100% Mortgages - Borrow more with a no deposit mortgage

No deposit mortgages are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as more and more people struggle to save for a deposit on a house. In this article, we will explore what no deposit mortgages are, how they work, and the pros and cons of taking out this type of mortgage.

What is a no deposit mortgage?

A no deposit mortgage is a type of mortgage where the borrower does not need to provide a deposit to secure the loan. Instead, the lender will lend the full amount of the mortgage without requiring the borrower to put down any money upfront.

How do no deposit mortgages work?

No deposit mortgages work in much the same way as traditional mortgages, with the main difference being that the borrower does not need to provide a deposit. The lender will still carry out affordability checks to ensure that the borrower can afford the monthly repayments, and will also carry out a credit check to assess the borrower’s creditworthiness.

One important thing to note is that no deposit mortgages are not widely available in the UK. They are generally only offered by a small number of specialist lenders, and may only be available to certain types of borrowers, such as first-time buyers.

Pros of no deposit mortgages

The main advantage of a no deposit mortgage is that it allows people who would otherwise be unable to afford a deposit to get onto the property ladder. This can be particularly beneficial for first-time buyers who may not have had the opportunity to save up a deposit.

Another advantage of no deposit mortgages is that they can be used to purchase properties that are more expensive than the borrower would be able to afford with a traditional mortgage. This can be useful for people who have found their dream home but are struggling to save up enough money for a deposit.

Cons of no deposit mortgages

One of the main disadvantages of no deposit mortgages is that they generally come with higher interest rates than traditional mortgages. This is because the lender is taking on a higher level of risk by lending the full amount of the mortgage without a deposit.

Another disadvantage of no deposit mortgages is that they can be more difficult to qualify for than traditional mortgages. Lenders may require higher credit scores or more stringent affordability checks to ensure that they are not taking on too much risk by lending the full amount of the mortgage.

Finally, it is important to note that no deposit mortgages can be risky for borrowers. If the property market experiences a downturn, borrowers may find themselves in negative equity, meaning that the value of their home is less than the amount of their mortgage. This can make it difficult to sell the property or remortgage in the future.

Current Availability of 100% Mortgages in the UK

Following the financial crisis of 2008, many lenders withdrew 100% mortgage products from the market, as they were seen as too risky. However, in recent years, a small number of lenders have reintroduced 100% mortgage products, particularly for first-time buyers.

For example, some lenders may offer 100% mortgages to borrowers who have a guarantor, such as a family member, who is willing to provide additional security for the loan. Other lenders may offer 100% mortgages as part of a shared ownership scheme, which allows borrowers to purchase a percentage of the property and pay rent on the remaining share.

However, it is worth noting that 100% mortgages are still relatively rare in the UK, and borrowers may need to shop around to find a suitable product. In addition, borrowers should be aware that 100% mortgages may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before committing to this type of mortgage.

Depending on the lender you may have to fit one of a few types of criteria, such as:

Made all your rent and credit commitments on time for the last year
Have a good credit history
Have a guarantor
Buy using the shared ownership scheme

This will vary depending on the lender, so you may not have to have a guarantor, or use the shared ownership scheme. However, there are certainly options for those areas.

Alternatives to 100% Mortgages

For borrowers who are unable to save for a deposit, there are several alternative options that may be worth considering. For example, some lenders offer mortgages with a lower deposit requirement, such as a 5% or 10% deposit. While this still requires borrowers to save some money upfront, it may be more manageable than a 20% or 25% deposit.

In addition, some government schemes may be available to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder. For example, the First Homes scheme allows borrowers to purchase a new-build property with a discount. This can make it easier for borrowers to access affordable mortgage products with a lower deposit requirement.

Another option for borrowers is to consider shared ownership schemes, which allow buyers to purchase a percentage of a property and pay rent on the remaining share. This can be a more affordable way to get onto the property ladder, as borrowers only need to save for a deposit on the share they are purchasing.

Top 5 Things to Know About 100% Mortgages in the UK

A 100% mortgage is a type of mortgage that allows borrowers to finance the entire cost of a property, without having to put down a deposit. This type of mortgage can be appealing for first-time buyers who may struggle to save up for a deposit or who have limited funds available. However, it’s important to understand the risks and considerations before deciding whether a 100% mortgage is right for you. Here are the top 5 things to know about 100% mortgages in the UK.

Higher interest rates

Because 100% mortgages carry a higher level of risk for lenders, they typically come with higher interest rates than traditional mortgages. This means that you may end up paying more over the life of the loan than you would with a mortgage that requires a deposit. It’s important to carefully consider whether you can afford the monthly repayments and the total cost of the mortgage before committing to a 100% mortgage.

Stricter eligibility criteria

To qualify for a 100% mortgage, you’ll need to meet strict eligibility criteria. Lenders will typically require you to have a good credit score, a stable income, and a low debt-to-income ratio. You may also need to provide evidence of your income and employment status, as well as proof of your ability to afford the monthly repayments. Some lenders may also require you to have a guarantor, who agrees to take responsibility for the mortgage if you are unable to make the payments.

Limited availability

100% mortgages are not as widely available as traditional mortgages, and they may be subject to more limited availability during times of economic uncertainty. This is because lenders are more cautious about lending money without a deposit, and may be less willing to take on risk during times of economic volatility. If you are considering a 100% mortgage, it’s important to research the availability of these products and to seek advice from a qualified mortgage advisor.

Longer-term commitment

Because 100% mortgages typically come with higher interest rates, you may find yourself committed to a longer-term mortgage than you would with a traditional mortgage. This means that you could be paying off your mortgage for a longer period of time, and may find it more difficult to switch to a different mortgage product in the future. It’s important to carefully consider your long-term financial goals and to ensure that a 100% mortgage is the right choice for you.

Potential negative equity

One of the biggest risks associated with 100% mortgages is the potential for negative equity. This can occur if the value of your property falls below the amount you owe on your mortgage. If this happens, you could find yourself owing more on your mortgage than your property is worth. This can make it difficult to sell your property or to remortgage in the future, and could leave you in a precarious financial situation. It’s important to consider the potential risks and to ensure that you have a solid financial plan in place before committing to a 100% mortgage.

In conclusion, a 100% mortgage can be a useful tool for first-time buyers who are struggling to save up for a deposit. However, it’s important to carefully consider the risks and to ensure that you have a solid financial plan in place before committing to this type of mortgage. If you are considering a 100% mortgage, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a qualified mortgage advisor who can help you understand the risks and benefits and guide you through the application process.

What documents will I need?

For most mortgages you need:

Proof of income – Usually Payslips or Tax returns
Bank statements – Most mortgages require bank statements to prove your outgoings
Proof of ID – Like a passport or Driving license, however this is becoming less common with online ID checks.
Evidence of deposit – Proof you have the required deposit funds.
Each lender may have their own requirements on top of these basics

100% Mortgages