Essential Mortgage Glossary

An amortising loan, often referred to as a standard principal and interest loan, is a type of loan where you gradually reduce the initial amount borrowed and the interest accrued on it through regular payments over a set period. This type of loan is common in mortgages where the goal is to completely pay off the loan by the end of the term.

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Arrears

When you’re in arrears, you have missed one or more scheduled payments and are overdue in repayments. This situation can negatively impact your credit score and potentially lead to penalties or increased interest rates. It’s crucial to avoid going into arrears to maintain a good financial standing. If you have concerns about how much you can pay, try our budget planner calculator.

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Asset

Assets are items or properties that you own, which hold monetary value. This includes cash, real estate, stocks, and other types of investments. Assets play a significant role in financial planning and loan applications, as they can be used as collateral to secure loans.

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Bona-fide

In the context of finance and legal agreements, bona-fide refers to anything that is genuine and conducted in good faith. A bona-fide agreement or transaction is legitimate, transparent, and free from any intent of deceit or fraud.

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Break cost

Break costs are fees that a lender charges if a loan is paid off in full before the end of its term. These costs are meant to compensate the lender for the interest they would have otherwise received if the loan had continued as initially agreed. They are often included in the terms of fixed-rate loans.

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Bridging finance

Bridging finance is a short-term loan used to cover the gap between buying a new home and selling an old one. This type of finance is particularly useful when there’s a timing mismatch between the sale of your old property and the purchase of a new one.

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Budget

A budget is a comprehensive overview of your income and expenses. It provides a clear picture of your financial status, helping you manage your finances effectively. Creating and adhering to a budget is a key aspect of financial planning, especially when preparing for a significant financial commitment like a mortgage.

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Capital gains tax

Capital gains tax is the tax you pay on the profit made when selling an investment property. This tax is calculated based on the difference between the property’s purchase price and its selling price. It’s an important consideration when investing in real estate, as it can significantly impact your returns.

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Cash advance

A cash advance is a short-term loan usually taken out against a line of credit, such as a credit card. These advances often attract higher-than-normal interest rates and are generally used for immediate, short-term financial needs.

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Certificate of title

A certificate of title is a legal document that provides proof of ownership for a property, whether a home is built, being renovated or under construction. It includes critical details such as the owner’s name, property size, and any mortgages or liens registered on the title.

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Comparison rate

A comparison rate is a tool used to compare loans on an equal basis. It considers both the interest rate and any fees associated with a loan, providing a more complete picture of the loan’s cost. Use our tool here.

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Contract variation

A contract variation refers to any changes or alterations to the terms of a contract. These variations must be agreed upon by all parties involved in the contract and are typically documented to prevent future disputes.

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Conveyancing

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one party to another. This process is usually carried out by a legal representative or a conveyancer and involves several steps, including contract preparation, contract review, and settlement.

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Creditor

A creditor is a person or organization that lends money with the expectation that it will be repaid, usually with interest. Creditors can be banks, credit card companies, or other types of financial institutions.

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Credit

Credit refers to an agreement where the borrower receives goods, services, or money now, with the understanding that it will be repaid under set guidelines, typically with an interest charge.

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Credit report

A credit report is a detailed record of an individual’s credit history. It includes information about past and present credit agreements, payment history, and public records such as bankruptcies or tax liens. We use credit reports to assess a person’s creditworthiness before extending credit. Learn more about credit reporting here.

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Lender

A lender is a person or organisation that provides money to another party under the agreement that it will be repaid according to set guidelines and terms. Lenders can include banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. In the context of home loans, lending specialists like Mortgage House provide the funds necessary to purchase a property.

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Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

Lender’s Mortgage Insurance is a one-time insurance premium that protects the lender in the event you default on your mortgage repayments. It is typically required for home loans where the borrower has less than 20% deposit.

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Liquid assets

Liquid assets are assets that are either in cash or easily convertible to cash. This includes items like savings accounts, stocks, or bonds. These assets can be quickly sold or redeemed for money without losing value, making them an important part of an individual’s financial stability.

