Buying a Home for a Family Member: The Complete Guide

Buying a home for a family member can be a great way to help them achieve their financial goals. It can provide them with a stable place to live, build equity, and start a family. However, it is important to choose the right type of mortgage for this type of purchase. There are a few different options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of mortgages that are available for buying a home for a family member. We will also discuss the tax implications of this type of purchase and provide tips for negotiating a good price.

Whether you are a parent looking to help your child buy their first home, or a grandparent looking to provide a home for your grandchildren, this article will provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your family.

Buying or remortgaging a property can be complicated, especially when the use of the property falls between residential and investment purposes. For example, a property that is rented to a family member is considered residential, even though rent is changing hands. This means that a regulated residential mortgage is required, rather than an investment mortgage.

Residential mortgages typically offer lower interest rates, fees, and other costs than investment mortgages. They may also be available on an interest-only basis, which can help to keep monthly payments low. If you are considering buying a home for a family member, it is important to speak with a mortgage advisor to determine the best type of mortgage for your situation.

Guarantor Mortgages: What You Need to Know

A guarantor mortgage is a type of mortgage where a third party, known as the guarantor, agrees to repay the mortgage if the borrower defaults on their payments. This can be a helpful option for borrowers who have a poor credit history or who do not have enough income to qualify for a mortgage on their own.

The guarantor must be someone who is financially stable and who has a good credit history. They will be required to provide the lender with proof of income and assets, and they will be legally responsible for repaying the mortgage if the borrower does not.

Guarantor mortgages can offer a number of advantages for borrowers, including:

  • The ability to borrow more money than they would be able to on their own.
  • Lower interest rates, as lenders are taking on less risk by having a guarantor.
  • The ability to get a mortgage even if they have a poor credit history.

However, there are also some disadvantages to guarantor mortgages, including:

  • The guarantor is legally responsible for repaying the mortgage if the borrower defaults.
  • The guarantor’s credit score may be affected if the borrower defaults.
  • The guarantor may be required to make monthly payments on the mortgage, even if the borrower is making their payments on time.

If you are considering a guarantor mortgage, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. You should also speak with a mortgage advisor to get personalized advice on whether a guarantor mortgage is the right option for you.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about guarantor mortgages:

  • The guarantor’s income and assets will be considered when the lender decides how much money to lend to the borrower.
  • The guarantor will be required to sign a legal document called a guarantee agreement. This agreement will outline the guarantor’s responsibilities and liabilities. Independent legal advice would be required for this.
  • The guarantor should have a good understanding of the borrower’s financial situation before agreeing to be a guarantor.
  • The guarantor should be prepared to make monthly payments on the mortgage if the borrower defaults.

Guarantor mortgages can be a helpful option for borrowers who need help qualifying for a mortgage. However, it is important to carefully consider the risks and responsibilities before agreeing to be a guarantor.

These types of mortgages are available through select lenders and are commonly known as Joint-borrower-Sole-proprietor.  The limitation to this type of finance is only two incomes will be considered.

Purchasing a Property with an Annex: A Unique Mortgage Option

Buying a property with an annex can be a great way to provide a home for a family member or friend, while also generating income from the rental of the annex. However, it can be difficult to get a mortgage for this type of property, as lenders are often reluctant to lend money for properties that are not considered to be “standard” residential properties.

That’s where Orton Financial can help. We have extensive experience in arranging mortgages for properties with annexes, and we can help you find the right lender for your needs. We can also help you with the application process, and we’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.

Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a property with an annex:

  • You can provide a home for a family member or friend who may not be able to afford to buy their own home.
  • You can generate income from the rental of the annex.
  • You can have the best of both worlds: a single-family home with the added benefit of a separate living space.
  • You may be able to benefit from a reduction in stamp duty. For example, when purchasing a property worth £700,000 with an annexe there a potential savings of up to £12,500*

*based on stamp duty as of 09/08/23

If you’re considering purchasing a property with an annex, we encourage you to contact Orton Financial today. We can help you make your dream a reality.

Multiple Applicant Mortgages: A solution for Borrowers with Limited income

If you’re looking to buy a home but you have limited income, you may be wondering if there are any mortgage options available to you. The good news is that there are multiple applicant mortgages, which allow you to combine the incomes of up to four borrowers to qualify for a larger loan.

Multiple applicant mortgages can be a great option for borrowers who are self-employed, have a poor credit history, or are looking to buy a property with a high price tag. They can also be a good option for borrowers who want to help a family member or friend buy a home.

To qualify for a multiple applicant mortgage, you’ll need to meet the lender’s requirements for each borrower. This may include having a good credit score, a steady income, and a down payment. You’ll also need to be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments.

If you’re interested in a multiple applicant mortgage, it’s important to speak with a mortgage advisor to get personalized advice. They can help you determine if you qualify for a multiple applicant mortgage, and they can help you find a lender that meets your needs.

How Orton Financial Helped a Client with a Complex Mortgage Application

Orton Financial recently helped a long-term client who was an American national, residing on a spousal visa and earning in US dollars (USD). The client had previously purchased a flat in London with the help of Orton Financial, and now wanted to purchase two more flats in the same building.

Some lenders have restricted appetite for mortgages to borrowers who earn in foreign currency or have a visa, but Orton Financial has extensive experience in assisting this type of client. We were able to identify and advise the client on the most suitable lender at the time, saving them considerable time and money.

An added complication was that the two flats that the client wanted to purchase were next to each other, and she wanted to purchase them all in her sole name. This is not always possible, but Orton Financial was able to arrange finance with two high street lenders who were comfortable with the client’s situation and overall profile.

By arranging the finance through high street lenders instead of private lenders, the client was able to obtain the best rates available on the market and more flexible lending terms. If the client had been purchasing the same properties for investment purposes, she would have faced considerable hurdles, mostly limited to her earnings being in US dollars and her residency rights in the UK.

If you are looking for advice on your next mortgage and have an unusual or complex situation, Orton Financial may be able to help.

Orton Financial LTD is not a tax advisor. We would always recommend seeking professional advice before making any decisions.