Just as with all mortgages the residential mortgage has different types to choose from. The main ones are fixed, variable, capped, discounted and the cash back. There are both good and bad points to all types and in order to be able to decide which is the best for your needs you have to understand them.



The fixed rate residential mortgage remains at a fixed rate of interest for a certain period of time and then will change to a variable rate. This means that if the mortgage is fixed for a period of 4 years you know exactly how much the mortgage repayments will be each month. This can work out great if you can get a low rate of interest, however the monthly repayments can jump each considerably after this period of time.

The variable rate mortgage means that the interest rate will differ in line with the base rate. However if the interest rate is low and you can usually get a low interest rate with the variable then you can benefit if you take the mortgage short term. Another benefit is that if the interest rates go down then so do your monthly mortgage repayments. However the downside is that they can also go up and so can your repayments.

If you choose to take out a capped residential mortgage then the rate of interest will be tied to a variable rate. However there will be a limit to how much it can rise up by unlike a variable rate mortgage. This "capping" of the rate is where the mortgage gets its name.

A residential mortgage with discounted rates of interest means that your monthly repayments will be based on a rate which is lower than the variable rate. However this will only be for a specific amount of time. The benefits of this type are that you get to enjoy a lower rate of interest even if only for a limited time such as when you first move into your new home.

A cash back residential mortgage means that you can get a cash back lump sum of money. The monthly repayments on the mortgage are at a variable rate of interest and the cash back option can be very useful.

Whichever type of residential mortgage you choose to take out it is essential that you read the small print. The small print will contain any additional costs that could be added onto the loan and can boost up the cost of the mortgage. Set up fees are a common add-on and can vary from around ?100 to ?300 or even more. A specialist website will allow you to gather together several quotes to compare for the best rates of interest on your chosen mortgage. They should also include the key facts and this makes comparing mortgages quick and easy.