If you’re a homeowner in the UK, you may have been considering a second charge mortgage.
But are they safe? Are they regulated?
In this article, we’ll answer those questions and explore the ins and outs of second charge mortgages so that you can make better decisions about taking one on.
What is a Second Charge Mortgage?
A second charge mortgage is a loan secured against your property that comes after any existing mortgages.
This type of loan is also referred to as a ‘secured loan’ or ‘homeowner loan’, and it can be used for anything from home improvements to consolidating debt. It provides an additional form of finance to existing homeowners who may be unable to secure a traditional mortgage due to their credit history or other factors.
One of the main benefits of taking out a second charge mortgage is that you don’t have to move house in order to get access to extra funds. The loan itself is secured against the equity in your home. You also don’t have to wait until all other debts are cleared before taking out the loan – which can make accessing finance much easier if you’re facing financial difficulty.
Who Would Need a Second Charge Mortgage?
A second charge mortgage is a loan secured against your property that can be used for almost any purpose. It provides an additional form of finance to existing homeowners who for whatever reason are unable to remortgage, and it can usually be arranged relatively quickly.
There are many different scenarios in which taking out a second charge mortgage could be helpful.
For example, if you’re looking to make some home improvements but don’t want to remortgage or incur early repayment charges, then this type of loan could be the ideal solution. Similarly, if you want to borrow money against your home but don’t want to lose the low fixed interest rate you have, a secured loan can help.
Second charge mortgages are also popular amongst those who have been refused by conventional lenders due to their credit history or other reasons. As these loans are secured against your property rather than being assessed on affordability alone, they may be more accessible for those with less-than-perfect financial histories.
Overall, anyone who is looking for an additional form of financing and wants flexibility and/or lower fees than what’s available with remortgaging may benefit from taking out a second charge mortgage – though it’s important to compare all of your options carefully before deciding which route is best for you.
Are second charge mortgages regulated?
Second charge mortgages are regulated loans secured against your property, allowing you to access extra funds for a variety of uses. Since 2016 the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has regulated the sale of these loans and sets out rules and regulations designed for consumer protection.
When used on your own home, second charge mortgages must comply with the FCA’s guidelines. This includes providing ‘pre-contractual disclosure’ to ensure consumers are fully informed of the terms and conditions of the loan before they sign any agreements.
However, when taking out a second charge mortgage on a property other than your main home such as a buy-to-let, these loans do not come under the regulatory umbrella of the FCA.
This means that additional care should be taken when considering these types of unregulated loan in order to ensure you’re making an informed decision that is right for you and your circumstances. It also means that there is no specific consumer protection associated with them.
In conclusion, second charge mortgages are regulated by the FCA when used on your own home but may not be regulated when used on another property like a buy to let; it is important to do research and compare different options carefully before signing up for any type of loan agreement.
What Can You Use the Money From a Second Charge Mortgage For?
The money from a second charge mortgage can be used for virtually any purpose – including home improvements such as redecorating, installing new windows or replacing a porch; large purchases such as furniture, vehicles and holidays; debt consolidation to make paying back debts more manageable.
When taking out a second charge mortgage, it’s important to think carefully about what you need the funds for and whether they represent the best financial choice available to you. It’s also worth considering how long you plan on keeping the loan for in order to ensure that you won’t incur any early repayment fees if you choose to pay it off sooner than expected.
Ultimately, with careful planning and consideration of all available options, second charge mortgages can provide an excellent way to access additional funds quickly and easily – enabling you to use them however best suits your circumstances and personal needs.
What is the difference between a first charge and second charge mortgage?
A first charge mortgage is the main loan taken out against a property, usually for the purpose of buying or refinancing. This type of loan ranks higher than any other type of secured debt on a property – meaning that if an individual was to default on their payments, then the lender’s right to take back the property would be prioritised over any other lenders.
A second charge mortgage, however, is a loan taken out in addition to an existing first charge mortgage and ranks lower than this. When associated with your own home, second charge mortgages are secured loans that are bound by the same rules as regular mortgages. Being ‘second’ means that the lender may not get back all of their money in the event of repossession.
How will regulation help me?
The FCA’s regulation of second charge mortgages on your own home is beneficial for consumers in several ways. Firstly, it ensures that the terms and conditions associated with these types of loan are fair and transparent – making it easier to compare different options when looking to take out a loan.
The regulations also protect customers from being misled by lenders, as well as any potential unfair fees or charges. In addition, the rule also sets affordability limits on amounts that can be borrowed based on a person’s income and expenditure – ensuring that borrowers are not over-indebted when taking out a second charge mortgage.