What is a Mortgage Illustration?

During the process of obtaining a mortgage, you will come to a point where your mortgage broker will provide you with a “mortgage illustration”. This document is roughly ten pages in length and outlines all the important details of your mortgage.

Your mortgage broker will review your illustration with you after making their recommendation to ensure you understand everything before submitting your application to the lender.

A typical mortgage illustration will include information under the below headings:

• Who your mortgage lender is
• About your mortgage broker
• Product features
• Interest rates, fixed rate periods and costs
• Any obligations associated with the mortgage such as buildings insurance
• Early redemption charges
• The flexibility if you moved house or wanted to make overpayments etc
• Your rights
• Where to complain
• What happens if you can’t make your payments
• About the regulator
• Payment summary

What is included in a mortgage illustration?

Whether you are a first time buyer, home mover, or looking to remortgage you’ll receive a mortgage illustration.

The mortgage illustration you receive will show you all the costs associated with your mortgage, including your monthly payments. It will also inform you of any fees you will need to pay, such as lender fees, broker fees, and occasionally valuation fees.

However, it does not cover solicitors’ fees or insurance, as these are separate costs. The mortgage illustration document only covers what is included in the mortgage itself.

Additionally, it provides information about both your lender and mortgage broker, as well as legal details that your mortgage advisor will go over with you in more depth.

Do I have to agree to your mortgage recommendation?

The answer is no. You have complete control over whether you choose to accept our recommendation. If you’d like us to search for other mortgage options, we’re happy to do so.

If you decide to walk away, you won’t be charged any mortgage broker fees because we only receive payment for successful results (excluding lender fees).

Does going through a mortgage illustration guarantee me a mortgage?

We understand that many people want a mortgage, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that everyone who applies will be approved.

When we provide a mortgage illustration, it means that we have found a deal that you are eligible for. However, we still need to submit your application to the lender and wait for their formal offer.

Even if you are eligible and have a prior mortgage agreement in principle, there is still a possibility that you may be rejected due to reasons such as a poor credit score, insufficient income evidence, or problems with the property.

Written by
Malcolm Davidson
Managing Director of UK Moneyman Ltd.
MAQ & CeRER Qualified

22nd April 2024

About the Author

Malcolm Davidson

Managing Director of UK Moneyman LTD

Malcolm is one of the UK’s most well-known and respected Mortgage Advisors. He is passionate about providing a 5* customer experience and he has also trained and mentored dozens of fellow Advisors in a career that is now in its third decade.

In addition to his day to day duties as Managing Director, Malcolm still gives out mortgage advice and feels lucky that his job is also very much his hobby.

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