85% LTV Mortgages

What you need know about 85% LTV Mortgages

Buying a home can be an overwhelming process, but understanding 85% loan-to-value mortgages could help make it easier.

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Mortgage & Protection Director
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Published:
August 27, 2021
Updated:
April 4, 2022

Looking to buy a home but feeling intimidated by the high costs? An 85% LTV mortgage might be your answer! In this comprehensive guide, you will get everything you need to know about these special mortgages - from how they work and their requirements, all the way through benefits and drawbacks. Achieving homeownership doesn't have to feel like an impossible dream; let's explore if an 85% LTV could make it happen for you today!

What is an 85% LTV Mortgage?

An 85% LTV mortgage allows you to borrow up to 85% of your home's value, which means you'll need to come up with a 15% down payment. For instance, if you wish to buy a £300,000 house, you'll need to offer a minimum of 15% down, which is £45,000, leaving you to finance the remaining £255,000. With an 85% LTV, you can borrow up to £212,500 based on a property worth £250,000, a common property value in many parts of the UK.

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Advantages of an 85% LTV Mortgage:

One of the most significant advantages of an 85% LTV mortgage is that you don't need to have a large deposit. Many first-time buyers find it challenging to accumulate large sums of cash for a down payment, so an 85% LTV can make it easier to get on the property ladder. Additionally, since the amount borrowed is relatively small, it's more manageable to repay, and this often translates to lower monthly mortgage repayments.

  1. Lower Down Payment:
    One of the biggest advantages of an 85% LTV mortgage is a lower deposit amount. With this type of loan, you may only need to pay a down payment of 15% or less, making it a more affordable option for those who don't have a lot of cash on hand for a down payment. This can be especially helpful for first-time buyers who want to break into the housing market but may not have a large savings account.
  2. Lower Monthly Payments:
    Because you're borrowing a smaller amount with an 85% LTV mortgage, your monthly payments are often more affordable. This can give homebuyers more financial flexibility, allowing them to put money towards other expenses or save for the future.

The more you can put down towards your home purchase, the better. If you have a higher deposit amount than the minimum required, you'll get access to better mortgage interest rates, which will significantly reduce the overall cost of borrowing. You'll also require less mortgage insurance, as lenders see higher deposits as less risky.

An 85% LTV mortgage is an excellent option for first-time buyers struggling to raise a large deposit for their home purchase. But it's crucial to remember that the lower your deposit's value, the higher your monthly repayments will be. You'll also need to provide the requisite documentation, have a good credit score, a stable income, and meet other lender requirements to qualify. Nonetheless, with the right preparation, an 85% LTV mortgage can be a great way to achieve homeownership in the UK.

The Application Process

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What It Takes to Qualify for an 85% LTV Mortgage:

Most lenders will require that you have a good credit score and a stable income source to qualify for an 85% LTV. Other requirements may include your employment status, your age, and other existing financial liabilities. To increase your chances of getting approved, you need to gather all the necessary paperwork such as bank statements, payslips, and employer references. If you're self-employed or have irregular income, you may need to show more documentation, such as tax returns and business accounts.

  1. Credit Score:
    One of the essential things you'll need to qualify for an 85% LTV mortgage is a good credit score. Lenders typically require a credit score of at least 620, although some lenders may offer loans to borrowers with scores as low as 580. The higher your credit score, the better interest rates you'll be able to secure. So, if you're planning to apply for an 85% LTV mortgage, make sure you keep a clean credit history and have a good score.
  2. Steady Income:
    Lenders want to ensure that you'll be able to repay your mortgage on time, so having a stable and consistent income is crucial. You'll typically need to provide proof of employment or income for at least two years, and typically your monthly mortgage payments should not exceed 30% of your monthly income. If you're self-employed, you'll need to provide at least two years of tax returns to show your income.
  3. Savings:
    Even though you're putting down a lower deposit amount, you'll still need to have some savings in the bank. Lenders will want to see that you have funds set aside to cover closing costs, home inspections, and other expenses that may arise during the home-buying process.
  4. Mortgage Valuation:
    Before you can secure an 85% LTV mortgage, the lender will require a valuation of the property. This will determine the market value of the home and the loan amount you'll be able to secure. The valuation must meet the lender's requirements, and any necessary repairs or renovations will need to be completed before closing.
  5. Debt-to-Income Ratio:
    Lenders use the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine if you qualify for a mortgage. Your DTI is the ratio of your monthly debt payments to your monthly income. Lenders typically want to see a DTI below 36%, including your mortgage payment. If your DTI is above the lender's required limit, you may not qualify for an 85% LTV mortgage.

The Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Higher loan amount: With an 85% LTV mortgage, you can borrow a larger amount compared to a lower LTV mortgage. This allows you to potentially purchase a more expensive property or have more funds available for other purposes.
  • Greater property options: With a higher loan amount, you have a wider range of properties to choose from. You may have more flexibility in selecting a property in your desired location or with the features you prefer.
  • Potentially lower deposit: Compared to a mortgage with a lower LTV, an 85% LTV mortgage requires a smaller deposit. This can be beneficial if you have limited savings or prefer to allocate your funds elsewhere.
  • Higher interest rates: Generally, mortgages with higher LTVs tend to come with higher interest rates. This means you may end up paying more in interest over the life of the mortgage compared to a lower LTV mortgage.
  • Potential for higher monthly repayments: A larger mortgage amount combined with potentially higher interest rates can result in higher monthly mortgage repayments. It's important to ensure that you can comfortably afford these payments based on your income and financial circumstances.
  • Potential for negative equity: If property prices decrease after purchasing with a high LTV mortgage, there is a risk of entering negative equity. This means that the outstanding mortgage balance could be higher than the current value of the property, which can restrict your options if you need to sell or remortgage.
  • Limited lender options: Some lenders may have stricter criteria or fewer options available for mortgages with higher LTVs. This can limit your choice of lenders or require you to meet more stringent eligibility requirements.

Alternatives to an 85% LTV Mortgage

There are alternative options to consider if you're looking for alternatives to an 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgage. Here are a few options:

  1. Higher LTV mortgages
    If you're unable to provide a larger deposit, you can explore mortgages with higher LTV ratios, such as 90% or 95% LTV. Keep in mind that higher LTV mortgages generally come with higher interest rates and potentially stricter eligibility criteria.
  2. Help to Buy schemes
    If you're a first-time buyer, you may be eligible for government-backed Help to Buy schemes. These schemes provide equity loans or shared ownership options that can reduce the amount of deposit required and potentially provide more favourable terms.
  3. Guarantor mortgages
    Another option is to consider a guarantor mortgage, where a family member agrees to be a guarantor and provides additional security for the loan. This can help you secure a mortgage with a higher LTV ratio.
  4. Shared Ownership
    Shared Ownership schemes allow you to purchase a share of a property (usually between 25% to 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. This can require a lower deposit compared to traditional mortgages.
  5. Build-to-Rent schemes
    Some developers offer build-to-rent schemes where you rent a property with the option to buy it later. This can provide an alternative route to homeownership with lower upfront costs.
  6. Savings and deposit assistance
    Instead of seeking a mortgage with a higher LTV ratio, you may consider saving for a larger deposit over time. This can help you secure a mortgage with a lower LTV and potentially more favourable interest rates.

Other options

- 95% LTV Mortgages -
A 95% LTV mortgage requires a deposit of just 5% of the property's value, making it a popular option for first-time buyers who may not have significant savings to put down. While this type of mortgage can be attractive, it's worth bearing in mind that the interest rates tend to be higher than for lower LTV mortgages. The experience of COVID-19 has also highlighted the risk of negative equity if the house prices drop or decrease after buying.


- 90% LTV Mortgages -
A 90% LTV mortgage will require a deposit of 10% of the property value. This option can be slightly more accessible to people who have a larger savings pot, but don't want to stretch too much. A 90% LTV mortgage may offer lower rates than the 95% mortgage but not as low as the 85%.


- 80% LTV Mortgages -
An 80% LTV mortgage requires a deposit of 20% of the property's value, meaning that you'll typically have to pay a more considerable sum upfront. However, along with a relatively low deposit, this option comes with fewer risks, including better interest rates, affordable monthly mortgage payments, and the positive equity.


- 75% LTV Mortgages -
A 75% LTV mortgage is great for those who can put close to 25% down as a deposit. By doing so, you'll get even better interest rates and make monthly mortgage payments more affordable. You also have less exposure to risks, and you could build more equity in the long run.


- 70% LTV Mortgages -
A 70% LTV mortgage will require a deposit of 30% of the property's value. This option is rarely used for primary homes but can be very suitable for investment property buyers. It's the most affordable option when it comes to interest rate costs, which makes borrowing cheaper.

