• Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is one way of getting into home ownership without having the 20% deposit which is typically required by a home loan lender.
• LMI is a one-off premium, payable upfront when a home loan is settled. This is charged by the third-party insurer to the lender and this cost is recovered from the borrower.
• A lender will require borrowers to pay a LMI premium when they have less than a 20% deposit for a home loan. There may be other situations where LMI is involved.
• If a lender were to default on their home loan and the lender incurs a loss after selling the property, LMI policy protects the lender from any loss. In this situation, borrowers may need to pay the insurer the amount outstanding.
FAQ
Is LMI the same as Mortgage Protection Insurance?
LMI should not be confused with Mortgage Protection Insurance. Mortgage Protection Insurance covers the borrower's mortgage repayments in events such as unemployment, death or disability. The policy will typically be in the interest of the lender and may mean your debt is paid out or reduced before any residual is paid to the borrower. Policies are typically expensive for the limited terms offered. Typically is a poor choice in comparison to offers from retail offers for Life, Disability, and Trauma that provide comprehensive cover.
Who is insured?
It is important to note that the policy does not insure the borrower. LMI covers the lender for any shortfall that may be incurred if you fail to repay your loan and if the property sale proceeds are less than the loan amount.
How does LMI provide a benefit ?
LMI reduces lender’s risk of providing a home loan when you have less than a 20% deposit. It means that home ownership can be achieved much earlier for many Aussies that would have otherwise struggled many years to save the 20% deposit.
How is the cost calculated?
The premium is based on the loan divided by the loan amount and multiplied by the risk factor expressed as a percentage and Stamp Duty and GST added.
How is it paid?
LMI a one-off upfront payment. You can choose to pay this through your own funds or add this amount to your home loan. In many situations, the LMI is added on top of the loan. In this situation, it means the lifetime cost of the loan will be more.
Is the premium refundable?
No, the premium is not refundable.
Disclaimer
This information is current as at 12/12/2016. This article has been prepared by Heart1Stop, a social media brand owned by Heart Mortgage Services and Heart Financial Advisers. The information contained in this article is an overview or summary only and it should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter nor relied upon as such. The views expressed here are not those of Heart1stop, Heart Mortgage Services, Heart Financial Advisers, shareholders, directors or staff and associated contractors and business associates. This article has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you should, before acting on any information contained in this article, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation or needs. Any taxation information contained in this article is a general statement and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute taxation advice and is based on current laws and their interpretation. Each individual’s situation may differ, and you should seek independent professional taxation advice on any taxation matters. While the information contained in this article may contain or be based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, it may not have been independently verified. Where information contained in this publication contains material provided directly by third parties it is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be accurate at its issue date. It is not the intention of Heart1Stop or Heart Mortgage Services and Heart Financial Advisers that this publication be used as the primary source of readers’ information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. To the maximum extent permitted by law: no guarantee, representation or warranty is given that any information or advice in this publication is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for any purpose; and no party of Heart1Stop or associated entities as mentioned is in any way liable to you (including for negligence) in respect of any reliance upon such information. This article may also contain links to websites operated by third parties ("Third Parties") who are not related to Heart1Stop. These links are provided for convenience only and do not represent any endorsement or approval by us.