Making Big Savings with an Offset Mortgage
Long-term savings of thousands of pounds may be made by choosing the appropriate mortgage type. An offset mortgage is a less popular form but worth considering if it makes value for your specific scenario. The way that many Britons view their mortgage has been forever changed by offsetting mortgages and their predecessors, current account mortgages. They can either shorten the term and help you become mortgage-free sooner, or they can help you lower your monthly payments.
Normally, you might consider offsetting if you have the money you need to access but aren’t happy with the punishing interest rates offered by easy-access accounts. Higher-rate taxpayers might also wish to think about offset mortgages as their savings will earn no interest, and they can use a mortgage connected to their savings account to lower their interest payments.
Any money you have in savings in that account is taken away from your debt. Lenders do not have to report this as taxable income because they subtract it from your mortgage balance. In another way, it is tax-free because you apply interest from savings or a lump sum generated towards your mortgage.
What is a mortgage offset?
You only pay interest on the balance with an offset mortgage. You will only have to pay interest on the mortgage balance after deducting the money in the connecting savings account, for instance, if you have £20,000 in savings and a £200,000 mortgage. You’ll pay less interest on your mortgage. The more money you have in savings the lower the interest on your mortgage will be.
Also Read: What Is a Mortgage Broker And Why Do You Need?
Why is reducing your mortgage interest rate important?
For your mortgage’s whole term, interest can mount up quickly. For example, you would spend more than £80,000 in interest if you repaid a £200,000 mortgage over 25 years at a 3% interest rate. Long-term savings can be achieved through anything that lowers the interest you must pay, such as an offset mortgage.
Are your funds still accessible if you have an offset mortgage?
Yes. You can still use your savings if necessary, which is one of an offset mortgage’s key benefits. You never have to use the money to pay off your mortgage; it is still yours. Remember that your mortgage payments will increase if you take a sizable amount of money out of your monthly savings.
With an offset mortgage, is it still able to increase your savings?
Yes, you can still increase your savings, which is frequently a wise choice. In that it will lower the balance you are paying interest on, the result is the same as if you were to make extra payments on your mortgage. The extra advantage is that if you later change your mind, you can withdraw the funds if necessary. In most cases, if you have overpaid your mortgage, you cannot do this unless you apply for remortgage.
Also Read: Advantages of Using a Professional Mortgage Broker
Why not make a larger deposit using your savings?
Increasing your deposit with savings has the same impact as getting an offset mortgage in that it lowers the interest you must pay. The benefit of selecting an offset mortgage is that, unlike if you utilise your funds as a deposit, you can still access them later if necessary.
Using your funds as a larger deposit has two benefits. Since offset mortgages are less common than other sorts, you’ll first have access to a greater selection of mortgages. Additionally, your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) will be reduced.
These two factors may allow you to find a mortgage with a cheaper interest rate than the accessible offset mortgages. Your circumstances determine the best course of action, so you might want to speak with a mortgage broker to help you weigh your options.
Perks of offset mortgages offer:
- You can overpay and pay off your mortgage sooner or make smaller monthly payments.
- Your saving funds will still be available to you if you need them.
- You won’t have to pay taxes if your savings are not earning interest.
- You’ll typically save more on your mortgage than your saving.
Cons of offset mortgages have:
- Your funds won’t accrue any interest.
- Compared to other mortgage kinds, offset mortgages often have higher interest rates.
- The choice of offset mortgages is limited.
- Sometimes, increasing your mortgage deposit is better than using your funds.
Conclusion:
An offset mortgage can be a powerful financial tool for homeowners seeking to save on interest payments and reduce their mortgage terms. By linking their mortgage to a savings or current account, borrowers can enjoy the flexibility of accessing their savings while offsetting their home loan interest.
With its expert advice and access to multiple lenders, Mountview Financial Solutions can be a valuable ally in harnessing the benefits of an offset mortgage. If you’re considering an offset mortgage, consulting with the professionals at Mountview Financial Solutions could be the key to unlocking substantial savings on your mortgage journey.
