Overpayment – is it something worth considering?

With the ongoing mortgage rate war, there is some debate over whether now is a good time to pay off your mortgage early. Here the UK’s leading independent mortgage broker, Mortgage Advice Bureau, discusses the ins and outs of early repayments and overpayments. “Credit cards and unsecured loans are prime examples of debts that charge high rates of interest, with some having interest rates that are much higher than that of your mortgage. It is always more beneficial to pay off these sorts of debts before considering paying off your mortgage, being mindful to not revert back to them once you have paid them off,” said David Treharne from Mortgage Advice Bureau. Those contributing to a pension scheme may also be considering using their savings to pay off their mortgage a little earlier. The government now tops up your contributions with tax relief, and if the company you work for participates in specific pension schemes, they may also match your payments into a pension pot. David added, “The sooner you begin to pay into a pension pot, the quicker your retirement pot will grow. So, if you find yourself with money to spare, it may be worth considering using your savings to add to your pension for the future rather than pay off your mortgage early.” Have you thought about what the monetary consequences would be for your family if you were to pass away? If you have dependants who rely on your income to cover your mortgage, life insurance can help provide for them if you were to die, so this may be something worth putting your spare money into instead of paying off your mortgage. If you are serious about overpaying your mortgage then it is important to consider any charges that may be incurred. Ensure that you check your mortgage deal carefully, you may need to pay an Early Repayment Charge (ERC), though some lenders allow you to overpay by up to 10% a year without any penalties. “When interest rates are as low as they are now, overpaying on your mortgage will mean that you will have a smaller amount to be charged on when rates do eventually rise. It doesn’t just mean that you may have to pay less in the future, you could possibly pay off your mortgage completely – sometimes years earlier than the original end date. With prices constantly changing, it is important that you seek the advice of a professional mortgage adviser who can talk you through what is right for your personal circumstances,” concluded David.