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Loan to Value Ratio (LVR)

The Loan to Value Ratio is a measure of the proportion of the loan compared to the value of the property. For example, if you buy a $500,000 property and need a $350,000 loan, your LVR is 70%. Lending specialists use the LVR to assess the risk associated with a loan. Find out more here

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Mortgage

A mortgage is a type of loan used for the purpose of purchasing a property. In this arrangement, the property itself is used as security for the loan. If the borrower fails to meet the repayment terms, the lender may take possession of the property. Learn more about mortgages here

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Mortgage foreclosure

Mortgage foreclosure is a legal process where the lender forces the sale of the property held under the mortgage deed to recoup unpaid monies owed under the terms of the agreement. Foreclosure typically occurs when a borrower defaults on their mortgage repayments.

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Mortgagee

The mortgagee is the lending institution that provides the funds for a mortgage. In the event of a default, the mortgagee has the legal right to take possession of the property.

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Mortgagor

The mortgagor is the borrower in a mortgage agreement. This is typically the individual or entity who is purchasing a property using a loan from a mortgagee.

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National Consumer Credit Protection

The National Consumer Credit Protection Act is Australian legislation that covers consumer protection and consumer rights in relation to credit products and services. It sets out responsibilities for lending specialists and provides protections for consumers.

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Non-conforming loans

Non-conforming loans are designed for borrowers who find it more difficult to meet the borrowing conditions of standard loans. These might include people with poor credit history, the self-employed, or those who cannot provide the necessary documentation.

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Offset account

An offset account is a transactional account linked to your mortgage. The balance in the offset account ‘offsets’ the principal of the loan, reducing the overall interest payable. There are different types of offset accounts, including partial offsets where only a part of the balance (for example, 50%) offsets the loan amount. At Mortgage House our loans come with an optional full 100% Offset account. Find out how an offset account works.

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Ombudsman

An ombudsman is an independent body established within a particular industry to investigate and resolve disputes. They act as an outside party to the dispute, providing an impartial perspective and facilitating resolution.

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Principal

The principal of a loan is the original amount of capital borrowed. Over time, the borrower repays the principal along with interest. The principal amount does not include any interest or additional fees associated with the loan.

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Refinance

Refinancing involves switching your loan from one product or lender to another, usually with a better interest rate or conditions. Your initial loan is paid out, and your debt is transferred across to the new product or lender. The process of refinancing is like applying for a purchase mortgage. Learn about refinancing here.

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Repossess

Repossession is the act of reclaiming possession of goods or assets due to failure to make payments within agreed terms. In the context of mortgages, if a borrower defaults on their payments, the lender has the right to repossess the property.

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Secured loan

A secured loan is a type of loan where the property being purchased is held as security against the loan. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender can claim the property to recoup their losses. Secured loans often have lower interest rates due to this reduced risk for the lender. Learn about secured vs unsecured loans here.

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Settlement

Settlement is the day on which the process of changing title of a property occurs. Your legal representative will organise the exchange of money and documents so that you become the legal owner of the property. An online application can simplify the settlement process when refinancing.

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Unsecured loa

An unsecured loan is a loan in which no property is held as security. These loans generally attract a higher rate of interest due to the increased risk on the part of the lender. Examples of unsecured loans include credit cards and personal loans.

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Valuation

A valuation is an estimation of the value of a property prepared by an independent professional valuer. Valuations are often used by lending specialists to determine how much they are willing to lend for a property.

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Variable interest rate

With a variable interest rate, the interest rate will vary depending on several factors, including the Reserve Bank’s current cash rate, and prevailing lender sentiment. You typically follow the same steps for refinancing as you did for your purchase mortgage, whether you’re switching from a fixed rate to a variable rate or vice versa.

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Vendor

The vendor is the person who is selling the property. In a real estate transaction, the vendor’s responsibilities include providing all necessary disclosures and ensuring the property is in the agreed-upon condition at the time of sale.