Following Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s statement on Tuesday 17th March that mortgage lenders will be offering a three month payment holiday on mortgage repayments, we at Curchods Mortgage Services want to ensure that all our clients, and anyone else who may need help in these difficult times, are aware of all the options available to them.
Firstly, if you have any concerns regarding your ability to continue to make your mortgage payments, please do speak to your mortgage consultant.
Our mortgage consultants are currently working remotely to keep themselves safe, but they are fully available to talk on the phone, via video calls and on email.
Currently a number of lenders have already made it clear as to their stance regarding the payment holidays, with Barclays confirming that alongside the three month break, they will also be considering offering clients the ability to switch their capital repayment to interest only.
Customers of the Lloyds Banking Group have confirmed they will not be charging fees for missed payments. A spokesperson for Lloyds said “Being there for our customers when they need us is our priority. We are making some temporary changes over the coming weeks and will be providing individual support to customers who need extra help.”
NatWest have confirmed that its specialist debt management agents would be asking appropriate questions to their customers to fully understand the root cause of the actual or anticipated financial difficulty to establish how it related to COVID-19.
All of the lenders have confirmed that a borrower will not be considered to be in arrears during the period of an agreed mortgage payment holiday and there will be no impact on their credit file.
Further to these actions the Government have also now confirmed that there will be emergency legislation in place for landlords whose tenants are experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19.
A statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government stated “This will alleviate the pressure on landlords, who will be concerned about meeting mortgage payments themselves and will mean no unnecessary pressure is put on their tenants as a result.”
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP added “The Government is clear – no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home, nor will any landlord face unmanageable debts. These are extraordinary times and renters and landlords alike are of course worried about paying their rent and mortgage.”
Everyone’s situation is unique, so if you would like more advice on any financial matters relating to COVID-19, please contact our mortgage consultants at Curchods Mortgage Services who can look will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
