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Virgin Money is offering loans to businesses that are driving sustainability. These loans will be cheaper for SMEs that can demonstrate they’re improving their environmental and social impact.
If you’re thinking of applying https://best-loans.co.za/urgent-loan-under-debt-review/ for a mortgage with Virgin, you can get started by getting a decision in principle (DIP). You can do this online or through an independent financial adviser (IFA) who can advise on mortgages from many different lenders.
Fixed-rate and tracker rate mortgages
When it comes to choosing your mortgage, there are many options available. Some will be fixed-rate deals which have an agreed interest rate that will stay the same until the end of your term – typically two, five or ten years. These are popular because they give you certainty over the amount you’ll have to pay back each month. Other options are tracker mortgages which follow the Bank of England base rate and move up or down accordingly. These can offer a great deal if you find an introductory rate, as the interest you’ll pay will stay the same if the base rate goes up or down.
Both of these types have benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh up which is more suitable for your needs. If you’re risk averse, a fixed-rate deal might suit your preferences better, but if you want to benefit from lower rates, a tracker mortgage could be the best option for you.
If your fixed-rate deal is coming to an end, remember that once it’s over, you’ll be switched onto your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). This tends to be higher than the rates offered on fixed and tracker mortgages, so it’s worth thinking about switching lenders or finding a new deal before this happens. You can also opt for a tracker mortgage with a collar, which means your interest rate won’t rise above a set level.
Remortgage
A remortgage is a process that allows you to move your mortgage from one lender to another, or even just change the interest rate with your current provider. This typically requires you to supply proof of income, complete a credit check and provide your home’s valuation. It is important to understand the fees involved before you apply for a new mortgage, as they can significantly increase the amount you repay each month.
One of the main reasons to remortgage is to take advantage of lower rates, which can result in a much more affordable monthly repayment. This can be particularly beneficial if you have been paying your mortgage for a long time and you are worried about future interest rate rises.
Many people also remortgage to release equity from their property in order to pay for home improvements or to clear other debts. However, it is important to remember that any money you borrow in this way will be secured against your home and may therefore put your property at risk of repossession if you fail to keep up repayments.
When you remortgage, you will usually be required to pay an early repayment fee. This is a percentage of the remaining mortgage balance and it typically reduces over time, meaning you will have to pay less at the end of your deal.
Buy-to-let
Buying property to rent out is a popular way for people to add to their income and potentially build wealth. However, it can also be a complicated investment.
Choosing the right property to buy is essential, as is finding tenants and maintaining the property. You may need to have a letting agent in place, which can save you time and money by managing all the tenant-related aspects of the rental process.
A buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage is a type of home loan specifically designed to finance property that will be let out. Like a residential mortgage, buy-to-let mortgages require a deposit, and you will have to meet a lender’s affordability checks. These typically include income, credit checks and a survey.
Most BTL mortgages are interest-only. This means you will pay the interest each month, but not the capital. At the end of the mortgage term you will need to have a plan to repay the capital of the loan, either through the sale of the property or by using your savings.
Many landlords have been increasing their portfolios as house prices rise, and the demand for housing is strong in some parts of the UK. But before you invest in a BTL property, make sure to speak to a fee-free mortgage advisor who can run through all your options and find the best deal for you.
Sustainability-linked loans
Sustainability-linked loans are a growing market for sustainable finance, combining the advantages of green bonds and loans. They incentivize borrowers to achieve ambitious, material, and quantifiable predetermined sustainability performance targets. They also help companies establish and strengthen governance, strategies, and risk management systems for ESG issues. This can reduce carbon emissions and improve natural capital, thereby boosting corporate value.
The emergence of SLLs is an exciting development for sustainability professionals, as they provide a platform to promote the value and importance of independent advice. This is critical to designing the frameworks on which such financing transactions rely, from setting credible baselines, conducting context-specific assessments, and formulating targets and metrics. These principles aim to encourage financial institutions to develop a suite of sustainability-related products to meet the needs of their clients and investors.
SLLs are also a flexible alternative to traditional sustainability-oriented instruments, such as green bonds and loans. Unlike the latter, which require the borrower to use debt proceeds for a specific project, SLLs are agnostic about how the loan proceeds will be used. This flexibility makes them a more accessible tool for companies that are unable to use their equity or cash to fund sustainability projects.
For example, in 2021, Hang Lung Properties signed an SLL with a lender that provided interest rate reductions based on the company’s GRESB results. The company will use the loan to install solar panels on its buildings and reduce energy intensity across its portfolio.




