Can I make a mortgage overpayment?

If you’re considering overpaying on your mortgage, it’s important to understand the pros and cons, as well as the optimal timing for making such payments. This guide provides comprehensive information on mortgage overpayments.

What is an overpayment?

A mortgage overpayment refers to making additional payments towards your mortgage loan beyond the required monthly payments. This helps to reduce the principal balance of the loan faster and potentially save on interest costs over the long term.

Methods of overpayment

There are two common methods of overpaying on a mortgage:

One-off lump sum overpayment

This involves making a single, larger payment towards your mortgage balance, usually from a windfall or savings. It reduces the principal amount owed and can result in long-term interest savings.

Regular overpayments

This approach involves making extra payments on a consistent basis in addition to your regular monthly mortgage payment. By contributing more each month, you can accelerate the repayment of your mortgage and reduce the total interest paid over time.

Should you overpay your mortgage?

Determining whether overpaying on your mortgage is suitable for you depends on your individual circumstances and the specific terms of your mortgage. Here are some potential pros and cons of overpaying your mortgage.

Advantages of overpaying on your mortgage:

• Interest savings: By reducing the principal balance of your mortgage, you can potentially save a significant amount on interest payments over the life of the loan.
• Repayment acceleration: Overpaying allows you to pay off your mortgage faster, potentially shortening the loan term and gaining financial freedom sooner.
• Equity building: Making extra payments increases your home equity, which can be beneficial if you plan to sell or borrow against it in the future.

Disadvantages of overpaying on your mortgage:

• Opportunity cost: The funds used for overpayments could have been invested elsewhere, potentially earning higher returns. It’s important to consider the potential gains from alternative investments.
• Cash flow impact: Overpaying on your mortgage reduces available cash, which may limit your financial flexibility for other expenses or investments.
• Prepayment penalties: Some mortgages have prepayment penalties, which are fees charged for paying off the loan early. Make sure to review your mortgage terms to understand if such penalties apply.

It’s important to evaluate your financial situation and consider these factors before deciding to overpay on your mortgage.

How do you make mortgage overpayments?

You can make overpayments on your mortgage, but it depends on the type of mortgage and any previous overpayments you have made.

Overpayments on fixed-rate mortgages

In the case of most fixed-rate mortgages, an annual overpayment allowance of up to 10% of the mortgage balance during the fixed-rate period is typically permitted without penalty. However, overpayments exceeding 10% usually incur an early repayment charge (ERC).

Let’s consider an example with a £100,000 mortgage. In the first year, you can make up to £10,000 in overpayments without penalty, in addition to your regular mortgage payments. Assuming you make the full £10,000 overpayment.

In the following years, during the fixed rate period, you can typically make overpayments of up to 10% of the remaining balance each year without incurring penalties. For instance, if the balance after the first year is £80,000, you can make an overpayment of up to £8,000.

After the fixed rate period ends and your mortgage transitions to the standard variable rate, you usually have more flexibility to make larger overpayments without penalty. At this point, you can typically clear as much of the remaining balance as you like before choosing a new mortgage deal.

Overpayments on tracker/ variable mortgages

On tracker or variable rate mortgages, the overpayment allowances can vary. In some cases, there may be no limit on overpayments without penalty, allowing you to make as many overpayments as you wish. This provides greater flexibility for reducing your mortgage balance.

Alternatively, some tracker or variable rate mortgages may have an annual overpayment limit of 10% of the mortgage balance without incurring penalties. If you wish to make overpayments exceeding the 10% limit, there may be early repayment charges (ERCs) involved.

However, compared to fixed-rate mortgages, the ERCs for additional overpayments on tracker or variable-rate mortgages are often lower. This offers more freedom to make larger overpayments if desired.

Overpayments on standard variable rate

On a standard variable rate (SVR) mortgage, there is typically no limit on overpayments without penalty. This means you have the flexibility to make as many overpayments as you want without facing any specific restrictions.

However, it’s important to note that the interest rate on an SVR mortgage is usually higher compared to fixed-rate mortgages or tracker mortgages. This higher interest rate can affect the overall cost of your mortgage, potentially offsetting some of the benefits gained from overpaying.

