Choosing the right mortgage rate formula is essential to keeping your budget under control. There are a variety of choices available to you. We guide you through these choices and take a moment to consider the personal loan option.
Let's start with a simple question: Do you have equity?
Yes. I don't know what to do with the money I have at my disposal.
This naturally raises the question of whether you need to take out a mortgage. Of course, it all depends on the cost of purchase, but if your cash allows you to buy everything in cash, what's the point of going into debt?
The reason is simple, the cost of money is still very cheap today. So there's no need to strip yourself of it as the interest rates are so low. It may make sense to take out a loan rather than invest all of your reserves.
But let's face it, few of us have the benefit of this situation.
Yes, but not enough.
You will need to have equity to be able to access a mortgage. Just like in the first case, the price is a determining factor because it is the price that will define the amount you will have to advance. Depending on the available solutions, you should expect 20% of the purchase amount; In some cases, this can be lowered to 10%. Your advisor will be able to guide you in this direction.
No.
It gets complicated. Unlike our neighbours, the system in Switzerland provides for a mandatory minimum contribution in the form of equity. It is virtually impossible to buy a property if you do not have prior funds. The bank will not lend you 100% of the capital needed.
Is a mortgage loan a must?
Not necessarily.
If you answered 'yes' or 'yes but not enough', the option of a personal loan is worth considering.
What for?
Of course, it all depends on the set-up, the purchase price, your equity, etc. But consumer credit offers the advantage of having the necessary resources available quickly.
The rates applied are higher than a mortgage rate, but the structure is not comparable, knowing that the repayment of the capital borrowed for a loan is amortized more quickly. This means that the absolute cost in terms of duration is actually much lower compared to the sum of your monthly payments, which, in the case of a mortgage, mainly cover the interest and, to a lesser extent, the principal.
Depending on your calculations and personal means, consider a personal loan as a potentially interesting financing option. Simulate on a financing platform to have a clear view of the amount, term, monthly payments and rate.
This option does not require any notarial deed, does not generate any fees and allows for quick and transparent management of your file.
What type of mortgage should I choose?
The Fixed Rate Option
Often available for a maximum period of 15 to 20 years, the advantage of this choice is clearly the medium-term visibility on your monthly expenses. We all notice that rates remain low, but that can and will likely move upwards in the coming months and years. An opportunity not to be missed? That seems to be the case.
If you are more of a conservative person, the fixed rate is still an interesting option today.
The variable rate option
The main advantage is its flexibility, knowing that you have more freedom with regard to terminations and the resulting penalties.
The potential disadvantage is obvious. If rates go up and your contract isn't locked in for the long term, you will potentially fall victim to a rising interest rate curve. Knowing the amounts for a real estate purchase are significant, the impact on your monthly payments can be significant as a slight increase in the rate applied calculated on a considerable amount still due, will increase the amount of your repayments.
If you're a gambler by nature, this option can potentially have some nice surprises in store. However, the current trend in rates suggests that any surprises will not be in your favour.
The Saron Option
In a previous article, we talked about the Libor rate and its replacement by the Saron rate.
This option is based on the principle of a fixed term but generally varies from 2 to 6 years.
The fluctuating nature of the rate is also included in this option and the variations taken into account are calculated over intervals ranging from 3 to 6 months.
In a way, it is a hybrid form between the fixed and variable option because it is rather fixed in the contractual period but variable in the possible fluctuation of the rate applied.
The Absolute Cost
We were referring to the absolute cost; your actual expenses over the life of your mortgage.
Did you know that annual maintenance costs are sometimes higher than your depreciation? This highlights the weight of interest in your repayment plan.
The interest rate may be low, but the amount and duration make your actual expenses more than you might think.
Of course, rent is a higher cost and this makes it possible to counterbalance, at least psychologically, this form of financing, the duration of which often covers two generations.
It is also necessary to take into account a possible capital gain on a resale.
That being said, the question arises around the form of the loan. A personal loan, depending on the reality of your financial situation and the real estate opportunity, can represent a significant and financially interesting alternative.
Milenia
As a leading financing platform for personal and business credit, Milenia enjoys a solid reputation both among its users and its banking partners.
Based in Switzerland, near Lausanne, the company is committed to its local roots and works closely with the main financial players in the sector. Strong values guide Milenia's teams in welcoming, advising and monitoring its customers and the resulting credit files.
Personalizing your customer experience is fundamental; especially when it comes to undertaking a real estate purchase. Such an approach on your part requires serious, transparent support dedicated to the success of your project.
As explained above, a personal loan may not be the right solution for your apartment or house purchase. A call doesn't cost you anything, though. Sound advice is worth its weight in gold.
So don't hesitate to contact us; We will listen to you to guide you towards the choice that makes the most sense for you!