We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!

Mortgage Prisoner Letter

I believe i am a mortgage prisoner. I am with Mortgage Express which is an inactive lender on interest only with 10 yrs left. I have not received a mortgage prisoner letter. Without this letter nobody can help as i've tried mortgage brokers even tried myself with The West Brom building Society. My lender says i don't fit the criteria for a mortgage prisoner letter. When i pushed for reasons they would not give me specific reason. I tried to complain to FCA but all they said was to put in a formal complaint, which i have.
Does anyone know i can get this letter because i am stuck without this. Thanks and please forgive my mistakes as this my first post ever.
«13

Comments

  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 4 August 2021 at 11:07AM
    Why are you unable to move to an alternative lender? 
  • My income is not enough to get a remortgage with another lender. I bought my house in 2006 pre financial crash .
  • MWT
    MWT Posts: 10,558 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    My lender says i don't fit the criteria for a mortgage prisoner letter. When i pushed for reasons they would not give me specific reason.
    I seem to recall there were a few criteria like being up-to-date with payments under your existing mortgage for at least 12 months, and not looking to move house or borrow more, do you meet those?

    .. also there needs to be no alternatives to switch to with your current provider...?
    .


  • SpiderLegs
    SpiderLegs Posts: 1,914 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    What is the outstanding balance & LTV?

    What repayment vehicle have you got in place?


  • I am up to date with my payments have been for the past 5 yrs, i am not looking to borrow more or move. my outstanding balance is 135k , LTV = 65%
  • k3lvc
    k3lvc Posts: 4,174 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I am up to date with my payments have been for the past 5 yrs, i am not looking to borrow more or move. my outstanding balance is 135k , LTV = 65%
    And to re-iterate @SpiderLegs question - what repayment vehicle do you have in place ? This is likely to be a far bigger issue than whether you're a 'mortgage prisoner'

  • I do not have any repayment vehicle in place
  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Are you making any payments to reduce the capital balance owed, i.e. not just paying the interest.   
  • No i have not been able to overpay yet but am planning to once my credit card balance is cleared hopefully in 5 months. at the minute this my only option. I did have a agreement in principle with the west brom building society but once they realised i did not have the mortgage prisoner they say they couldn't help.
  • MWT
    MWT Posts: 10,558 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 4 August 2021 at 3:07PM
    ... and you've not been offered any alternative products by your current lender?

    Sorry, one final question, your current mortgage isn't on a lifetime fixed interest rate is it by any chance?
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 246K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.8K Life & Family
  • 260K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.