Some people with fixed-rate mortgages who wish to make significant overpayments may choose to switch to the SVR temporarily. By reverting to the SVR for a short period, they can take advantage of the unlimited overpayment flexibility. Once they have made the desired overpayments, they can then refinance or switch to a new fixed-rate deal to secure a lower interest rate.

Ways to overpay your mortgage balance

There are several ways to overpay on your mortgage:

Increase monthly direct debit

You can contact your mortgage lender and request to increase your monthly direct debit payment. By increasing the regular payment amount, you effectively make higher monthly contributions towards reducing your mortgage balance.

Set up an additional standing order

You can set up an additional standing order from your bank account to make regular extra payments towards your mortgage. This allows you to make consistent overpayments alongside your regular monthly mortgage payments.

Make ad hoc card payments

Some lenders may allow you to make ad hoc overpayments through debit or credit card payments. This provides flexibility to make one-time or irregular overpayments as and when you have the funds available.

It’s important to note that the availability of these methods and any associated fees or restrictions may vary depending on your mortgage lender. It is advisable to contact your lender directly to enquire about their specific options for overpayments and to understand any terms or conditions that may apply.

Is it better to reduce the term of the mortgage or reduce my monthly payments?

Mortgage overpayments can have an impact on both the term of the mortgage and the monthly payment, depending on how they are applied.

Here’s how each approach can affect your mortgage:

Decreasing the term of the mortgage

When you make overpayments towards your mortgage, the additional funds are applied directly to the outstanding principal balance. By reducing the principal balance, you effectively decrease the overall term of the mortgage. As a result, you can pay off your mortgage earlier than the originally scheduled term.

The benefits of reducing the term include:

• Paying off your mortgage faster, becoming debt-free sooner.
• Saving on interest payments over the life of the mortgage.
• Building equity in your property at a quicker rate.

Decreasing the monthly payment

Alternatively, you can choose to use overpayments to reduce your monthly payment amount rather than the term of the mortgage. By making additional payments, you lower the outstanding balance, which can lead to a recalculated monthly payment based on the reduced balance.

The benefits of reducing the monthly payment include:

• Immediate cash flow relief with lower monthly obligations.
• Flexibility in managing your budget and potentially freeing up funds for other purposes.

Should I make mortgage overpayments monthly or as a lump sum?

Whether to make overpayments monthly or as a lump sum depends on your personal financial situation and preferences.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding:

Regular monthly overpayments

• Advantages: Making regular monthly overpayments allows you to consistently chip away at your mortgage balance over time. It can be more manageable for your budget, as you spread the additional payments out over the course of the year. Regular overpayments can help you steadily reduce the principal amount and save on interest over the long term.
• Considerations: Monthly overpayments require discipline and commitment to consistently allocate extra funds toward your mortgage. You should ensure that you have sufficient cash flow to make the additional payments without straining your budget. Additionally, the impact of monthly overpayments may be realised gradually over time, rather than providing immediate benefits.

Lump sum overpayments

• Advantages: Making a lump sum overpayment can have an immediate impact on your mortgage balance. If you have a significant amount of funds available, applying them as a lump sum can lead to a substantial reduction in the principal amount. This can result in immediate interest savings and potentially shorten the overall term of the mortgage.
• Considerations: Making a lump sum overpayment requires having a substantial amount of extra funds available at once. It may be more challenging to gather a large sum of money in one go compared to making smaller monthly overpayments. It’s important to ensure that you won’t face financial strain or compromise your emergency savings by making a lump sum overpayment.

Ultimately, the decision between monthly or lump sum overpayments depends on your financial circumstances and goals. Some individuals may prefer the consistent approach of monthly overpayments, while others may choose to make larger, less frequent lump sum payments.

It’s advisable to evaluate your financial situation, consider your cash flow, and determine what approach aligns best with your financial goals and comfort level.

How does overpaying mortgage affect my loan-to-value ratio?

