Review affordability, available equity, financing structure and how pension assets may fit your purchase.
01What is the purchase price?
02How much equity do you have?
03What are your income and existing obligations?
Start with the essentials, explore the trade-offs, then compare written terms for your situation.
Both can finance property, but product menus and acceptance criteria differ by lender. An insurer may offer fixed and, depending on its range, SARON financing; a bank is not automatically more flexible. Request comparable offers for the same loan, valuation, term and amortisation. Check whether an account, insurance policy or other paid product is required, and include its cost.
A fixed rate makes interest predictable over the agreed term, but early repayment can trigger a penalty. SARON financing follows a reference rate plus the contractual margin; check how the rate is compounded, any floor and the framework contract. A variable rate follows the lender’s terms. Lower starting interest does not guarantee a lower lifetime cost.
The lender considers its lending valuation, acceptable equity and sustainable income, often testing a higher interest assumption than the offered rate. Add amortisation, maintenance, charges and a repair reserve. Recalculate with retirement income or the loss of one salary. A calculator result is an illustration, not credit approval, and rental property is assessed differently.
Direct amortisation reduces the mortgage as you repay it. With indirect amortisation, you build pledged savings that are intended to repay debt later; the mortgage does not immediately fall. Compare financing cost, product fees, investment risk, maturity value and tax under the rules applying at the relevant date. If saving uses insurance, include surrender values and any protection premium.
An eligible pension withdrawal supplies equity but reduces retirement assets, can affect risk benefits under the plan, and triggers capital taxation. A pledge leaves assets in the pension arrangement unless enforced, but can support a larger loan and higher interest costs. Request written before-and-after pension benefits. For second-pillar withdrawals, sale of the home can require repayment; age limits and consent rules apply.
Review renewal and notice dates before signing a replacement offer. Ask for a written early-repayment calculation, transfer costs and any forward-rate surcharge. Staggered tranches may limit your ability to move the whole loan at once. Check what happens if you sell, separate, become unable to work or need renovation funding, and whether a proposed mortgage transfer is subject to approval.
| Option or layer | What to understand and check |
|---|---|
| Bank financing | Compare rate, product range, collateral, account requirements and exit terms. |
| Insurer financing | Compare the same criteria; verify optional versus required insurance and all-in cost. |
| Withdraw pension capital | Less pension capital; immediate tax and possible changes in risk benefits. |
| Pledge pension capital | Assets remain unless the pledge is enforced; assess debt, interest and enforcement risk. |
No. It is an illustrative affordability assumption in this tool. Your lender sets its own assessment and quotes the contractual rate separately.
Check the contract. Early exit may involve a substantial indemnity; compare that written amount and all new costs with the expected saving.
A screening is not a credit offer. Lender stress rates and affordability rules vary.
Pledging and withdrawing pension assets have different tax and protection consequences.
Compare fixed and variable structures, amortisation and early-exit conditions.
Choose a stress interest rate and annual maintenance assumption. This compares estimated annual costs with gross income. It does not verify equity eligibility or lender approval.
Future income and debt need to be assessed together before renewal becomes urgent.
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Separate essential repairs, energy improvements, valuation and phased cash needs.
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Good refinancing begins with notice periods, comparable offers and an updated borrowing file.
Read article →Yes. A first conversation of around 20–30 minutes is free and without obligation. Any further fees are explained before you agree.
No. Tools provide information or estimates. Personal advice, underwriting, policy terms and lender approval remain necessary where applicable.
Yes. We start by understanding your existing arrangements, then compare the relevant alternatives and switching conditions.
A free first conversation. A real person. A plan for what comes next.
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