What happens when you pay off your mortgage?

Settling your mortgage once and for all is an exciting prospect. But aside from throwing a party to celebrate that release, in reality what happens when you pay off your mortgage?

You’ve probably dreamt of the day when you’ll be free from shopping around for the best mortgage rates and the burden of large monthly repayments.

Here, we take a look at how to tie up loose ends and plan for the future.

What happens when you pay off your mortgage?

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

You now own 100 per cent of your home, assuming no other parties or lenders have a stake in it.

If you had a repayment mortgage, you will have paid off the capital borrowed and interest charges on it over the lifetime of the loan. With an interest-only mortgage, you will have made all interest payments during the loan’s lifetime, and then repaid the original capital at the end of the agreement.

The good news is that means no more monthly mortgage payments to make. But there are still a few boxes to tick and some paperwork to complete.

• First, contact your lender to find out your mortgage redemption details. This is the final amount due to settle your home loan, plus any fees owed.
• You may need to pay an ‘account fee’ if you deferred one to the end of your mortgage term.
• A redemption fee may also apply, also known as an ‘exit fee’.
• Once you have officially paid off your mortgage, contact your bank to ensure any future direct debits or standing orders are cancelled.
• Your lender will surrender its charge over your home. And you can reclaim the title deeds, which show the chain of ownership of a property.

Rachel Springall, a finance expert at comparison service Moneyfacts.co.uk, says: ‘Homeowners need to ensure they have their title deeds back if they were held by a lender or solicitor. Plus, it’s wise to check the deeds to see if the property is registered with the Land Registry.’

Visit HM Land Registry to find out more. There is a small fee if you want an official copy of the deeds. If you instruct a solicitor, they can help you finalise the arrangements, update the Land Registry, and obtain a copy of the title deeds.

What are my options when the mortgage is paid off?

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

If you plan to live in your home mortgage-free, you might want to put the extra cash you’ll now have towards renovation or retirement plans.

Brian Murphy, head of lending at broker network the Mortgage Advice Bureau, says: ‘Some may prefer enjoying luxury items or experiences, or paying for a home renovation. Others may want to reduce their income and hours to restore a better work-life balance.’ He adds: ‘It’s important to keep a decent cash buffer to accommodate for rising costs too.’

Experts encourage you to make your pension a priority once you’ve paid off your mortgage. Rosie Hooper, a chartered financial planner at advice and wealth management company Quilter, says: ‘It’s wise to plough this extra money into a pension. Not only is it tax efficient, but with a healthy pension and a mortgage-free property, you’re well on your way to achieving the retirement you have dreamed of.’

What if I need money tied up in the house?

Image credit: Future PLC/Ryan Wicks

There’s the option of downsizing, which frees up capital from a house sale, assuming the one you buy next is cheaper. This might not appeal if there’s a limited supply of properties for sale in the area you want to live. There’s no guarantee of finding a buyer for your home either.

Equity release is another option. You take the cash value of a chunk of your home. This sum is repaid, with interest, when the property is sold – either after you die or move into long-term care.

You can make interest repayments while you’re alive. This preserves the portion of property you own for inheritance purposes. Hooper adds: ‘It’s very important that anyone looking to do this sees a financial adviser. ‘Equity release is complicated, and is not the right course for everyone. Having saved for years to pay off your mortgage, it’s critical that you take these next steps very carefully.’

Can I re-mortgage if I have paid off my mortgage in full?

Yes – but its technical name at this stage is an unencumbered mortgage. Hooper says: ‘This is a very advantageous position to be in, and lenders will give you favourable deals as a result.’

You still need to pass affordability checks and repay the loan over a period of time, just like a regular mortgage. The loan is secured against your property, so failing to keep up with repayments puts your home at risk of repossession. ‘Once again, getting financial advice is critical,’ adds Hooper.

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