Overpaying on your mortgage can positively impact your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio in several ways, which can potentially lead to benefits such as clearing your mortgage quicker and qualifying for a cheaper interest rate. Here’s how overpayments affect your LTV ratio:

• Reduction in mortgage balance: When you make overpayments, you effectively decrease the outstanding balance on your mortgage. As the balance decreases, your LTV ratio improves because the loan amount is a smaller percentage of the property value.
• Increased equity: Overpayments help you build equity in your property. Equity is the difference between the property value and the outstanding mortgage balance. As you reduce the balance through overpayments, your equity increases, which in turn improves your LTV ratio.
• Property value appreciation: If the value of your property increases over time, it can also positively impact your LTV ratio. As the property value goes up, the LTV ratio decreases, assuming the mortgage balance remains the same. This can occur independently of overpayments but can complement the effect of overpayments on improving your LTV ratio.

By reducing your mortgage balance through overpayments and benefiting from potential property value appreciation, you have the opportunity to bring your LTV ratio down. This can put you in a lower LTV bracket, which may make you eligible for better mortgage rates and terms when you review or refinance your mortgage in the future.

What is an ERC

An early repayment charge (ERC) is a fee imposed by mortgage lenders if you repay your mortgage earlier or make overpayments beyond a certain limit during a specific period, typically the fixed rate or introductory period of the mortgage. The purpose of an ERC is to compensate the lender for the interest they would have earned if you had maintained the mortgage for the full term.

ERCs are commonly found in fixed-rate mortgages or mortgages with discounted or tracker rates during an initial period. The specific terms and conditions, including the amount and duration of the ERC, vary depending on the mortgage agreement.

Here are some key points to understand about ERCs:

• Calculation: The ERC is typically calculated as a percentage of the outstanding mortgage balance or the amount of overpayment that exceeds the allowed limit.
• Limitations: Most mortgages allow a certain level of overpayment, often up to 10% of the outstanding balance, without incurring an ERC. However, exceeding this limit or repaying the mortgage in full during the fixed rate or introductory period may trigger an ERC.
• Duration: ERCs are usually in effect during the fixed rate or introductory period, which can range from a few months to several years. Once this period ends, you may have more flexibility to make overpayments or repay the mortgage without penalty.

When is the best time to make overpayments?

The best time to make a mortgage overpayment depends on several factors and the specific terms of your mortgage. Here are some considerations:

Overpayment allowance

If your overpayment exceeds the allowed limit, it’s generally advisable to wait until the end of the ERC (early repayment charge) period to avoid penalty charges. This is particularly relevant if you are still within the fixed rate or tie-in period of your mortgage.

Fixed-rate or tie-in period

During this period, lenders often impose restrictions on overpayments to protect their interest income. It’s common for lenders to allow up to 10% overpayment without penalties. If you plan to make overpayments within this period, it’s recommended to stick to the 10% limit and check when the allowance resets.

Reset timing

The timing of the overpayment allowance reset can vary between lenders. Some reset on an annual basis from when you took out the mortgage, while others reset based on the calendar year (e.g., January to January). Understanding the reset timing helps you plan your overpayments more effectively.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you maximise your overpayment options while minimising any penalties

Which lenders allow overpayments?

While most lenders allow you to overpay in some capacity, here are some of the current criteria with 4 high street lenders.

• NatWest: Recently increased their allowance for overpayments on fixed-rate and tracker mortgages to 20% of the outstanding balance. This means borrowers can make overpayments up to 20% without incurring an early repayment charge.
• Halifax: Offers an overpayment allowance of 10% on fixed-rate and tracker mortgages. Borrowers can make overpayments up to 10% of the outstanding balance annually without penalty.
• Nationwide: Allows overpayments up to 10% of the outstanding balance on fixed-rate mortgages without incurring an early repayment charge. However, on tracker mortgages, Nationwide has no specified limit on overpayments, giving borrowers more flexibility.
• Santander: Provides an overpayment allowance of 10% on fixed-rate mortgages. Borrowers can make overpayments up to 10% of the outstanding balance without incurring an early repayment charge. On tracker mortgages, Santander also does not impose any limits on overpayments.

These are specific examples of the overpayment allowances offered by these lenders, but it’s important to note that terms and conditions can change over time, and individual mortgage agreements may vary.

For more information on interest-only-mortgages, please contact a member of the Strive team, by emailing info@strivemortgages.co.uk or call us on 01273 002697.

Frequently asked questions on interest-only-mortgages