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Legal matters

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Original poster

Halifax Consent To Let

11 replies

RedtopDevil · 23/02/2015 20:46

Hi, does anyone know how likely the Halifax are to grant a Consent To Let on a flat? It is currently on the market and has been for a couple of weeks. I am really keen to sell but I'm worried that if there is no interest I will have to get a tenant in to cover the mortgage (I no longer live there and while let I'd still like to keep it up for sale). I'd rather be honest with the Halifax than do it on the sly but I'm not sure how flexible they would be. Anyone had a similar experience?

OP posts:

lastnightiwenttomanderley · 23/02/2015 20:51

Can't comment on Halifax but we have consent to let with first direct. How long have you had the mortgage with them.and what's your LTV? They'll look more favourably at it if youve been there a while.

Original poster

RedtopDevil · 23/02/2015 20:57

I've had the mortgage for four years with them. I've never been late with any payments etc. I was hoping that they would be favourable as I don't want to be a landlord, I just want rid of it so it would be a short term fix until I can sell it. LTV is around 78 per cent, according to recent home report survey.

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lastnightiwenttomanderley · 23/02/2015 21:01

Sounds like you should be ok. I gave them a call first and they said it should be fine before formally confirming.

Would you be looking for a short term tenant?

MrsSchadenfreude · 23/02/2015 21:07

We had no problems at all with the Halifax. They let us rent initially for three years (and we had to pay for permission) and then extended for another three (and had to pay again).

Original poster

RedtopDevil · 23/02/2015 21:10

I'm in Scotland so minimum tenancy agreement is for six months. My plan is to give the flat another few weeks on market (in hope that things will pick up as we get into spring) and if there is still nothing doing speak to Halifax about Consent To Let. It never actually occurred to me that I could have a chat with them before formally applying! Thanks for that. I'm so stressed about about the what ifs and just feel I'm going around in circles.

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Original poster

RedtopDevil · 23/02/2015 21:11

Can I ask how much you had to pay please MrsSchadenfreude? Was it a lot?

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MrsSchadenfreude · 23/02/2015 21:17

It was about £50 I think, but this was a while back.

Original poster

RedtopDevil · 23/02/2015 21:20

Thank you. I'm not sure if things have changed after the crash but I guess the only way to find out is to speak to them. Maybe a lovely little first time buyer will come along in the next couple of weeks and save me the hassle (fingers crossed).

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Kikiw123 · 23/02/2015 21:27

I think they'll likely do it if it's up for sale. And you can show that it's on the market, eg letter from estate agency. Also have you informed council tax the property is empty and got some sort of discount? If so that will back up the likelihood of you getting consent.
Check the charges though it's usually around .5% of the value if the mortgage. ??

MrsSchadenfreude · 23/02/2015 21:30

We were still renting it out until 18 months ago. They finally gave us permission to rent it out for an indefinite period, rather than having to ask permission every three years.

Original poster

RedtopDevil · 23/02/2015 21:38

Thanks Kiwi, yes, I've got an exemption letter from the council as it's unoccupied and unfurnished and I would be able to show that it's on the market. Thanks for your comments Mrs S, really helpful.

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