If you find yourself in negative equity, you must understand your options and take proactive steps to manage the situation.
Each approach has its pros and cons, and the best course of action will depend on your individual circumstances. Read on to learn more.
Also, have a look at the option of mortgage porting in case you want to buy a new property against your old mortgage.
What is negative equity?
Negative equity occurs when the market value of your property dips below the outstanding mortgage.
This situation arises primarily due to falling house prices.
For homeowners, it means that selling the property wouldn't cover the mortgage owed.
Negative equity often becomes a concern during periods of economic downturn, where property prices are affected.
How negative equity affects homeowners
Homeowners face many implications in the realm of negative equity.
Firstly, it restricts the ability to sell your home without incurring losses. If you decide to move or need to sell, you might end up owing your mortgage lender more than you receive from the sale.
Furthermore, negative equity can impact your mortgage options, limiting the ability to secure a more favourable mortgage deal.
In scenarios where house prices fall, you're more at risk, especially if you have an interest-only loan or a small deposit.
Interested in getting a loan? We have a detailed article about homeowner loans.
How do I know if I'm in negative equity?
To identify negative equity, compare the latest valuation of your property with the outstanding mortgage balance. If the former is less, you're facing negative equity.
This often happens due to falling house prices or an inflated original purchase price.
Regularly checking of your mortgage statement and staying informed about local property market trends are key steps in recognising negative equity early.
Calculating the equity in your home
Calculating home equity involves simple arithmetic but demands current data.
Start by determining your property's present value. Engage a local estate agent for a realistic market valuation or refer to recent sales of similar properties in your area.
Next, check your latest mortgage statement for the outstanding balance of your mortgage loan. Subtract this figure from your home's current value.
Positive numbers indicate positive equity, while negative results signal negative equity. You should regularly update these calculations, especially in a volatile property market.
Immediate actions to address negative equity
Reviewing your mortgage payments
Reviewing your mortgage payments is the first step in tackling negative equity. Check if your mortgage payments are up to date. This helps maintain a good credit record, a key factor when negotiating with lenders.
Consider switching from an interest-only deal to a repayment mortgage.
Most lenders prefer repayment mortgages as they reduce the loan amount over time. Early repayment charges may apply, so it's wise to understand the terms of your existing mortgage.
Assessing the impact on your financial situation
Negative equity affects your financial stability. Assess your everyday finances and identify areas for cost-cutting. This may free up funds for larger mortgage repayments, reducing negative equity. Avoid taking on new debts, as these can strain your finances further.
If moving house is necessary, be aware that selling your home for less than the mortgage amount requires the lender's permission. Consulting a financial advisor is recommended for personalised guidance.
Read our detailed article on tips about how to live mortgage free.
Long-term strategies for managing negative equity
Increasing your property's value
Increasing the value of your property stands as a viable response to negative equity.
Homeowners can take proactive steps like renovating or upgrading their homes. These improvements, ranging from cosmetic changes to structural renovations, can enhance the market value of a property.
For instance, updating bathrooms and kitchen, adding extensions, or improving energy efficiency often yield a positive impact on property value.
Regular maintenance, like fixing any structural issues or refreshing the décor, also contributes to preserving and increasing a home's worth.
Reducing your mortgage debt
Making overpayments on your mortgage can effectively reduce negative equity. Overpayments reduce the outstanding mortgage balance faster than the agreed terms, which can help bridge the gap between the owed amount and the current property value.
Check with your mortgage lender about the possibility of overpayments without incurring an early repayment charge.
Reducing the mortgage term, if financially feasible, can also be a strategy, resulting in paying off the loan quicker and saving on interest costs.
We have a detailed article about how to reduce monthly repayments.
Consider renting out your property
Renting out your property can be a strategic move in managing negative equity. This approach allows homeowners to cover their mortgage repayments through rental income.
You must ensure the rent covers the mortgage payments and any additional maintenance costs.
However, homeowners should first check with their mortgage lender and understand the terms, as some mortgages may not permit renting out the property.
