Now is a good time to start climbing the property ladder
There is no doubt that the current economic climate is taking its toll on many different aspects of our daily lives. However anyone using a mortgage repayment calculator or loan calculator may have spotted that despite the doom and gloom in the economy, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Particularly for first time buyers who may have good credit ratings, now is the perfect time to be considering buying a property and getting onto the property ladder.
Nervy property markets have seen prices falling, or at least arrested, meaning that potential buyers are going to get better value for their money.
There is no doubt that the current economic climate is taking its toll on many different aspects of our daily lives. However anyone using a mortgage repayment calculator or loan calculator may have spotted that despite the doom and gloom in the economy, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Particularly for first time buyers who may have good credit ratings, now is the perfect time to be considering buying a property and getting onto the property ladder.
Nervy property markets have seen prices falling, or at least arrested, meaning that potential buyers are going to get better value for their money.
Although more choosy about whom they will lend money to, banks are also under pressure to increase lending and are more competitive with each other. This means a plethora of products are available on the market for borrowers to consider.
Interest rates falling have meant that banks have had a better deal obtaining the funds they can make available to lenders. The direct result of this is that they are able to make mortgage offers that, to an extent, pass on these savings.
The combination of lower property prices and falling interest rates resulting in lower cost mortgages means that this is a good time to try and get a foot on the property ladder.
As with anyone considering a mortgage, first time buyers have a number of important factors to consider before taking the plunge.
The most important is, of course, how much can I afford to repay? Using a mortgage repayment calculator can ensure a borrower clearly understands the amount to be repaid every month.
The amount borrowers can afford to put down as a deposit can dramatically affect the interest rate offered to them by a mortgage lender. The higher the deposit put down, the better the rates on offer to a borrower.
Borrowers can enjoy some security if they investigate fixed rate mortgage deals. These give a guaranteed rate for a fixed period of years, meaning borrowers know the most they can ever be asked to pay.
Checking credit references before applying for a mortgage can save time later, allowing borrowers to ensure there are no errors on their records that might affect a lender’s decision as to whether to offer a mortgage or not.
There are various schemes and options open that can make getting onto the property ladder more affordable. Shared ownership, where a group of family or friends buy a property together, may be an alternative.
Buying to rent may also be considered, even by a first time buyer. Provided the credit rating is good and the deposit being put down is significant, the incoming rent on a property will offset the mortgage payment, making it more affordable.
HomeBuy schemes, where the borrower only buys part of the property and rents the rest, can also make property ownership a reality for lower household incomes.
Some lenders will offer exclusive deals that are available only to first time buyers. It is well worth shopping around for the best deals on the market.
Anyone considering a mortgage should consider the extra costs involved over and above the mortgage itself. Survey fees, arrangement fees and costs such as stamp duty all add up.


