Illustrative scenario 01Several short-term balances
A borrower wants one monthly payment. A comparison must include the effect of spreading debt over a longer period.
Useful information for the conversation
- Each debt balance, rate and payment
- Current mortgage and charges
The aim is to identify the questions and evidence that matter before making a commitment. A short outline is enough to begin; detailed records can follow through an agreed secure route.
Illustrative scenario 02A budget that remains tight
A lower proposed payment would still leave little spare income. The underlying budget needs attention before any secured borrowing proposal.
Useful information for the conversation
- Current mortgage and charges
- Household budget
The aim is to identify the questions and evidence that matter before making a commitment. A short outline is enough to begin; detailed records can follow through an agreed secure route.
Illustrative scenario 03Moving unsecured debt onto a home
A borrower is considering using home equity. The change in security and the consequences of missed payments need to be understood.
Useful information for the conversation
- Household budget
- Reason the debts built up
The aim is to identify the questions and evidence that matter before making a commitment. A short outline is enough to begin; detailed records can follow through an agreed secure route.
Illustrative scenario 04Evidence focus: A smaller payment is not the same as a cheaper debt
A buyer or homeowner wants to discuss debt-consolidation mortgages. Two points need attention: each debt balance, rate and payment; current mortgage and charges. Moving short-term borrowing into a long mortgage term can increase interest substantially. The evidence and the decision need to be considered together rather than in isolation.
Useful information for the conversation
- Reason the debts built up
- Each debt balance, rate and payment
The aim is to identify the questions and evidence that matter before making a commitment. A short outline is enough to begin; detailed records can follow through an agreed secure route.
Illustrative scenario 05Decision point: Household budget
A buyer or homeowner has started a conversation about debt-consolidation mortgages, but the brief has changed. The review revisits two points: household budget; reason the debts built up. The next step is agreed using the updated facts, with any unresolved questions recorded.
Useful information for the conversation
- Each debt balance, rate and payment
- Current mortgage and charges
The aim is to identify the questions and evidence that matter before making a commitment. A short outline is enough to begin; detailed records can follow through an agreed secure route.
The wider assessment
A smaller payment is not the same as a cheaper debt
Moving short-term borrowing into a long mortgage term can increase interest substantially. It can also turn unsecured debts into borrowing secured on your home. We review each balance, rate and term and consider whether the underlying budget is sustainable.
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. It may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments. Free debt guidance may be more appropriate.