Following extensive research amongst recently separated individuals the Society has designed two mortgages - one fixed rate, one stepped tracker rate - which meet many of the needs people have when they are in the process of dividing one home into two.
The main product features are detailed below:
- 0% interest for first 6 months
- Up to 100% loan to value with NO higher lending charge
- Access to free counselling service
- Choice of fixed or tracker rate
- Free independently written advice guide
- Cashback to help with solicitor costs
- Referral to Family Law practitioner, if required
- Referral to financial adviser for family protection, including maintenance payment protection, if required
After the initial six months interest free period, the fixed rate option is set at 5.49% until 31st December 2010.
The tracker rate, after the six months free option, is set at Bank of England +1% for 6 months and then Bank of England +1.25% for 4 years. Rachel Court, Head of Mortgages at the Yorkshire, said: "It's a sad fact of life that many relationships come to an end every year. We recognise that this is an extremely upsetting and complicated time, especially when a relationship involves a shared home, and yet it can be difficult to find help and advice. We have spent a long time researching and developing our Fresh Start products, which primarily help people finance a new home, but also provide access to independent professionals who can provide expert advice to help deal with the wider aspects of a break up."
Rachel continued: "Every detail of the Fresh Start proposition has been designed with consideration for those who are trying to start again on the property ladder after their relationship has ended. Fresh Start should at least make the buying of two homes out of one a little easier at a time when everything can seem difficult."
Whilst Fresh Start has been designed for people who have recently divorced or separated, the products are available to all new and existing borrowers, whatever their circumstances.
