit score.
Taking proactive steps to close unused accounts and update your address information helps maintain a clean and accurate credit file. This contributes to a healthier credit profile and improves your overall creditworthiness.
Detach Yourself From Any Financial Links to Others
It’s important to be aware that having a financial connection with someone who has bad credit can have a detrimental effect on your own credit score. This situation often arises in cases of divorce or separation, where both individuals remain financially linked and their actions can impact each other negatively.
When you are financially connected to someone with a poor credit history, their financial behaviour, such as missed payments or defaults, can potentially affect your creditworthiness. This can make it more challenging for you to secure credit or obtain favourable terms on loans and mortgages.
To protect your credit score, it’s advisable to sever any financial connections with individuals who have bad credit. This may involve closing joint accounts, removing your name from shared loans, or taking other necessary steps to ensure your financial independence.
By taking proactive measures to disentangle yourself from these connections, you can safeguard your own credit score and maintain a strong financial standing. It’s always best to consult with a financial advisor or credit expert for guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Our Expert Mortgage Advisors in Beverley
If you’re embarking on the journey of saving for a mortgage and seeking expert advice in Beverley, our team at Beverleymoneyman is here to help you.
We understand that starting the mortgage process can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a helping hand and easing your concerns. With over 20 years of industry experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process.
To get started, you can conveniently book your free mortgage consultation with one of our experienced mortgage advisors in Beverley. Whether you prefer to book online or give us a call, we’ll ensure that you receive personalised guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
At Beverleymoneyman, we’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of the mortgage journey and make informed decisions. Contact us today to arrange your free mortgage appointment and take the first step towards achieving your homeownership goals in Beverley.
Date Last Edited: January 22, 2024