Jargon Buster

The pre-qualification of a borrowers potential to obtain a mortgage.

A person, registering with an Estate Agent who wants to start the search for a property.

An estimated selling price given to a property.

The increase of a property’s value, caused by market conditions.

This rate assumes certain fees and costs on a mortgage, and is intended to help the borrower compare different products and lenders.

A potential fee charged by a mortgage lender.

The overdue amount of payments missed on a mortgage.

The sale of a property to the highest bidder with a legally binding contract at the drop of a hammer.

The rate set by the bank of England which influences interest rates charged by lenders.

Insurance which provides cover if the structure of a property is damaged.

A property all on one level (ground floor).

A mortgage which has been processed on a property which has been purchased to rent out.

The amount of money you have in a property after deducting mortgage owed and costs. (Also known as equity)

A chain is formed when a buyer is reliant on the sale of their own home to purchase a new property.

The order of which a person or company is entitled to the property.

A fee charged for conducting business.

This is the final stage of the home buying process when the property is transferred legally to the buyer.

Insurance which provides cover if the owners belongings are damaged.

An agreement which is legally binding between the buyer and the seller of a property.

The race between two parties to exchange contracts first on a property purchase.

The legal process (usually carried out by a solicitor) followed to purchase a property.

A charge levied by local councils and is charged dependant on bandings.

The rules and regulations that govern what can and cannot be done usually held in the title deeds or lease.

Sets rules and regulations of how your personal information can be held or used.

Legal title documentation that proves ownership of a property.

The money paid to a solicitor to ensure the purchase of a property.

The decline or reduction in the value of the property caused by market conditions.

A property that stands alone, with no other connected building.

Various fees paid to your solicitor. Can include land registry fee and search fee.

When a lender restricts the amount of borrowing based on a surveyors market valuation.

The preliminary contract drawn up by a solicitor (conveyancer).

A process of performing duties to the generally accepted professional standard.

An extra charge on some mortgages, if you repay some or the entire loan before a specified date.

The properties at each end of a line of terraced properties.

A mortgage where the interest only is paid to the lender which often requires a separate insurance policy with the aim to pay off the mortgage at the end of the agreed term.

An EPC measures the energy efficiency of a property using an A to G grade. It’s a legal requirement to have a valid EPC commissioned before a property can be marketed.

The amount of money you have in a property after deducting mortgage owed and costs. (Also known as capital)

The initial sum paid on an insurance claim.

The point at which signed contracts are physically exchanged, legally binding the sale/purchase of a property.

The independent regulatory body for the financial services in the UK.

A mortgage in which the agreed interest rate will stay the same for an agreed length of time.

Items that is included in the sale of a property.

Where the owner of the property also owns the land on which it’s built.

An inspection of the structure of a property conducted by a surveyor who will issue a detailed report regarding any possible defects.

An extra loan secured against a property.

When the vendor accepts a higher offer from a third party after already agreeing the sale with someone else.

When the vendor accepts a lower offer from there buyer before the point of exchange.

An annual charge levied by the freeholder to the leaseholder.

A third party who promises to pay a borrowers debt if that borrower defaults.

A fee, potentially charged by a lender where the loan is above a pre-set percentage of the value of the property.

Under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004 a Home information pack (HIP), sometimes called a Sellers Pack, must be provided before a property in England and Wales can be put on the open market (suspended on the 21st May 2010).

A survey report on the property which is not as detailed a full structural survey that assesses the condition of a property and its value.

A qualified and regulated individual who can advise on your mortgage and insurance needs.

An interest only mortgage which is designed to pay off a loan at the end of the period.

The general increase in price over a period of time.

A mortgage where the monthly payment consists of only the interest, meaning no capital is repaid.

The form of ownership for two parties where if one of them dies, the deceased share of the property automatically transfers to the remaining party, giving them full ownership (regardless of the terms of the will)

A summary of the information relating to a mortgage that you wish to apply for.

The department that registers the legal title of an area of land.

The owner of a property that is rented out.

The legal agreement between the landlord and tenant.

The ownership of a property but not the land on which it’s built (usually applies to flats).

The amount of money paid to your solicitor (conveyancer).

A party typically bank or building society that lends money for the purpose of buying a property.

A building which is considered to be of special architectural or historic interest.

The percentage of a loan against the value of the property.

The process where a solicitor (conveyancer) checks with the local council regarding any outstanding or future issues which may affect the property.

Charged by the freeholder to the leaseholder, this cost is for the up keep of any communal parts of a building.

A self-contained apartment usually over two floors, often with its own front door.

A property in the middle of a row of properties.

A loan by which the borrower can purchase a property.

A survey carried out on behalf of a mortgage lender to check the value of a property.

An insurance that pays your monthly mortgage payment if you’re unable to work because of redundancy, sickness or accidents.

When more than one Estate Agent has an agreement to market a property at the same time.

A situation where the value of the property is less than any outstanding loans secured against it.

The amount of money a buyer is prepared to pay for a property.

Offers in excess of the price listed.

Offers in region of price listed.

A scheduled period of time in which a property is designated to be available for viewing for potential buyers.

The price which a property should achieve on the open market.

An option with some mortgage lenders that allows you to stop paying mortgage payments for a set period of time.

A nominal periodic rent usually paid annually.

A property kept for temporary, secondary or occasional occupation.

A monthly amount payable for any insurance policy.

The administration of a property by an executor of a will following the death of the owner.

Insurance that covers injury or death to anyone on or around your property.

A person who’s buying a property.

When a mortgage is fully repaid.

The refinancing of a property by switching from one lender to another.

A mortgage when the monthly payment consists of interest and capital, gradually reducing the debt over a period of time.

When the mortgage lender takes possession of the property due to the non-payment of an agreed loan.

Where a mortgage lender retains part of the loan until specified work has been completed.

A request for information directly relating to the property.

A property which is joined to one other house.

Commonly known as text messages.

When a vendor uses only one Estate Agent to sell their property (often resulting in cheaper commission).

A legal expert handling the legal process for the sale or purchase of a property.

An area within a town, that is popular for potential buyers.

A mortgage lenders flexible standard interest rate.

A property consisting of one main room incorporating cooking, living and sleeping facilities, usually with a separate bathroom/shower room.

The term used to confirm a property purchase is not yet legally binding.

A qualified person to estimate the value of property and complete structural surveys.

A person who rents a property and pays an agreed monthly rent to the landlord.

The ownership of a property where each party owns a pre-determined percentage.

The conditions on which a property is held, i.e. Leasehold or Freehold.

A property that forms part of a connected row of houses.

Documents showing the legal ownership of a property.

A property laid out over three floors, often with the lounge on the first floor.

A type of mortgage where the monthly payment can change, often dependant on changes in the bank of England base rate.

The term given to a property which has had an acceptable offer made, but prior to exchange of contracts.

A name given to a property where there are no current occupiers.

A basic survey of a property to estimate its value.

A legal charge levied against some goods and services.

The name given to the owner of a property being sold.

When a potential buyer physically attends a property to look around.

A legal document that details what happens to a person’s assets upon their death.

Income from a property calculated as a percentage of its value.