First Time Buyer Guarantor Mortgages
First-time buyer guarantor mortgages are a viable solution for new buyers without a significant deposit – here we explain how this type of mortgage works and the pros and cons.
Getting a mortgage with a third-party guarantor
A mortgage product with a guarantor is where a third party, often a parent, guarantees the loan.
They take responsibility for the mortgage repayments in addition to the principal applicant, generally their child.
If the borrower fails to make mortgage payments, the guarantor is responsible. They put their house or other valuables up as collateral for the loan.
Guarantor mortgages are an excellent option for first-time purchasers who cannot obtain a mortgage without financial support. This situation frequently happens because they have:
- Insufficient earnings to meet affordability requirements
- A small deposit
- Problems with their credit history
Borrowers who have a guarantor have a broader selection of mortgage products and lenders to choose from.
This scenario could mean taking out a larger loan from a mortgage provider that offers guarantor mortgages or first-time buyer home loans at a lower interest rate.
We'll go through how first-time buyer guarantor mortgages work and why they're typically the best option to enter the housing market if you don't have a sizable down payment.
For more information about guarantor mortgages, or to compare the rates currently available on the market, give mortgage Brokers a call on 0330 304 3040, or email the team at [email protected].
What Are Guarantor Mortgages for First-Time Buyers?
Many lenders require the guarantor to be listed as a joint applicant for the mortgage paperwork.
This lending product is a mortgage in which the guarantor verifies that they will pay the loan back if the primary borrower cannot do so.
As a result, you'll find guarantor mortgages marketed under several product names, such as:
- Family mortgages
- Flexible home loans
- Springboard mortgages
- Joint borrower loans
The responsibility for mortgage repayments is shared between the borrower and the guarantor.
The guarantor assumes the risk because their home or money are utilised as collateral. If the borrower does not make payments, their home may be repossessed.
Lenders will look at the applicant's credit record and affordability when evaluating how much to lend.
There can be additional fees with a guarantor mortgage due to the extra admin work required.
If the guarantor is already a homeowner, and they are required to put their name on the deeds, there may be a knock-on impact to things like an obligation to pay stamp duty.
If you're considering this form of loan, it's crucial to seek independent advice from an experienced mortgage broker, so you're aware of all the pros and cons.
Error: Yearly income income must be between £1 and £10,000,000.
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Costs of Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor Mortgages
This product is a slightly different type of mortgage when two people borrow money, but only one person's name appears on the title.
If the buyer is a first-time purchaser, they will usually qualify for exemption from stamp duty depending on the property's value.
A guarantor can also support only part of the mortgage.
The borrower may not need a significant deposit if they guarantee the total mortgage - or a lender might accept them with a smaller than usual deposit.
The mortgage will function smoothly if all mortgage payments are completed on schedule, and the guarantor won't be expected to make any contributions.
However, it's vital to remember that if a borrower fails to make payments, the property or any other security the guarantor has put forward can be at risk.
How Can I Get the Best Mortgage Rates for First-Time Buyers?
To receive a guarantor mortgage, you'll need to do the following:
- Discuss the application with your guarantor
- Find a suitable property, and assess the mortgage required
- Speak with a mortgage broker to identify the best deal
- Apply for a guarantor mortgage
Guarantor mortgages are frequently available from a variety of lenders.
They each have their own set of restrictions, so it's wise to consult an independent mortgage broker or financial consultant to get the best guarantor mortgage for you.
Lenders always have policies and criteria, so your acceptance and offered rates will depend on several factors:
- Where the property is based (some mortgages are restricted to specific UK countries)
- Your age
- The amount of the deposit
- Your employment, income and other debts
- If the house is your primary residence (guarantor mortgages aren't suitable for buy to lets or second homes)
- If you're a first-time homebuyer
It would be best to determine whether you have a relative who can act as a mortgage guarantor.
The lender will want to know if they can pay off their current bills while paying the new mortgage.
Even with a guarantor, you'll need to pass a basic credit check as a potential borrower. The guarantor must also have a strong credit score, be at least 21 years old, and be a current homeowner.
Someone who has a direct financial relationship with you, such as your spouse, may be ineligible.
Which Banks Offer Guarantor Mortgage Deals for First-Time Buyers?
Because first-time buyers experience difficulty climbing on the property ladder, more lenders are offering guarantor mortgages.
