Best Mortgages Before The End Of 2014

29/12/2014 – Expansión

The last few days leading up to the end of 2014 have been filled with the habitual summaries, assessments and balance sheets.

As far as the mortgage market is concerned, over the past 12 months there has been a reduction in differentials that banks add to the Euribor, a reference rate that is added to most adjustable-rate mortgages signed in Spain, which has registered record lows.

These factors have resulted in a higher number of mortgages signed from June to October this year, the last month for which the National Statistics Institute (INE) has released data. The number has exceeded those of the same month back in 2013.

In October, 17,687 mortgages were signed, 18.0% more than a year ago. In September, 19,323 or 29.8% more than in the same month of 2013; in August – 15,040 (23.8% increase); in July – 18,107 (up 28.8%), and in June – 17,137 (19.0% more).

But let’s look over this bit by bit. The average overall differential of banks at the beginning of the year was at 2.788%, according to Bankimia indices calculator, whereas just a few days short of the end of the month, it has dropped to 2.136%. The reason behind this decline is the appearance of new mortgages in 2014 and interest rate reduction in some of the already existing ones.

And according to forecasts, the path of the mortgage for next year will be similar, with steady reductions in differentials.

At the end of November, the Euribor was at 0.335%, as confirmed by the Bank of Spain. This is the lowest level in history and the result of monetary measures taken during the past year by the European Central Bank, with reductions in interest rates, reaching all the way down to 0.05%.

As December comes to a close, the ten most outstanding bank mortgages, according to Bankimia mortgage comparison website, are the following:

1. CajaSur Mortgage, from CajaSur: It starts with a fixed interest rate of 2.50% during the first two years and then Euribor +1.25% for the remaining repayment period. To achieve these conditions, the holder must have their payroll deposited directly to the bank and purchase three insurance plans (payment protection, home and life), plus a card and a pension plan. CajaSur finances up to 80% of the appraised value of a first home.

2. Ahora Mortgage, from Liberbank: No sign-up fee, starts with an interest rate of 1.95% for the first 12 months and then the Euribor is applied at +1.50% for the rest of the repayment period. The bank requires the holder to have their payroll deposited directly or have certified income of above 2,000 euros a month, as well as purchase a comprehensive home insurance plan and each loan holder must sign up for a card issued by the bank. This product is marketed throughout the country except for branch offices in Asturias, Extremadura, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Avila and Lugo.

3. HipoteCasa db Mortgage, from Deutsche Bank: It has a fixed interest that starts at 2.25% for the first 12 months. For the rest of the repayment period, the interest rate is variable and based on Euribor +1.59%. All this is contingent upon whether the appraised value of the property, a first home, to purchase is equal to or greater than 100,000 euros.

In addition, the holder must set up direct payroll deposit and three basic bills to the bank, plus household income must be over 30,000 per year. It is also required to hire both a credit and debit card, plus three insurances: payment protection, home and life.

4. Hogar Mortgage, from Caja de Ingenieros: It finances up to 80% of the lesser value between the purchase or appraisal of the home being bought, which must be that of primary residence. Throughout the first year a fixed interest rate of 2.35% is applied, while for the rest of the period, the Euribor at +1.59%. To obtain these conditions, the holder must set up direct payroll deposit and three debit of three utility bills, have a minimum account balance of $3,000 and purchase three insurance policies (payment protection, home and life) along with a credit card.

5. Postal Mortgage, from BanCorreos: During the first 12 months a fixed interest rate of 2.5 % is applied, while for the rest of the repayment period, a differential of 1.59% is added to the Euribor. It finances up to 80% of the appraised value of the house with a minimum of 80,000 euros. The holder must be linked with the banks through direct payroll deposit and hiring of a home and life insurance, as well as a credit card and a pension plan.

6. Freedom + Mortgage, from Banco Mediolanum: A variable interest rate based on the Euribor +1.65% is applied throughout the repayment period. For the best terms and conditions, the bank requires mortgage-holders to set up direct payroll deposit, have income above 35,000 euros a year, or purchase a life insurance. It finances up to 80% of the appraised value of the home.

7. Unoe Mortgage, from Unoe: No sign-up fee. It has an interest rate based on the Euribor +1.65% if the payroll is directly deposited to the bank and if a home insurance as well as a single-premium financed life insurance policy is purchased along with it. It provides up to 80% of the appraised value of the property with a minimum of 30,000 euros.

8. Net Fidelis Mortgage, from Caja España-Duero: It can only be hired over the internet. The first 12 months bear interest at 2.25%, while to the rest of the repayment period applies Euribor +1.65%. To obtain this mortgage, the owner has to set up direct payroll deposit, hire insurance (life, payment protection and home), two cards and a pension plan through the bank. It finances the lesser value of 80% of the price of sale and appraisal.

9. Triodos Mortgage, from Triodos Bank: In this mortgage plan, the interest depends also on the energy rating of the house: the more sustainable, the more economical. Interest rate is based on the Euribor +1.65% if the holder also hires home and life insurance, sets up direct payroll deposit and direct debit of three utility bills, and signs up for both a credit and debit card.

10. Naranja Mortgage, from ING Direct: No commissions, the interest is the Euribor at +1.69% if the holder sets up direct payroll deposit or deposits at least 600 euros a month or maintains a minimum account balance of 2,000 euros, among others.

All these mortgages have a repayment period of up to 30 years. In the case of those offered by Unoe and ING Direct, the period goes up to 35 and 40 years, respectively.

The selection of loans was carried out among those offered by banks and did not take into account those aimed at specific target demographics, such as youths or civil servants, among others.

Original article: Expansión

Translation: Aura REE

Banks No More Fear Lending, 100% Mortgages Are Back

30/09/2014 – El Economista

The latest updates indicate a constant rise in new mortgage approvals. And the nearly impossible has happened: some of them were lent at 100% of the value of a property. Two entities grant the loans for the total value and around a dozen include this option in their mortgages. Of course, in all cases they are tied to strict requirements and obligations.

Until now, the privilage was reserved only for foreclosures but now it starts to change due to more intensive assets transfers by Sareb and the arrival of investment funds that absorbed many real estate servicing branches of banks.

Moreover, banks like Santander or BBVA still offer these conditions for purchase of the homes traded in their offices and stands.

Ibercaja & Caja de Ingenieros

These two entites offer loans equal to 100% of the value of a property provided that the customer also accepts ‘high interest rates and loyalty products’.

Ibercaja’s mortgage called ‘Superhipoteca 2014’ is being lent for a 40-year term. The borrower shall place a salary deposit and three bills, as well as to buy several insurances and credit cards, maintain fixed amount on the savings account and ‘invest in a fund managed by the bank’.

Caja de Ingenieros sells the ‘Hipoteca Hogar’ mortgage, asking for the salary deposit, purchase of an insurance and any product ‘for over €3.000’.

Speaking of interest rates, Ibercaja applies 3% in the first year and 2% + Euribor in the following, while at Caja de Ingenieros it changes from 4.5% to 2.74% respectively.

 

Original article: El Economista

Translation: AURA REE