Jargon Buster

At a loss to understand arrears, affidavits or air bricks? Bamboozled by balloon payments and back-to-back escrow? Confused by conveyancing, cash-flow and closing costs?

If so, our Jargon Buster will be just what you need.It's a glossary of terms packed full of property phrases, estate agent slang, financial words and other terms you may come across in your real estate or personal finance activities.

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Jargon Buster: V

Our glossary results: 12 matches!

Vacant possession

The previous occupants must vacate the property before you move in, this includes any tenants.

Valley gutter

Horizontal or sloping gutter at the internal low intersection between two sloping roofs.

Valuation

This is the estimated price that your property is worth.

Valuation fee

A fee paid by a borrower to cover the cost of the Valuation Report.

Valuation report

This is carried out for the purposes of mortgage and is prepared for the lender. A survey will also help you to find out independently whether the price is reasonable. Your mortgage lender will almost certainly insist on a basic valuation to make sure that the property is worth the amount you are paying for it. They want to ensure that you will be able to sell it again and therefore that it is a safe investment. Although it is often referred to as a survey, it does not go into nearly as much detail as a homebuyer or full survey would do.

Variable interest rate

A loan rate that moves up and down based on factors including changes in the rate paid on bank certificates of deposit or Treasury bills.

Variable rate mortgages

As you would expect from the name, variable mortgage rates go up and down and generally do not stay at the same level for too long. This is because the interest rate and subsequent level of repayment varies with the lender's interest rate. This is usually derived from Bank of England base rate or some other index. One such index is the banks' base rate - an average of the rates of several leading lenders.

Vendor

The person who is selling the property.

Verge

The edge of a roof overhang usually above a gable.

Verification of deposit

As part of the loan process, a lender will ask a borrower's bank to sign a statement verifying the borrower's account balances and history.

Verification of employment

As part of the loan process, a lender will ask the borrower's employer for confirmation of the borrower's position and salary.

Viewing

Arrangement for potential buyers to see a seller's property and usually through an estate agent in advance. In most cases the owner of the property will show you around their home.
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