In the world of property sales in the UK, there are many different financial instruments investors can use. While some use all cash to make it happen, many others use a mortgage. A buy to sell mortgage is a type of mortgage that is specifically designed for property investors who want to purchase a property, make renovations, and sell it for a profit. This type of mortgage is also known as a bridge loan, property development loan, or property renovation loan. Like any other type of mortgage, a buy to sell mortgage has its own set of pros and cons that property investors should consider before deciding to use it for their investment strategy. Is it the right strategy for you? Take a look.
The Benefits of The Buy to Sell Mortgage
It may first help to consider the benefits that push so many to use this type of mortgage. One of the biggest benefits is the instant access to funds it provides. A buy to sell mortgage gives property investors direct access to the money they need to both buy the property and renovate it. This can be especially beneficial for investors who may not have the cash reserves to purchase a property outright. There’s also the real potential for some very high returns. This is because they can purchase a property that needs renovations at a lower price, make the changes they want, and then sell house quick for a higher price. If they were relying on cash, they may not have quite enough left to renovate it.
There are other benefits, too. There’s some flexibility involved with these kinds of mortgages. Buy to sell mortgages offer options when it comes to repayment. For example, investors can choose to repay the loan in full once the property is sold, or they can make interest-only payments during the renovation period. Many have no early repayment charges. This means that investors can repay the loan early without incurring any additional fees.
Are There Drawbacks?
For as many benefits as there are with buy to sell mortgages, there are some real drawbacks to this financial tool. Buy to sell mortgages typically come with higher interest rates than traditional mortgages. This is because they are seen as a higher risk by lenders as the property may not sell for the desired price, or the renovation costs may be higher than anticipated. More than that, though, buy to sell mortgages typically have shorter repayment periods than traditional mortgages. This is because the intention is for the property to be sold within a short period of time, usually within 12-18 months. Additionally, these loans can be tough to get. Lenders may have strict lending criteria for buy to sell mortgages. For example, they may require investors to have a certain level of experience in property investment or require a certain level of deposit. The real drawback, though, is the fact that the property market can be unpredictable, and there is always a risk that the property may not sell for the desired price. If you’ve taken out a buy to sell mortgage, you could actually lose money on the deal, then have to repay it somehow.
Is It Right for You?
If you’re a property investor, a buy to sell mortgage could be an incredibly powerful tool to meet your needs. Using a buy to sell mortgage for property investment can be a viable option for investors who want to purchase a property, renovate it, and sell it for a profit. However, it is important for investors to carefully consider the pros and cons of this type of mortgage before deciding to use it for their investment strategy. Conduct thorough research on the property market and the specific property you are interested in purchasing before applying for a buy to sell mortgage. This includes researching the local market conditions, understanding the potential renovation costs, and estimating the potential resale value of the property. You may also want to seek professional advice from a financial advisor or mortgage broker who can provide you with guidance on the best buy to sell mortgage for your investment strategy.
