Why can't banks offer a second mortgage?
Banks rarely do second mortgage loans, and this is in a large part due to the risk profile they are willing to take on. Secondly, most borrowers that require a second mortgage loan, usually don't meet bank serviceability requirements, or the bank is unable to provide funding on time.
Unfortunately, when businesses need funding the most and are in critical situations, banks more often than not, will not be there to help, as a the client doesn't meet their serviceability requirements.
Banks in certain instances can provide a second mortgage, and typically it is in the form of a cross collateralised loan. This is where they take equity out of one asset and use it as an equity contribution towards the purchase of another asset, then take both assets as security.
How much can you borrow with a second mortgage?
This largely depends on the equity available in your property that you are using as security. As a rule of thumb, the combined first mortgage and second mortgage including fees, cannot go above 80%LVR of the property value.
For example, if you have a property worth $1M, a bank loan of $500k. The second mortgage cannot be more than $300k including fees. As the total LVR would be 80% with the two facilities combined.
The reason lenders only go up to 80% combined, is this reduces the risk exposure for them leaving a 20% buffer should the borrower go into default, or if property prices were to drop in value.
What is the eligibility criteria for a second mortgage?
For a private second mortgage loan you must be borrowing for business or investment purposes only. This means you will be required to have a business entity or trust that is the borrowing entity. You must also have a property with sufficient equity for the required borrowing amount, and an exit strategy that aims to repay the loan within 18 months (max loan term is 18 months).
Typically on maturity most borrowers will refinance the second mortgage loan with a combined first mortgage with a bank when their situation improves, or will sell the asset / project that the funds were used for.
What are my alternatives to a second mortgage loan?
This largely depends on how much money you need, and what other assets you may have. We are one of the few to do heritage plate lending, and lending against alternative assets.
However, if property is the only asset you wish to borrow against, then an alternative strategy to getting a second mortgage loan may be to refinance the first mortgage and second mortgage component together, as one private first mortgage loan.
For longer term loans and larger quantum’s this is often a better solution.
A calculation should be done, as to which scenario is better for you.