The Ipswich Building Society’s expat range is now available to applicants paid in foreign currencies, as those paid in pound sterling (GBP).
The range includes both residential purchase and remortgage products, and is aimed applicants who need to retain property for UK-based family, or to return to on UK visits, and joins the Society’s existing expat buy-to-let range.
Mortgages are available on residential properties located throughout England and Wales, including new builds, and the Society will consider applications from expats currently residing in most countries across the world.
The new range consists of the following products and is available to direct applicants, intermediaries based in the Society’s heartland area, and members of selected networks and clubs:
• 2-year fixed rate at 3.10% until 30 September 2021 (5.4% APRC)
• 2-year discount rate at the Society’s Standard Variable Rate (currently 5.74%) minus 2.94%, giving a current pay rate of 2.80% for two years from the completion date (5.5% APRC)
• 5-year fixed rate at 3.34% until 30 September 2024 (4.9% APRC)
All products are available up to 80% loan to value (LTV) and have an application fee of £199, a completion fee of £800, a CHAPS fee of £35, and a tiered valuation fee based on property value applies. During the product period, the Society offers fee-free overpayments up to 50% of the original loan amount.
For overpayments in excess of 50% of the original loan amount, or early redemption, an Early Repayment Charge (ERC) applies. For overpayments this charge is calculated on the overpayment amount that exceeds the 50% allowance, and for early redemption is calculated on the original loan amount.
Loans are available from £75,000 to £500,000 with a maximum term of 40 years. Applicants must be employed by a recognised multinational firm and have a minimum income of £40,000 GBP or equivalent paid in any of the following 10 currencies: euro, Swiss franc, Norwegian krone, US dollar, Canadian dollar, Singapore dollar, Hong Kong dollar, UAE dirham, Kuwaiti dinar, Qatari riyal.
Affordability assessments will take into consideration employed applicants as well as retired borrowers, with 100% of pension and 75% of investment incomes used when calculating affordability.
Richard Norrington, the Ipswich’s CEO, said: “Moving overseas can be an exciting adventure, whether it’s a lifestyle choice or through career progression. Whilst we recognise that relocating can often be a long-term arrangement, we also know that many expats wish to retain a tangible link to home, and investing in a UK property can help satisfy this wish and also provide a base for their family.
“We’re delighted to be able to extend our expat offering to now include residential deals for those paid in a foreign currency, in order to create wider choices for those currently living abroad.
“We’re aware that as many as a quarter of Brits living overseas are retirees, and therefore it is important to us to recognise pensions and investment incomes within the affordability assessment process for these products too.”