ASK441: Is this fee too high? PLUS: Will leverage always be the answer?
Aug 13, 2024
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Andrew, an expat investor, grapples with a hefty £5K mortgage arrangement fee while living abroad. He’s concerned this cost could undermine his interest-only mortgage strategy. The Robs offer insights into whether such fees are fair and how to manage financial implications. The conversation shifts to the future of mortgage loans potentially being linked to inflation, prompting a discussion about the stability of leverage in property investment. Can investors find balance amidst rising costs? Tune in for expert advice!
Mortgage arrangement fees, like the £5,000 quoted for overseas investors, should be evaluated relative to property value for better management.
Leverage remains a crucial element of property investment, despite speculation on inflation-linked loans potentially affecting traditional banking practices.
Deep dives
Navigating High Mortgage Arrangement Fees
Mortgage arrangement fees have become a significant concern, particularly for overseas investors navigating the property market. For instance, a £5,000 fee may seem excessive, but its impact greatly depends on the value of the property being purchased. If investing in a property worth over £500,000, the fee is a smaller percentage of the total cost, making it more manageable. To mitigate costs, opting for longer-term mortgage products, such as five-year fixed rates, can be a strategic choice, as this helps to avoid repeated expenses associated with frequent refinancing.
The Stability of Leverage in Property Investment
Leverage remains a fundamental aspect of property investment, allowing investors to reduce the proportion of their debt over time. Speculative concerns about mortgage companies linking loans to inflation are unfounded, as such changes would disrupt established banking practices that have been in place for centuries. Extreme economic scenarios, like prolonged deflation or hyperinflation, could potentially alter the dynamics of leverage, but these situations are deemed unlikely to occur. As structural risks, such as increased capital gains tax, could also dampen investment appeal, leverage's enduring benefits are regarded as a reliable foundation for property investment strategies.
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Navigating High Mortgage Arrangement Fees for Overseas Investors
Let’s dive into this week’s Ask Rob & Rob, answering two new listener questions…
(0:44) Andrew's an expat investor who’s been quoted £5K for his mortgage arrangement fee, which feels steep to him. His broker says it’s due to the added risk of being overseas. He’s worried that if needs to remortgage every few years at a similar cost, it could eat into the benefits of an interest-only mortgage, especially with inflation. He turns to Rob & Rob for advice on whether this fee is fair and how it might affect his portfolio strategy.
(4:24) Adam’s curious to know whether The Robs foresee a time when mortgage companies might link their loans to inflation, potentially reducing the advantage of leverage in property investment.
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