Mortgage UK: Homeowners urged to beware ‘short-term fix’ as furlough end date nears | Personal Finance | Finance
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The phasing out of furlough support has begun, with employers being asked to make contributions towards hours not worked as the changes to the level of grant get underway. The scheme has been extended to September 30, 2021, and it is then due to come to an end.
Amid the reduction in Government support via this scheme, there is still concern that this could lead to redundancies as businesses begin to feel the pinch, with some already badly affected by Covid restrictions.
In an effort to help those concerned about the finances in the coming months, John Penberthy-Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at Saffron Building Society, has shared some suggestions for homeowners who have a mortgage.
This includes a warning that people should “beware” of mortgage holidays.
“Lenders describe them in different ways, but you can have a six-month break from payment with most lenders,” he explained.
“This is a short-term fix, but it does extend the lifetime of the mortgage and can have implications on your finances moving forward, for a longer term.”
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Being honest with a lender is another top tip.
“Most respectable lenders will prefer you to contact them to let them know your situation has changed,” Mr Penberthy-Smith said.
“At Saffron Building Society we work with our members on a case-by-case basis to assess their situation and work together to find a solution and plan of action, specific to the borrower.”
Those who have it may also want to check their insurance details.
Mr Penberthy-Smith commented: “Do you have mortgage payment protection insurance?
“If you check your insurance, you should be covered for redundancy and may be able to make a claim.”
Homeowners who are worried about mortgage payments are also directed to see if they can claim benefits and support from the Government.
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“Do not be embarrassed to claim all the benefits you deserve,” Mr Penberthy-Smith said.
“Although this may not be enough to cover the cost of your mortgage, it will ensure you and your family are able to survive in the short term.”
Mr Penberthy-Smith went on to explain what the government mortgage interest support scheme, known as Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI), is.
“It takes up to 39 weeks for the first payment, or nine cycles of Universal Credit (nine months),” he said.
“It will cover mortgage interest payments, up to a total of £200,000 (£100,000 if on pension credit).
“Payments are made directly to your lender, so worth investigating.”
What are some other suggestions which Mr Penberthy-Smith shared?
Cut your budget
“Inevitably you are going to have to cut back on spending and manage the household budget in a different way,” he said.
“Cut energy bills, look for better tariffs. For the short term, can you reduce your mobile phone bill payment, if you have internet at home, why pay for costly mobile data?
“Manage your supermarket bill and look for fun, free ideas to keep the kids entertained, especially with school holidays approaching.”
Temporary work
“There is still temporary work available and could be a lifeline to keep you on your feet.
“Construction output remains at a high, so are the opportunities for labour or groundworks?
“Could you provide support to offices on a freelance or day-by-day basis for businesses who need support.”
Ask for help
“Do not be afraid to speak to loved ones. Perhaps pop into a local branch of your lender and have a financial wellbeing conversation – at Saffron Building Society we provide these for free for our members, I am sure other lenders will do the same.
“If you feel like you could be in a worsening situation, speak to debt charities such as StepChange or National Debtline.”
Leave emotions at the door
“You have nothing to be scared or embarrassed about.
“As Brits we are naturally very prudish when it comes to discussing our finances.
“Everyone has hit a bump in the road or found themselves in a situation where they want to bury their head in the sand and hide.
“But the best thing you can do is hold your head high, get all the support you can and be open and honest. In the long term, this will get you through this situation in the fastest possible time.”
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