news release

The MMR Muddle: UK Homebuyers’ Mortgage Market Review Confusion

72% of aspiring homebuyers do not know what the MMR is; of those that do, most are ill-informed, believing it means smaller deposits and relaxed lending criteria

London, UK, 28 April 2014 –  Three quarters of aspiring homebuyers in the UK do not know what the Government’s Mortgage Market Review (MMR) is, according to a survey¹ commissioned by Experian®, the global information services company.

Furthermore, among the 28% that claim to know what the programme is, many are confused or ill-informed as to what these new affordability measures could mean for their property dreams.

• 43% think the introduction of the MMR means they can apply with smaller deposits  –  when larger deposits to make mortgage repayments more manageable, are likely to be needed;
• 19% believe lenders will have relaxed their lending criteria after April 26 2014 – when affordability checks will in fact become much more stringent;
• Only 44% of these respondents correctly understand that it means lenders will be more careful about ensuring that mortgage applicants can afford their repayments,  both now and into the future;
• Just 15% are rightly aware they will need to speak with an adviser before getting a mortgage;
• 55% of respondents feel more confident about getting a mortgage following its introduction – yet other findings from the Experian report suggest this confidence may be misplaced.

 
Introduced from April 26 2014, the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) aims to make mortgage lending more responsible and stable. However, it does mean that those hoping to borrow to purchase a property will need to show they have considered how they will be able to manage their repayments in the long term - for example, in the event of an interest rate rise.

Affordability

Despite the MMR’s emphasis on affordability, a quarter of all would-be buyers surveyed admit they currently find it difficult to budget each month.

• Half (49%) confessed to overspending in the last month;
• A third had to dip into their overdraft last month – 8% heavily;
• One in seven (14%) say they are unable to cut back outgoings any further.
  
  

Preparation is key

In order to stand the best chance of securing a mortgage – and to get one with the best interest rate – homebuyers need to get their finances in the best possible shape. However, it appears very few potential buyers are doing that.
A fifth (19%) don’t plan on preparing their finances before their mortgage application, while another fifth (18%) only plan on preparing a month prior to their application. Moreover, fewer than one in four (23%) have checked their credit score in the last six months, which would help provide a clear picture of their financial situation and how they are likely to be viewed by lenders.

Of those looking to buy a property:

• Only a fifth plan to make a clear six-month budget;
• A quarter (26%) plan to clear outstanding debt;
• A further 15% plan to pay down any outstanding credit;
• Only a third plan on cutting back on luxuries in the lead up to their application.

Peter Turner, Managing Director, Experian Consumer Services, UK & Ireland, commented:
“Although none of us have the luxury of a crystal ball to see into the future, understanding how much we can really afford to borrow - and crucially, repay - even if our circumstances change, is so important for any credit application.
 
“Time spent preparing your finances now will pay dividends in the future. We’d advise potential homebuyers to look at their financial situation as soon as they make the decision to look for a home, and not just before they apply for a mortgage. This will give you the chance to make any improvements necessary and get accepted - and at the best rates, too.

“Simple steps like increasing your monthly credit card repayments, ensuring you’re registered on the Electoral Roll and not taking on additional borrowing can make a real difference to how lenders see your ability to afford and manage a mortgage. But it does take time to build a clear, consistent track record of positive money management.”

Here are some simple tips from Experian CreditExpert to help you prepare for a mortgage application after the Mortgage Market Review:

1. Know your budget. As soon as you decide to look for a property, scrutinise your last few months’ outgoings carefully to understand your spending habits. Are there things you could do without to finish each month with cash in the bank?
2. Know what you can really afford. Visit a broker or use an online mortgage calculator to work out your likely repayments. Importantly, play with the interest rate settings to see if you could afford repayments if rates rise by 1%, 2% or more.
3. Make sure your credit report is up to date. As well as checking your outgoings, you should also check your credit report, which includes a record of all your borrowing over the last six years. Ensure everything is accurate and up-to-date.
4. Does your Experian Credit Score need work? The Experian Credit Score is a guide to help you understand how a lender might score your credit worthiness. If it’s lower than you expected, ask the experts for help and ensure your credit report paints the best picture possible before you make your application.
5. Build good behaviours. Finally, from now until your application, try to appear like an ideal mortgage borrower. Show you can make it through several months with a slight surplus. Don’t take out additional borrowing and try to demonstrate you can comfortably manage any outstanding credit commitments you have.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
¹Research was carried out online by Research Now on behalf of Experian CreditExpert among a representative panel of 1,457 UK adults, completed on April 22 2013.

For more information please contact:

Bell Pottinger
Michael Sheen – 020 7861 3013 / msheen@bpconsumer.co.uk
Rebecca Lloyd Wright – 020 7861 2499 / RLloydWright@bell-pottinger.com

Experian Consumer Services
Joanne Leahy, PR Manager - 020 3042 4089 / Joanne.leahy@uk.experian.com

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About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2013 was US$4.7 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 40 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.