So, you're thinking of buying some land in the UK? Maybe you've got big dreams of building your own home, or perhaps you just fancy a slice of countryside to call your own. Either way, you're probably wondering if it's possible to get a mortgage on land in the UK. Well, the short answer is yes, it is possible – but there are a few things you need to know first.
What Does Land Mortgage Mean in the UK?
In the UK, a land mortgage is a type of loan that is secured against a piece of land. It is a legal agreement between a borrower (also known as the mortgagor) and a lender (also known as the mortgagee), whereby the borrower pledges the land as collateral for the loan.
The land mortgage is a legal and binding document that specifies the terms and conditions of the loan, such as the amount borrowed, the interest rate, the repayment schedule, and any fees or charges that may apply. The borrower typically makes regular payments over a fixed period of time to repay the loan, and failure to make the payments may result in the lender taking legal action to repossess the land and sell it to recover the outstanding debt.
Land mortgages are commonly used by individuals and businesses to purchase land for a variety of purposes, such as building a home or commercial property, farming or agricultural use, or investment. They are also used for refinancing existing loans or to release equity in the land.
So Can You Get a Mortgage on Land?
Well, the answer depends on many factors, though usually, it is a "Yes". Firstly, it's important to understand that getting a mortgage on land is not the same as getting a mortgage on a property. When you buy a house, you're buying both the building and the land it sits on. But when you buy land, you're just buying the plot – there's no building there yet. This means that lenders see land as a riskier investment than property, as there's no guarantee that you'll actually be able to build on it, or that the value will increase over time.
So, what does this mean for getting a mortgage on land? Well, it means that lenders will typically be more cautious about lending money for land purchases, and may have stricter lending criteria than for a typical mortgage. This can make it harder to get approved for a land mortgage, especially if you don't have a good credit history or a solid plan for what you want to do with the land.
Different Types of Lands Considered For
Land inside the UK is classified with the aid of its cause, and what you're allowed to do on that land will depend on its categorization. It may be pretty hard to change the class of the land you are probably buying, so you might need to goal for land that already matches your plans. The conditions of your loan may even have a tendency to be based totally on the type of land you’re buying. These are the primary forms of loan for land types in the UK:
Self-Construct Land Mortgage - A self-build land loan is normally designed to recall the price of the land and the very last deliberate property. The cash will have a tendency to be released in degrees at some point in the building method.
Agricultural Land Mortgage - An agricultural land loan is designed for anybody looking to buy, construct, or extend a running farm. You might also provide a marketing strategy while making use to show the funding is well worth the money.
Woodland Mortgage - It has a tendency to be very difficult to make modifications to portions of land categorized as woodland. You may additionally need to offer a plan to prove how you intend to apply the land, as an instance for flora and fauna preservation.
Commercial Improvement Land Loan - Building developers will have a tendency to want an industrial development land loan to build industrial huge-scale businesses or residential gadgets. You will very likely need a fully documented business plan and in all likelihood planning permission to transport forward with a loan of this size.
However, if you can show that you have a clear plan for the land and that it has good potential for development or resale, then you may be able to secure a land mortgage. Here are some of the things that lenders will typically look for when considering a land mortgage application:
Planning permission: If you want to build on the land, you'll need to have planning permission from the local council. Lenders will want to see that you have permission in place, as this reduces the risk that you won't be able to build what you want.
Development potential: Lenders will be more willing to lend on land that has good potential for development or resale. This means that they'll look at factors like location, access, and the local property market when considering your application.
Deposit: As with any mortgage, you'll need to have a deposit to put down on the land. Typically, lenders will require a larger deposit for a land mortgage than for a property mortgage, as this reduces their risk.
Income: Lenders will want to see that you have a stable income and can afford the repayments on the mortgage. This can be trickier for a land mortgage, as you won't be generating any income from the land itself (at least not initially). You may need to show that you have other sources of income or assets to support your mortgage application.
Credit history: As with any loan, lenders will check your credit history to see how reliable you are at repaying debts. If you have a poor credit history, you may struggle to get approved for a land mortgage.
So, now you know what lenders will be looking for when considering a land mortgage application. But what are the benefits of getting a mortgage on land, and are there any drawbacks?
Which are the Types of Mortgage of Land in the UK?
In the UK, there are several types of mortgages that can be used to finance the purchase of land. These include:
Residential Land Mortgage: This is a type of mortgage used to purchase land with the intention of building a residential property on it. The mortgage is secured against the land, and the borrower must have planning permission in place for the intended construction.
Commercial Land Mortgage: This type of mortgage is used to finance the purchase of land for commercial purposes, such as the development of retail or office space. The mortgage is secured against the land, and lenders will typically require a higher deposit and interest rate than for residential mortgages.
Agricultural Land Mortgage: This type of mortgage is used to finance the purchase of agricultural land for farming or other agricultural purposes. The mortgage is secured against the land, and lenders will typically require a lower deposit and interest rate than for commercial mortgages.
Bridging Loan: This is a short-term loan used to bridge the gap between the purchase of land and the sale of another property or source of finance. Bridging loans can be used for any type of land purchase, but they are typically used for commercial or residential land purchases.
Self-Build Mortgage: This is a type of mortgage used to finance the construction of a property on a piece of land. The mortgage is released in stages as the construction progresses, and lenders will typically require detailed plans and costings before approving the loan.
It's important to note that the availability and terms of these mortgages can vary depending on the lender and the specific circumstances of the borrower. Borrowers should carefully consider their options and seek professional advice before choosing a type of mortgage for their land purchase.
Well, the main benefit of getting a land mortgage is that it can give you the financial support you need to make your land dreams a reality. Whether you want to build your own home, start a business, or just hold onto the land as an investment, a mortgage can help you to make it happen.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Firstly, as we've mentioned, it can be harder to get approved for a land mortgage than for a property mortgage. This means that you may need to shop around to find a lender who is willing to lend to you.