Can I Sell Part of My Land if It Is Mortgaged?
Answered on 24 September 2024 by Nicholas Mendes
Can I sell my land even though the property is mortgaged? My house is on a fair amount of land and I have a mortgage on it. Can I sell part of my land but keep my house and mortgage?
Yes, it's possible to sell part of your land even if it is mortgaged, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Consent from the mortgage lender - before proceeding with the sale of part of your land, you'll need to obtain consent from your mortgage lender. Since the lender has a legal interest in the property as security for the mortgage loan, they have a say in any transactions involving the property. You'll need to inform the lender of your intention to sell part of the land and obtain their approval before proceeding
- Impact on the mortgage - selling part of your land may affect your mortgage arrangement, depending on the terms of your mortgage agreement and the lender's policies. The lender may require you to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to reduce the outstanding mortgage balance or adjust the terms of the mortgage loan accordingly
- Property valuation - the lender may require a valuation of the property to assess the impact of the land sale on the overall value of the property and the lender's security interest. The valuation will help determine how the proceeds from the land sale will be allocated and whether any adjustments to the mortgage terms are necessary
- Legal considerations - it's essential to consult with legal professionals, such as solicitors or conveyancers, to ensure that the land sale is conducted in compliance with legal requirements and does not breach any terms of your mortgage agreement. They can help you navigate the legal aspects of the transaction, including drafting contracts, obtaining necessary approvals, and registering the sale with the relevant authorities
- Impact on property use - selling part of your land may have implications for the use and enjoyment of the remaining land. Consider how the sale will affect access, utilities, zoning regulations, and any existing structures or improvements on the property. It's advisable to conduct thorough due diligence and consider the long-term implications of the land sale before proceeding
Overall, while it's possible to sell part of your land while it is mortgaged, it's essential to obtain consent from your mortgage lender and seek professional advice to ensure that the transaction is conducted properly and does not negatively impact your mortgage arrangement or legal rights.
Whether they grant consent is going to depend on the value of the property remaining after the proposed sale. You may find that the lender wants to have a professional valuation carried out, for which you will have to pay and if there is still sufficient equity to support your mortgage you should get consent. If there isn't, you may still get consent subject to repaying some of your mortgage from the sale proceeds.
It's essential to explore all available options and seek professional advice from mortgage broker like John Charcol, we have experience in providing solutions for clients. We can help you navigate the process, identify potential solutions, and find the best financing option for your specific circumstances.
Ask The Mortgage Experts answers are based on the information provided and do not constitute advice under the Financial Services & Markets Act. They reflect the personal views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views, positions, strategies or opinions of John Charcol. All comments are made in good faith, and John Charcol will not accept liability for them. We recommend you seek professional advice with regard to any of these topics where appropriate.