Loans & Lenders

Do I pay a mortgage lender fee?

Yes, the majority of lenders charge a fee for processing a mortgage. This is often called an ‘origination fee,’ which tends to range from 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount. This fee primarily covers:

  • Administrative work
  • Underwriting
  • Other processing costs

Some lenders may waive certain fees or just include them in the loan terms, so it’s definitely worth discussing upfront.

What address history do I need to provide to get a loan?

The majority of lenders require a minimum of two years of address history. This is because they use this information to verify your stability and ensure accurate identity checks. Make sure you’re prepared to list previous addresses if you’ve moved frequently. Consistent address history generally makes lenders feel more confident in your application.

Do mortgage lenders look at my bank statements?

Yes. Mortgage lenders usually request bank statements from the past two to three months, regardless of the country, in order to verify:

  • Your financial stability
  • Your income consistency
  • To check for any unusual transactions. 

They want to ensure that you’ve got sufficient funds to make a downpayment, as well as closing costs and ongoing payments. Bank statements provide good insight into your spending and saving habits. This means it’s crucial to maintain a stable account balance during the loan application process.

How far back do mortgage lenders look?

Mortgage lenders typically review your financial history over the past 2-3 years, with a primary focus on the following:

  • Income
  • Employment stability
  • Credit report
  • Recent major financial activities

They may also look further back if there are any large financial events like bankruptcies or foreclosures. That said, recent financial behaviour usually has the most impact on lending decisions.

What do mortgage lenders look for?

Lenders assess several different factors when considering your mortgage application. This includes the following:

  • Credit score
  • Income
  • Debt-to-income ratio
  • Credit utilisation
  • Employment history
  • Asset reserves 

The specific factors may change depending on the country, but all lenders want to confirm that you have a reliable income and the financial means to make consistent mortgage payments. A good credit history also helps, as it shows your track record of repaying debts on time.

What is a fixed mortgage loan?

Fixed mortgage loans have an interest rate that stays the same throughout the loan term. This means your monthly payment will not fluctuate, unlike other loan types, such as adjustable-rate mortgages. These are ideal if you prefer predictable monthly payments and plan on staying in your home for a while. 

They provide stability, which makes it far easier to budget over the life of the loan. Just be aware that initial rates might be slightly higher than adjustable-rate options.

What type of mortgage loan can I get?

You can choose from several types of loans when applying for a mortgage, which are:

  • Fixed-Rate Mortgages: The best option for keeping your interest rate stable over the life of the loan.
  • Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM): These mortgages start with a lower rate that can increase over time.
  • Interest-Only Loans: These allow you to pay just the interest initially. While this lowers your monthly payments, it still requires full repayment later.

The best option for you, however, will always depend on your financial goals, budget, and risk tolerance.

Does Upscore provide multiple options for lenders?

Absolutely – we’ll connect you with a network of lenders in order to find a mortgage that suits all your needs. As opposed to only having one option, this allows you to compare:

  • Rates
  • Terms
  • Conditions

This way, you can find a lender that best fits your financial situation and property goals.

What is the minimum loan amount for buying property abroad?

Minimum loan amounts are always going to depend on the lender, where the property is located, and its value. Generally speaking, international property loans start at around £77,000, but this can vary on the factors listed above. It helps if you check with your lender so that you can confirm their requirements. This is because many lenders have minimum thresholds due to the increased complexity of overseas transactions.

Can I get a loan to buy property abroad?

You can find lenders who provide financing options specifically designed for purchasing property abroad, but international property loans are usually far more complex than domestic ones. This is primarily because of additional factors like currency exchange rates and foreign property regulations. Certain lenders have partnerships with financial institutions to make the process easier, though.

Just make sure you check with your lender and speak with some local experts in the country you’re interested in to be sure.

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