The Difference Between Residential Mortgage and Commercial Mortgage

A distinction between a residential mortgage and a commercial mortgage is often made. Both mortgages are geared toward home ownership, but commercial mortgages are considered more risky than residential mortgages. Residential mortgage lenders generally want to know more about your income and debt to income ratio, since mortgage payments cannot exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income. A commercial mortgage, on the other hand, may have less stringent requirements. A residential mortgage can be used for business purposes, but you will have to meet additional criteria.

Less Regulation

Consumers are getting more protection against unfair practices in the mortgage market thanks to the new law. This law applies to residential mortgage loans that have a first or subordinate lien on residential real estate. Such loans include purchase-money loans, refinancing loans, and home equity lines of credit. However, they do not apply to bridge loans, construction loans, reverse mortgage transactions, or loans for businesses. As a result, these loans are now considered to be higher priced mortgage loans.

The new rules are designed to protect consumers and prevent disastrous performances of commercial mortgage and residential mortgage-backed securities. While this may have negative effects for consumers, it will help the economy. The new rules will prevent the issuers from creating risky mortgage-backed securities by making sure that they keep sufficient stakes in these loans.

Higher Interest Rates

Residential and commercial mortgages have different interest rates, but both mortgage types have the same basic purpose — investing in property. Residential mortgages have fixed interest rates for the term of the loan, while commercial mortgages have variable rates. The difference between residential and commercial mortgage rates is largely in the variable rate, which can increase with rising interest rates. The fixed rate is the more attractive option for most homebuyers because the payments are lower and the interest is fixed for the entire duration of the loan.

Commercial mortgage rates are higher than residential mortgages, and are usually 0.25% to 0.75% higher. Commercial rates are also higher if the property requires active management. In general, however, commercial loan rates are significantly higher than those on residential mortgages, and it is wise to seek advice from a commercial mortgage broker before you apply for a commercial loan. Commercial rates are more favorable for “A” quality borrowers and higher than those on residential mortgages.

Shorter Loan Term

The short term difference between a residential mortgage and a commercial mortgage is the shorter loan term. While this may be a good thing, the longer loan term may tie up your cash flow and make it difficult to plan for future investment opportunities. The shorter loan term does not carry a higher interest rate, but it will tie up your cash flow until the end of the loan term. Alternatively, you can choose to refinance your commercial mortgage to an interest only rate. However, consider your cash flow when making your decision.

Although both types of mortgages are similar, they do differ in terms of length, interest rate, and application considerations. Residential loans are provided to individuals and families who are debt-free, while commercial mortgages are made for businesses and other businesses that need money to operate. In addition, commercial loans are structured to fill gaps in revenues or reduce operating costs. Nonetheless, the terms of these loans vary. There are some pros and cons to each type of loan.

Lower Funding Figure

One of the major differences between a residential mortgage and a commercial mortgage is that the latter usually has a lower funding figure. Because commercial mortgages are generally riskier, the lender takes a more business-like approach and believes the property will generate enough income to cover the loan. While commercial loans may be negotiated, most are fixed for a set term of fifteen to thirty years. In addition, a residential mortgage typically requires a smaller down payment, sometimes as little as 20 percent.

Another difference between residential and commercial mortgages is the funding figure. The funding figure for a residential mortgage is typically higher than that of a commercial mortgage, which means that a lower down payment is required. Lenders will often fund 75% of multi-family dwellings, 65% for office/retail properties, and 75% for industrial warehouses. The difference between a residential mortgage and a commercial mortgage is typically smaller.

Higher Down Payment

Commercial and residential mortgages can differ significantly in terms of down payment, with the former usually requiring a larger down payment. Although the down payment for commercial mortgages is usually higher than for residential mortgages, a residential loan can sometimes be negotiated down to as little as 10%. The difference between these two types of mortgage loans comes down to the amount of risk involved. Residential mortgage lenders typically want to know your gross income and debt to income ratio. Mortgage payments should not exceed 28 percent of your gross income.

The terms of a commercial mortgage vary depending on the type of property and business, and it’s best to seek specialist guidance for both types of loans. Commercial mortgages typically require a higher down payment than residential mortgages, although a small percentage of down payment may be sufficient for a mixed-use property. Commercial property down payments range anywhere from twenty to thirty percent, and are often negotiated. This is dependent on the amount of property value, income generating ability of the property, and borrower’s credit rating.