Get in touch
Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm
Your top mortgage questions
Get the answers you need about Yorkshire Bank mortgages
Got a question about Yorkshire Bank mortgages? Have a look at some of the questions we’re asked most often. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call on 0845 602 6198.
Your questions
- How long does it take to arrange a mortgage?
- How much can I borrow?
- I already have a mortgage with another lender. If I switch to you, can I borrow more money?
- What is loan to value?
- Do you offer mortgages for any type of home?
- Do I need a deposit?
- Why do I need a survey or valuation?
- My fixed rate deal is about to end. What happens next?
- I want to increase my mortgage. Are there any restrictions on what I can use the money for?
- What other things do I have to pay for when I buy a home?
- What is Yorkshire Bank’s current standard variable rate?
Answers
How long does it take to arrange a mortgage?
As a general rule it takes between four and eight weeks, starting from the time you make an initial enquiry.
However, we can arrange some mortgages even faster – for example, if you’re an existing Yorkshire Bank mortgage customer looking to borrow more money for home improvements.
How much can I borrow?
It’s all about affordability – not simply your salary. So we look at your income and your expenses, then work out how much you can reasonably afford to pay each month for your mortgage.
We can usually give you a broad idea of the amount you can borrow reasonably quickly. Just call us on 0845 602 6198 to speak to one of our advisers.
I already have a mortgage with another lender. If I switch to you, can I borrow more money?
Yes. It’s often possible to increase the amount of your mortgage when you switch from another lender. We’re happy to lend more money provided it’s being used for a legitimate purpose, and the total loan doesn’t exceed any restrictions on loan to value (LTV).
We’ll also need to make sure the extra borrowing can be supported by your current income.
What is loan to value?
Loan to value (LTV) is simply the amount you need to borrow, expressed as a percentage of the value of the property you want to buy.
So, if you need to borrow £60,000 to buy a home valued at £100,000, your loan to value would be 60%.
Do you offer mortgages for any type of home?
Yes - we offer mortgages to buy virtually any type of permanent property. This could be your main home, a holiday home or a buy to let property.
However, we sometimes restrict how much we’re prepared to lend against some properties such as new homes or converted properties less than three years old.
If you’re uncertain whether or not we’ll be able to offer a mortgage on your property, give us a call on 0845 602 6198.
Do I need a deposit?
Yes - usually you will need to meet part of the purchase price from your own funds. The amount of deposit you need depends on the loan to value limit of the type of mortgage you choose.
Why do I need a survey or valuation?
We ask for a valuation because we need an up to date assessment of a property’s value to make sure our loan to value conditions are met. It also helps you decide if the asking price is reasonable.
If you’re thinking about buying an older property, you should consider getting a full survey carried out. This alerts you to any serious defects, which could be expensive to repair or seriously affect the value of your home.
My fixed or discounted rate deal is about to end. What happens next?
If you’re on a fixed or discounted rate mortgage, we’ll write to you about two months before the end of the fixed or discounted rate term. If you want, you can get in touch with us and arrange a new fixed rate deal. You’ll have to pay an arrangement fee but there are no legal or valuation fees.
If you decide not to go for a new fixed rate mortgage, you’ll pay interest at the Standard Variable Rate or at a tracker rate, depending on the deal you’re on. You can always get in touch with us at a later date and set up a fixed rate mortgage on one of the deals we’re offering at that time
Our current Standard Variable Rate is currently 4.59%. It may change from time to time.
I want to increase my mortgage. Are there any restrictions on what I can use the money for?
There are very few restrictions on how you spend any extra mortgage borrowing. For example, you can use it for home improvements, repairs and even debt consolidation.
We’re happy to lend, as long as:
- The money isn’t being used for illegal purposes
- Your total borrowing is still within the loan to value limits
- You can afford the additional payments
If you’re in any doubt about whether or not we’ll lend for a particular purpose, give us a call on 0845 602 6198.
What other things do I have to pay for when I buy a home?
There are a number of other expenses when you buy a home:
- Valuation or survey fees – a professional surveyor will assess the value and possibly the condition of the property. These costs are usually based on the value of the property
- Legal fees – a solicitor or conveyancer needs to make sure all the legal documentation is in order, and that your interest in the property is registered
- Arrangement fee – this is charged by your lender and covers their costs in setting up your mortgage
- Stamp duty – stamp duty is charged by the Government on houses sold for £125,000 or more – £250,000 or more for first time buyers
You’ll also need home buildings insurance. If you’re a first time buyer or re-mortgaging, you may be able to save on some fees.
Though not compulsory, it makes good sense to have home contents insurance – and life and protection insurance to cover your mortgage.
What is Yorkshire Bank’s current standard variable rate?
Our current Standard Variable Rate is 4.59%, and changes from time to time.