Maisonette mortgages – how to get a mortgage on a maisonette in the UK and what options do you have?
Here are some things to consider when buying a maisonette or looking for a leasehold maisonette mortgage.
People often contact us with questions about a mortgage on a maisonette property. Many people ask us, “Can you get maisonette mortgages?” or “What are the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a maisonette?”
This article will answer these questions and discuss other factors you should consider when purchasing a maisonette or looking for leasehold maisonette mortgages.
We will also discuss other factors affecting mortgage eligibility for a maisonette.
We have a few mortgage providers lending a mortgage on a maisonette and a freehold mortgage for a freehold property, start your journey below:
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Is it possible to get a mortgage for a maisonette?
Yes. Some mortgage lenders offer residential mortgages for this property type. If you meet their eligibility requirements, you should be able to get one.
An independent mortgage broker is available to arrange maisonette mortgages, and they know which lenders offer the best rates. Click the link below to speak with our mortgage brokers.
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What is the difference between a regular mortgage and a maisonette mortgage?
These types of homes are located within larger buildings. Understandably, there is some confusion about getting a mortgage for a maisonette. Many people are curious about the implications of their mortgage application.
It will depend on whether the maisonette has a freehold or leasehold title. This is a significant factor for lenders dealing with this type of property. It can also have an impact on the amount of the mortgage offer.
What is a Maisonette Property?
The maisonette is French for “small house” and describes a self-contained apartment in a larger building. It usually spans several storeys. UK maisonettes are generally distinguished from flats by having their separate entrance. This gives owners more discretion and security.
Freehold maisonette mortgages
If you buy the freehold of a maisonette, you will own the entire property, including the land. You will be responsible for maintaining the property and land if you are the freeholder.
These costs will be included in your affordability analysis when applying for a mortgage. This doesn’t mean that you won’t need to worry about ground rent, service fees, or any other charges imposed on you by a freeholder.
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Part of a freehold maisonette property
You will see that many maisonettes are now one property in this day and age.
This is why “share of freehold” arrangements are more common. These are where the properties remain individual leasehold properties (see below), but you also purchase a share in the freehold when you buy them. This is not a loan that all providers will approve, so ensure you do this early on.
This is a common problem for buyers as all the freeholders share responsibility for maintaining the building. This means that you must be friendly with your neighbours and be able to discuss money with them.
Mortgages for leasehold maisonette
A leasehold maisonette mortgage is much more common. It is very common to find a leasehold maisonette or flat in London.
A maisonette you leasehold is a property you can own for a set period. The landlord or freeholder will issue you a lease that will specify how long the property will be yours. The lease will expire, and the property’s ownership will be returned to the freeholder.
Knowing how long the lease has been in effect is essential in determining who will lend. Most lenders will lend if the property has less than 90 years. However, if the property has less than 60 years left, then only a few providers will lend. These properties will typically have higher rates and will not be able to pay as much. It is possible to request that leaseholds be extended. This is a good idea, as you might have to sell the property if it has less than 60 years remaining.
Questions to ask before purchasing a maisonette for lease
These are some things to consider for potential leaseholders of maisonette properties:
What are the charges for service?
Although you don’t have to take care of the building as a leaseholder, you will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs.
Before you make an offer on a maisonette, budget for these costs; when determining your affordability, lenders will consider monthly service fees. This fee covers expenses such as exterior wall repair and maintenance of communal gardens.
What is the ground rent?
Ground rent is the money leaseholders pay to the freeholder to occupy the land on which a leasehold property is built. Your landlord may ask for the ground rent to be paid in one lump sum. This is something that mortgage providers will take into consideration when assessing your affordability.
The pros and cons of purchasing a maisonette property
Apart from the debate about freehold versus rent hold, there are other factors you should consider before purchasing a maisonette/flat rather than a home.
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The pros and cons of purchasing a maisonette
These benefits could include…
Cheaper option
Apartments and houses are usually more affordable than flats and maisonettes. A maisonette is a good choice if you don’t mind sharing parts of the building. A balcony on a property that has a garden can be a great way to have your own space.
Participating expenses
You will share certain communal areas when you live in a maisonette. You will share the expenses equally to enjoy a clean and well-kept garden and exteriors.
The community element
You live in a close-knit neighbourhood if you rent a maisonette. This may not be the best situation for everyone, but it can be a blessing to others. A neighbour in a maisonette may offer security and peace of mind that you might not get from a different type of property.
There are some drawbacks to buying a maisonette
They could include:
Space shortage
You may not have the most space unless you live in a large house.
Privacy is not respected.
You will have less privacy in a flat/maisonette than in a house. You may be able to enter your home via a communal area in some maisonettes. Because you live so close to your neighbours, noise disturbances can also be a problem.
Maintenance fees
Splitting costs can have benefits, but it can prove difficult if one or more neighbours are unwilling or unable to contribute to repair work. You can’t ensure that everyone will pay their bills on time, so it may take more effort to fix something communally than if you were responsible for the payments.
House rules
There are rules that everyone must follow when sharing a residence. Some residences prohibit pets. Others dictate how the decor is done or what you can keep in communal areas. Most have strict rules regarding noise levels.
What are the other factors that impact getting a mortgage for a maisonette
The following are some of the things that most lenders will consider:
Affordability
Providers will likely look at the cost of ground rent and service charges if you purchase leasehold property. It is possible not to borrow the amount you need if it is incredibly high, which is often the case for new buildings.
These costs are included in your affordability assessment. To calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, divide your monthly outgoings by your monthly income. This will determine your affordability. This percentage is lower because it indicates that you have more disposable income and therefore are a better investment.
A mortgage provider might refuse to lend to you if your DTI is too high. They may also limit the amount you can borrow or the length of your term.
Lending to Value
Lenders have a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) that they will lend to flats and maisonettes. This is typically lower than residential mortgages. Providers may need a lower LTV because new builds are less desirable.
A lender may be willing to lend up to 95% LTV (5% deposit on a house), 85% (15% deposit on a maisonette) and 80% (20% Deposit on a newly built maisonette).
Type of job
Specific jobs may be considered riskier, which could impact the amount of money a provider will lend you. To prove a steady income, you’ll need at least three years of accounts for a contractor mortgage.
While full-time PAYE employees are generally considered less risky, lenders will consider your contract type and duration. Some lenders may not be able to provide mortgages that include bonuses or commissions.
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Credit history
Lenders will be more cautious about lending to people with bad credit histories. Lenders may not lend to you if your credit history is poor. Others may limit the amount they will loan you or require a higher deposit.
Don’t be discouraged, however, as each lender has different eligibility criteria. Lenders are interested in the incident’s date, the issue’s severity and the story.
If you are buying a maisonette, you need to speak with a broker in the whole market mortgage industry.
We have helped many people find the right mortgage for their maisonette, even those with bad credit histories or who have been denied a mortgage.
Our customers rate us five stars.
- Market in its entirety
- Can provide bespoke advice for maisonette buyers
- Establish a working relationship between all lenders, even those specialising in maisonettes.
- Access suitable lenders that high street banks don’t use to arrange your maisonette mortgages.
- The financial conduct authority regulates us.
Ask a mortgage expert about a maisonette or flat today
Begin your journey by clicking the link below for a freehold mortgage on a maisonette. Our online mortgage advisor will do all the stressful research for you.
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