How Can I Apply for a Mortgage Alongside Existing Debt?
Worried about pre-existing debt affecting your eligibility for a new mortgage product? This guide runs through all the important information compiled from the mortgage experts at Revolution Finance Brokers.
How Can I Apply for a Mortgage Alongside Existing Debt?
Many mortgage applicants worry about other debts and how that will impact their chances of being approved.
Heavy debt and severe credit problems can be an issue and usually require a specialist bad credit lender. However, most people have an overdraft facility or a credit card, and having general debts doesn't need to make a significant difference to your mortgage application.
Let's run through how a mortgage lender considers other debts and where they're likely to have an impact. For more help with finding a competitive mortgage alongside pre-existing obligations, contact Revolution Brokers on 0330 304 3040 or message us at [email protected].
Can I Get a Mortgage If I Already Have Other Debts?
Yes, you can. Every lender will need to assess your finances and see what other debts you have, but you can usually get a mortgage without any particular difficulty.
It is always advisable to access your credit report before making a mortgage application to ensure this is up to date and doesn't contain any errors.
If you have other debts and have kept up with the repayments, and have a healthy credit score, there is no reason you can't get a mortgage.
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What is a Debt to Income Ratio on a Mortgage Application?
Mortgage providers will check what debts you have in comparison to your income. The debt to income ratio calculates your monthly debt repayments, vs your gross income, before taxes and other deductions.
The key is to demonstrate that you can comfortably cover your debt repayments, as well as the monthly mortgage cost.
For example, if you earn £2,000 a month and have a credit card repayment of £500 a month, your debt to income ratio works out as 25%, which isn't likely to cause a mortgage application problem.
How Can I Calculate My Debt to Income Ratio Before Applying for a Mortgage?
If you have numerous debts, it could be worth calculating this ratio before applying - and perhaps waiting until you have paid back some of the debt before seeking a mortgage.
You need to include all debts, including rent, student loans, credit card or store card repayments and car finance.
Give the Revolution team a call if you're finding it difficult to calculate or want to know whether your level of debt is high enough to affect your mortgage application.
How Much Debt Will Make it Hard to Find a Mortgage?
Having debts doesn't disqualify you from getting a mortgage. Lenders will, however, need to check your credit file and make sure you can afford the mortgage.
Many homeowners decide to remortgage as a way to consolidate other debts and manage their finances.
Is It Worth Repaying Short-term Debt Before Applying for a Mortgage?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on your income levels and amount of debt, but if you can repay short-term debt such as credit cards before applying for a mortgage, you might be more likely to be approved.
In some cases, your debt won't make a difference, and so you might be better off saving more towards a deposit.
We would recommend seeking professional, independent advice to determine which option is best suited to your circumstances.
Expert Advice on Getting a Mortgage With Other Debts
As we've seen, if you have relatively low levels of debt and are keeping up to date with your repayments, there aren't likely to be any significant issues with a mortgage application.
Should you have severe debt problems and adverse credit history, the situation is different, and you will probably need a bad credit lender to find a mortgage.
Give the mortgage advisors team a call on 0330 304 3040, and we’ll be happy to help you calculate your debt to income ratio and assess whether you need to consider repaying some debts before applying for a mortgage.
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FCA disclaimer
The content included in our articles, blogs, web pages and news publications is based on information accurate at the time of writing. Note that policies and criteria can change regularly throughout the UK mortgage lending market, and it remains essential to contact the consultation team to receive up to date guidance. The information included on the Revolution Brokers site is not bespoke to any circumstances or individual application scenarios and therefore is not intended to be used as financial advice. The content we share is designed to be informative and helpful but cannot be relied upon to provide individual advice relevant to your mortgage requirements. All Revolution team members are fully qualified, trained and experienced to provide mortgage advice of an independent nature.
We collaborate with lenders and providers who are regulated, authorised and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Should you require specific mortgage borrowing types, some products such as buy to let mortgages may not be FCA regulated. The Revolution team can provide further information about regulated and unregulated lending as required. Please remember that a mortgage is a debt which is secured against your home or property. Your home can be at risk of repossession if you do not keep up with the repayments or encounter any other difficulties in managing your mortgage borrowing responsibly. This also applies to any remortgage or home loan secured against your property, including equity release products.