Current account mortgages are set to become a growing part of the UK mortgage market as more and more people turn to flexible mortgage products that allow them to save while they borrow. Flexible mortgages make up a lot of the UK mortgage market because they do just that—something that is going to become ever more crucial as the credit crunch rolls on. People need to be able to put money aside and know that it is working hard for them. Current account mortgages have a lot of flexible features, but they work best with people who can invest into the mortgage and carry on investing through its life.
Current account loans, like other flexible mortgages, allow people to balance their savings against their home loan to reduce the amount on which interest is charged. To do this, they usually need to put everything into one account and throw in any other loans and credit cards as well. In fact, some people find current account mortgages to be a good way to consolidate their debts. Be warned, though, using this means of debt consolidation means that you could be spreading a short term debt over 25 years, which is the standard mortgage term.
The more savings you have, the less interest lyou will have to pay on current account mortgages. This is why they work best for savers – the more the saver can invest into the loan, the lower the rate monthly payment becomes. If this is repeated every month then the rate begins to fall exponentially, allowing the borrower the chance to save more or even pay off their current account mortgages faster.
Repayments are usually set at the start of the mortgage term with current account mortgages and then reviewed at intervals, so if you're a steady saver, every time you put money into the account you'll be reducing the interest component of your payment. That means you are overpaying every month, so at the end of the year, your outstanding balance should be considerably less. So not only do they allow you to save, but if you wish you can pay off your debt faster with current account mortgages.
Savers and borrowers can also formalise this arrangement by overpaying on the mortgage, usually without penalty. Current account mortgages also allow underpayment and payment holidays, so if circumstances change or you need to draw on your savings the flexibility is there. If you're able to repay early, and it's not within a preferential rate period, this is usually without charge. However underpayments and payment holidays could increase the mortgage term and the total amount payable.
Some savers may see a disadvantage to current account mortgages, because they will no longer earn interest on their savings. But any interest incurred on savings is taxed, so no interest means no tax. If you do the maths, this means you are saving even more money by investing in current account mortgages.
Current account mortgages require discipline, especially if savers plan to repay the mortgage early. But that’s not hard with a good, long-term plan and a great mortgage adviser. Current account mortgages are tough to adhere to, but the savings you can make, month in, month out, will always be the best incentive to stick to the savings plan.