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FAQs

85% LTV Mortgages

How do interest rates on an 85% LTV mortgage compare to lower LTV mortgages?

Generally, interest rates on an 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgage tend to be higher compared to lower LTV mortgages. Here's a comparison of interest rates between different LTV mortgage options:

Lower LTV Mortgages (e.g., 60% LTV, 75% LTV):

  • Lower LTV mortgages typically come with more competitive interest rates.
  • Lenders view lower LTV mortgages as less risky because borrowers have a larger equity stake in the property.
  • With a lower LTV, lenders may offer more favourable terms and lower interest rates to borrowers.

85% LTV Mortgages:

  • Interest rates on 85% LTV mortgages are generally higher compared to lower LTV options.
  • Lenders consider higher LTV mortgages to carry more risk, as borrowers have a smaller equity stake in the property.
  • The higher interest rates help compensate lenders for the increased risk associated with the loan.

It's important to note that interest rates can vary between lenders and are influenced by factors such as market conditions, the borrower's creditworthiness, and the specific terms of the mortgage. It's advisable to shop around, compare offers from different lenders, and this is were we can help you. We can search the whole of market to find the best available interest rates for an 85% LTV mortgage based on your individual circumstances.

Can I use an 85% LTV mortgage for a property purchase as well as remortgaging?

Yes, you can use an 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgage for both property purchases and remortgaging purposes. Here's how each scenario typically works:

Property Purchase:

  • When purchasing a property, you can apply for an 85% LTV mortgage, which means you would provide a deposit of 15% of the property's value, and the mortgage lender would finance the remaining 85%.
  • The specific terms and conditions of the mortgage, including interest rates and eligibility criteria, will depend on the lender and your individual circumstances.
  • You will go through the standard mortgage application process, which involves providing necessary documentation, undergoing affordability assessments, and meeting the lender's criteria.

Remortgaging:

  • If you already own a property and wish to refinance or switch your existing mortgage, you can consider an 85% LTV remortgage.
  • In this case, the new mortgage would cover up to 85% of the property's current value, and you would need to meet the lender's requirements, including credit checks and affordability assessments.
  • Remortgaging to an 85% LTV mortgage allows you to access additional funds, consolidate debts, or secure a better interest rate, depending on your goals.

It's important to note that the availability and terms of an 85% LTV mortgage for both property purchase and remortgaging can vary among lenders.

How does the potential for negative equity impact an 85% LTV mortgage?

The potential for negative equity can have an impact on an 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgage. Here's how it can affect borrowers with an 85% LTV mortgage:

Negative equity occurs when the outstanding mortgage balance exceeds the current market value of the property. This can happen if property prices decrease after purchasing the property. Here's how it can impact borrowers:

  1. Limited options for selling: If you find yourself in negative equity, it can limit your options if you need to sell the property. Selling the property may not generate enough funds to repay the mortgage in full, potentially resulting in a shortfall.
  2. Difficulties in remortgaging: Negative equity can also make it challenging to remortgage the property. Lenders may be hesitant to offer new mortgage terms when the outstanding loan amount exceeds the property's value.
  3. Stuck with the property: Negative equity may make it difficult to move or upgrade to a new property, as the proceeds from selling the current property may not be enough to cover the outstanding mortgage debt.
  4. Higher risk of financial loss: If you're in negative equity, you may be at a higher risk of financial loss if you need to sell the property due to unforeseen circumstances, such as job relocation or financial hardship.

It's important to note that negative equity is a potential risk but not an inherent consequence of an 85% LTV mortgage. It depends on factors such as property market fluctuations and the specific circumstances of the borrower.

How is 85% LTV mortgage calculated?

To calculate an 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgage, you need to determine the loan amount based on the property's value. Here's the calculation:

  1. Determine the property's value: Obtain a professional property valuation or use an estimate based on market values and comparable sales.
  2. Calculate the loan amount: Multiply the property's value by the desired LTV ratio (85%). This will give you the loan amount you're seeking.

For example, let's say the property's value is £300,000:

Loan Amount = Property Value x LTV Ratio Loan Amount = £300,000 x 0.85 Loan Amount = £255,000

In this example, the loan amount for an 85% LTV mortgage would be £255,000.

Remember that the actual loan amount you're approved for may also depend on other factors, such as your income, credit history, and the specific lending criteria of the mortgage lender.

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