Everything You Need to Know About Joint Mortgages

Joint mortgages have become increasingly popular, especially as property prices continue to rise. Whether you're buying with a partner, friend, or family member, a joint mortgage can make homeownership more accessible.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about joint mortgages, from the basics to more complex scenarios like adding a name or exiting the agreement.

What is a Joint Mortgage?

A joint mortgage is a type of home loan taken out by two or more people who share the responsibility for repaying the mortgage and own the property together. Unlike an individual mortgage, where one person is solely responsible, a joint mortgage distributes ownership and liability among all parties involved. 

Joint mortgages are typically structured in two ways: as joint tenants or tenants in common. Joint tenants share equal ownership of the property; if one person passes away, their share automatically transfers to the surviving owners.

Tenants in common can own different shares of the property, and each person's share can be passed on according to their will.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial as they can impact your rights and responsibilities as a property owner.

Who Can I Take a Joint Mortgage Out With?

You can take out a joint mortgage with anyone you trust and with whom you have a strong financial relationship. Common scenarios include: 

Couples: Married or cohabiting couples often opt for joint mortgages to combine their incomes and enhance borrowing potential.

Family Members: Parents might enter a joint mortgage with their children to help them climb the property ladder.

Friends: Close friends might pool their resources to buy a property together.Business Partners: In some cases, business partners might jointly purchase a property as part of their business strategy.

Having a clear understanding and agreement with your co-borrowers is essential, as financial compatibility and trust are critical to a successful joint mortgage.

How Much Can We Borrow on a Joint Mortgage?

The amount you can borrow on a joint mortgage is typically based on the combined income of all applicants. Lenders usually multiply your combined annual income by a particular figure (often between 4 to 5 times your income) to determine your maximum borrowing amount. However, income is not the only factor considered. Lenders will also consider financial commitments, such as existing debts, credit card balances, and living expenses.

The more people involved in the mortgage, the greater your potential borrowing power, but this also comes with increased scrutiny of each applicant's financial situation.

How Many People Can Jointly Own a Property?

In the UK, up to four people can jointly own a property. This can be a mix of family members, friends, or partners. If more than four people are involved in the purchase, only four can be listed as legal owners on the title deeds, though others can have a beneficial interest through a trust agreement. When multiple people jointly own a property, agreeing on how ownership shares will be divided is essential. This division should be documented, typically through a deed of trust, to avoid future disputes.

Whose Credit Score is Used on a Joint Mortgage?

When applying for a joint mortgage, lenders will assess the credit scores of all applicants. Typically, the lowest credit score among the applicants is used to determine the mortgage's interest rate and terms. 

This means that if one applicant has a poor credit history, it could affect the mortgage approval process, and the terms offered. To improve your chances of securing a favourable mortgage, it's wise for all applicants to check and, if necessary, improve their credit scores before applying.

How to Add a Name to a Mortgage

Adding a name to an existing mortgage is a process known as "Transfer of Equity." This is common when a partner moves in and wants to share property ownership. To add someone to a mortgage: 

Seek Approval from the Lender: The lender must agree to the change, as they'll need to assess the new applicant's financial situation and creditworthiness.

Affordability Checks: The lender will perform affordability checks to ensure the new arrangement is financially viable.

Legal Documentation: A solicitor must handle the legal paperwork, including updating the title deeds to reflect the new ownership structure.

Costs: Additional costs may be involved, such as legal fees and potential changes in mortgage terms.Adding a name can be a straightforward process, but it's important to consider the financial implications and the responsibilities involved.

How to Transfer a Joint Mortgage to One Person

If circumstances change, such as a relationship breakdown, you may want to transfer a joint mortgage to one person. This process involves: Seeking Consent from the Lender: The remaining borrower must demonstrate that they can afford the mortgage independently.

Affordability Checks: The lender will reassess the remaining borrower's financial situation to ensure they can meet the mortgage payments independently.

Legal Procedures: A solicitor will need to handle the transfer of ownership and ensure the title deeds are updated.

Financial Implications: The person taking over the mortgage might need to compensate the departing borrower for their equity share.This process can be complex, and it's often advisable to seek professional advice to navigate the legal and financial aspects effectively.

How to Get Out of a Joint Mortgage

Exiting a joint mortgage is a significant decision, often driven by changes in personal circumstances. Here are some options:

Selling the Property: The most straightforward option is to sell the property, pay off the mortgage, and divide the remaining equity among the co-owners.

Transferring the Mortgage: As discussed in the previous section, another option is to transfer the mortgage to the remaining co-owner(s).

Refinancing: You may also refinance the mortgage to remove one party from the loan agreement. This might involve taking out a new mortgage in the remaining party's name.

Each option comes with its own set of legal and financial considerations. Communicating openly with your co-borrowers and seeking professional advice is crucial to ensure the process is handled smoothly.

Joint mortgages offer a flexible way to purchase property with others, whether you're buying with a partner, family member, or friend. However, it's essential to understand the implications of joint ownership, from borrowing capacity to the responsibilities of each party involved. 

Before entering a joint mortgage, ensure you're fully aware of the potential challenges and the steps required if circumstances change. At Squires Estates, we're here to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions.

If you have any questions or need further guidance on joint mortgages, don't hesitate to contact us.