Offset mortgages are a unique type of mortgage that is only available in the UK, or in and around Europe. Basically, if you have a savings account you can attach that to your mortgage loan, and whatever you have in savings will be deducted from your total loan. Those who get a mortgage for the entire value of their home, but have 100,000 in savings end up pretty lucky. There is no limit to how much you can offset, and interest is charged on the difference.
Citizens that have offset mortgage loans as an option are quite lucky and have more benefits at their disposal. They can get a mortgage on a home, use X amount of money to offset, and then rent it out. This allows them to make improvements on their property, expand their bank accounts, and also help the economy. Offset mortgages are tax efficient and save the borrower a lot of money.
Offset mortgages encourage homeowners and those wanting to purchase a home to have a savings account. This account is linked to the mortgage, and then deducted from what you owe on your loan. If for example, you have a 300,000 mortgage, and 75,000 saved in the bank with non-interest; you will only be charged an interest on 225,000. Depending on your interest rate, then you can save thousands over the course of the lifetime of the mortgage.
If you have money in your savings for the offset mortgage, and do not touch it at all, you can reap major benefits. Many people are turning towards offset mortgages because of this; especially if they already have savings. Having a savings account determined already will simple allow you to grow and expand upon what you already have.
If you only have a small amount of savings, it can be beneficial if you have a small mortgage. 10,000 in savings probably wont help a 200,000 mortgage that much. However, if you have 60,000 mortgage, then it would benefit. Its best to aim for at least 25% of your mortgage being offset.
Another side benefit is that at any point during your mortgage time, you can add to your savings account. If only have 10,000 to start off with, you can add 5,000 later, and still reap the positive interest lessening benefits.
Closing Comments
Offset mortgages are great for those that have money in savings, but cannot spend it or do not want to spend it. For an offset mortgage to work, you need to have something in savings, preferably a larger amount. A few hundred euros would not benefit you for an offset mortgage.
Learn more about What Are Offset Mortgages? and Tax Saving Offset Mortgages.