The following lenders often offer guarantor mortgages:
- Tipton Building Society
- Leeds Building Society
- Kent Reliance
- Ipswich Building Society
- Cumberland Building Society
- Cambridge Building Society
- Barclays
- Aldermore
Is a Guarantor Mortgage the Easiest Way to Get the Best Mortgage Rates for First-Time Buyers?
Parent-guaranteed mortgages can assist children in purchasing their first property.
A guarantor mortgage can also assist borrowers with:
- Low incomes to get on the property ladder
- Low incomes to raise the size of mortgage they can apply for
- Poor credit score or limited credit history to get on the property ladder
A guarantor mortgage is paid over the same time as a traditional mortgage, typically 25 years.
When a guarantor signs the agreement, they commit to settling the mortgage if the borrower cannot make the mortgage repayments.
Direct debits are moved to the guarantor if this happens. This change makes the guarantor accountable for additional loan fees if payments are missing.
The guarantor has no ownership interest in the property. They sign a legal contract promising to repay the loan if the borrower is unable to do so.
As a kind of security, they rely on personal property or funds.
The lender holds a charge on the property and can repossess it if repayments are not met.
Savings are kept in an account held by the lender for an agreed period. The guarantor cannot make withdrawals during this time.
The money saved could be used to make up for any missing mortgage payments.
A guarantor must:
- Own or have enough equity in their home to meet the lender's requirements
- Have a strong credit history
- Have adequate money to afford mortgage payments
How Can a Broker Help Me Find the Best Mortgage Deals for First-Time Buyers?
A guarantor mortgage benefits consumers in two ways:
- It decreases the amount of deposit required, and in some situations, you may not need one at all if your income is modest.
- It allows lenders to lend more money than if you applied alone.
The borrower may borrow the entire amount if the guarantor guarantees the whole loan or a specific part.
If savings are used as security for a guarantor mortgage, they are placed in a lender-approved savings account.
They stay for a set period or until the borrower's mortgage is paid off. Interest is sometimes paid.
Other times, interest is utilised to pay down the borrower's mortgage interest. If the house is repossessed, the gap between the sale price and the amount owing by the borrower can be covered using savings.
If you have negative equity, for example, this could be the situation.
When the value of your property is less than the amount owed on your mortgage, you have negative equity. Some lenders allow guarantors to contribute their funds to the loan as a deposit.
This option may allow the borrower to borrow more money with a lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, giving them additional options.
Professional Advice Finding a First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage With a Guarantor
The guarantor will not be barred from taking out other loans or mortgages in the future if the terms and conditions of the guarantor mortgage are followed.
It may limit their capacity to borrow additional money during the guarantor mortgage's term.
Therefore, it's essential to seek advice before applying for a guarantor mortgage, so both the first-time buyer and their guarantor are comfortable that it's the best solution.
To discuss guarantor mortgage rates, or have a chat about whether this type of mortgage is the best option in your circumstances, give Revolution Brokers a call on 0330 304 3040.
Further Reading
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Are There Still 5% Mortgages for First-Time Buyers?
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Where Can I Get the Best First-Time Buyer Mortgage Rates?
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First Time Buyer New Build Mortgages
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Buy to Let Mortgages for First Time Buyers
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Tips for Finding a First Time Buyer Mortgage With a 5% Deposit
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Deposit Requirements for First Time Buyers
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First Time Buyer Guarantor Mortgages
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How to Secure Competitive First Time Buyer Mortgage Rates
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Bad Credit First Time Buyer Mortgages
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How to Get Onto the Property Ladder as a First-Time Buyer
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Understanding First-Time Buyer Stamp Duty and Mortgage Costs
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All You Need to Know About Applying for a First-Time Buyer Mortgage
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Is it Easier to Get a First-Time Buyer Mortgage on a New Build?
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Are Mortgages for First-Time Buyers Affordable?
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Can I Get a Buy-to-Let First-Time Buyer Mortgage?
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What Are the Best Mortgage Rates for First-Time Buyers?
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Is an ISA for First-Time Buyers an Effective Way to Save a Deposit?
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What Is a First-Time Buyer Mortgage UK?
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How Much Do I Need to Save for a First-Time Buyer Deposit?
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Applying for a First-Time Buyer Mortgage With Bad Credit
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Which Are the Best Support Schemes for a First-Time Buyer?
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How to Use a First-Time Buyer Mortgage Calculator
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Do I Qualify as a First-Time Buyer?
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