The transfer of mortgages

Conditions when selling

Depending on the interest rates of the mortgage to be transferred, buyers can either receive a more attractive deal than normal, or be covered by compensation. Because market rates might be lower than the mortgage itself, you will often have to compensate a buyer for any additional costs incurred. The seller will benefit anyway, as they don't have to terminate the mortgage and fork out for any additional penalties. If the market rate is higher than the mortgage, the buyer is advised to assume the mortgage regardless as this will yield a lucrative profit for them.

When the next generation takes over property and mortgages

As retirement age looms near, many mortgage holders are forced to consider whether it makes sense for them to transfer their property to their children. Incomes inevitably nosedive when people hit retirement age, meaning that financing their own home and clearing an existing mortgage becomes untenable. Other times, older people may need to fund private care and residential nursing, requiring a large injection of financial support. Alternatively, people may simply wish to take stock of their financial assets while they still have the time.

Residential law vs. usufructuary

If home-owners wish to remain as residents in their home until the end of their lives, they maintain a right to do so. In such a case, home-owners are freed up from all financial obligations with the exception of taxes and rental value. Payments of interest on mortgage and other obligations are then assumed by their children.

On the other, there's not complete free reign in these instances. Parents who offload mortgages to children may choose to hold onto rental payments, although there's still a need to pay for taxes, ancillary costs, mortgage interest and insurance costs. Regardless, children are obligated to handle the regular mortgage payments and will be assessed on their financial suitably. If parents are no longer to pay mortgage interest rates, this obligation will then fall to their children.

Disadvantages

One big drawback of the above is that there's a real risk involved. Usufructs are entered into the land registry and property values tend to depreciate. A property income that is granted to the beneficiary isn't considered a particularly attractive option.

Mortgage strategy agreements

Regardless of the exact type of mortgage transfer strategy that is decided upon, the most important thing to remember is that all parties involved need to be on the same page. While sales are usually regulated smoothly and quickly, the process can become convoluted when the process involves various family members. Things like building permits and mortgage variations all need to be okayed by the beneficiaries, so a mortgage strategy needs to be ironed out and understood by all at the outset of the process.

For independent and thorough advice on mortgage strategy, get in touch with MoneyPark today. Our expert team of mortgage consultants are on hand to handle any and every query you might have, helping you and your family make the right decision when it comes to transferring a mortgage. We'll talk you through all the available options, the best strategy for you and your circumstance, and which financial packages make the best sense for you.