Furthermore, becoming a landlord involves responsibilities and legal obligations, which must be carefully considered.
A very useful topic at this point will be how to use your house to generate income.
Options for moving on from negative equity
Selling a house in negative equity
Selling a property in negative equity might not cover the outstanding mortgage. Before deciding, compare the property's current market value with the remaining mortgage balance. If the value is lower, the sale proceeds won't fully repay the mortgage.
Negotiating with mortgage lenders
When facing negative equity, negotiating with your lender can offer solutions. Communicate openly about your financial situation and seek a mutually agreeable plan.
Lenders might consider various options, such as extending the mortgage term, temporarily reducing payments, or converting to an interest-only mortgage.
Always remember, your lender's primary interest is in recovering the loan, and they may be open to negotiations to achieve this.
Legal implications of repossession
Repossession is a legal process where a lender takes ownership of a property due to mortgage payment defaults.
It's a last resort for lenders and has significant consequences for homeowners. It affects your credit rating and your ability to borrow in the future. It's advisable to seek legal advice and explore all other options before facing repossession.
Debt management and bankruptcy considerations
In cases of severe negative equity, debt management or bankruptcy might seem like the only options. Debt management plans can help reorganise your finances and negotiate with creditors. However, declaring bankruptcy has far-reaching implications.
It impacts your credit score, employment prospects, and future financial dealings. Before considering these steps, consult with a financial advisor to understand the full implications.
Preventative measures and future planning
How to avoid negative equity in future investments
Preventing negative equity in future property investments involves prudent financial planning.
Opt for a mortgage with a bigger deposit, reducing the loan-to-value ratio. This reduces the risk of negative equity, as the larger your deposit, the more equity you start with.
Additionally, avoid interest-only deals, which don't reduce the principal amount. Always consider the long-term investment value of the property and the stability of your financial situation.
Market trends and house prices
Understanding market trends and house prices helps in making informed property investments. Keep an eye on how house prices rise or fall in your desired area.
Factors like local economic health, interest rates, and national housing policies can influence market trends. Being informed helps in making decisions that mitigate the risk of negative equity.
Interest rates and property market
Interest rates and the property market are interconnected. Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper, increasing demand for properties and raising house prices.
Conversely, higher interest rates can decrease demand, leading to falling property prices.
As a homeowner or buyer, staying informed about interest rate trends and market forecasts is important for making sound financial decisions.
Seeking advice from mortgage lenders and financial advisors
Engaging with mortgage lenders and financial advisors proves beneficial in addressing negative equity. These professionals offer tailored advice, considering your unique financial situation.
They can suggest practical steps like remortgaging or applying for an equity loan scheme. Remember, each solution has its implications; expert guidance helps in making informed decisions.
Exploring mortgage options: remortgaging and equity loans
Remortgaging and equity loans emerge as viable options amidst negative equity. Remortgaging might secure a cheaper deal, reducing monthly payments.
Equity loans, such as the buy equity loan scheme, provide an alternate route. Assess the pros and cons of each option with your financial advisor to understand their impact on your financial health.
Negative equity mortgages: pros and cons
Negative equity mortgages cater to those with property value fallen below the mortgage amount.
These mortgages allow moving to a new property or switching to a new lender.
However, the risks involved, like higher mortgage rates and the need for a large deposit, necessitate careful consideration.
Weighing their pros and cons with a financial advisor ensures a decision that aligns with your long-term financial goals.
FAQs
Can I still sell my home in negative equity?
Yes, selling a home in negative equity is possible. However, it means the sale won't cover the mortgage balance. Discuss repayment options for the remaining debt with your lender.
What are the alternatives to bankruptcy?
Consider these alternatives to avoid bankruptcy in negative equity:
Overpayments: reducing your mortgage balance.
Remortgaging: finding a more favourable mortgage arrangement.
Renting out: generating income to cover mortgage payments.
Debt restructuring: negotiating new payment terms with your lender.
How does negative equity affect credit scores?
Negative equity doesn't directly impact credit scores. However, actions taken due to negative equity, like missed payments or debt restructuring, can affect your credit record.