ASSOCIATED COSTS AND OPTION OF EQUITY
- Establishment fees
- Solicitor fees
- Stamp duty
WHAT IS EQUITY?
Equity in real estate refers to the difference between the current market value of your property and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. It represents the portion of the property that you truly own, free and clear of any debt. As you make regular mortgage payments and own a home for an extended period, your equity gradually builds up. This increase in equity is driven by factors such as appreciation in the property’s market value and the reduction of the mortgage principal through repayments. Having substantial equity can provide financial advantages, acting as a form of savings and a safety net. It can also serve as a valuable resource for real estate investments, allowing you to access funds for purchasing additional properties.
However, accessing equity can only be done if you pay certain fees and costs, one of them being Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) if you want to access over 80% of your property’s value. Choosing another lender or loan type will have its own associated costs too.
HOW TO ACCESS EQUITY?
- Calculate the available equity – This can be estimated by a real estate agent or a credit advisor who can organise a valuation by a lender.
- Calculate the ‘accessible’ equity – Not all of your equity is accessible. Your servicing capability of repaying any additional payments play a crucial role here. An experienced mortgage broker will be equipped to advise you on this matter and help you work through your finances.