Topic 1 - Mortgages Flashcards
(76 cards)
What is a mortgage?
An interest in land, a proprietary right in the land
Who is the mortgagee?
The lender who loans money to fund the property purchase
Who is the mortgagor?
The borrower who grants rights over the property as security for the loan
What does a mortgage provide the lender?
Rights to possess and sell the property in the event of default
What are the key topics covered in mortgage law?
- Formalities
- Enforceability of terms
- Undue influence
- Priority
- Rights of the lender
- Lender’s duties
What is required to create a mortgage?
It must be created by deed and registered at the land registry
What is the ‘equity of redemption’?
The collective rights of the borrower to challenge terms of the mortgage
What may happen if a borrower is unduly influenced to enter a mortgage?
The mortgage loan can be set aside
What are the consequences of multiple mortgages on the same land?
Issues of priority arise when there is not enough money to pay back all lenders
What are the two most important rights of the lender?
- Right to possess the property
- Power to sell the property
What must a lender do before selling a property after default?
Exercise the right to possess the land
What is the legal requirement for a mortgage to be recognized as a legal interest?
It must be created in compliance with the formalities for a legal interest over registered land
What is required for a deed to be valid?
- Must be clear it is intended as a deed
- Must be validly executed
- Must be delivered
What happens if a mortgage is not registered?
It will not take effect as a legal mortgage but could still be an equitable interest
What constitutes an equitable mortgage?
- Mortgages of equitable interests
- Defective legal mortgages
What is the process to discharge a mortgage?
Cancel mortgage entries at the Land Registry using a specific form
What does equity recognize regarding the borrower’s rights?
The borrower as the true owner of the property and protects their rights
What are the rights that make up the equity of redemption?
- Equitable right to redeem supplements legal right to redeem
- No postponement or prevention of redemption
- No collateral advantages
- No unconscionable terms
What is a clause that postpones the legal date for redemption?
A clause that may be scrutinized and potentially declared void by courts
What was held in Fairclough v Swan Brewery Co Ltd regarding postponement of redemption?
The clause postponing redemption was struck out as it prevented the borrower from getting back anything of value
What was the outcome in Knightsbridge Estates Trust Ltd v Byrne?
The court upheld the postponement of redemption as the right to redeem was not rendered illusory
What type of property was mortgaged in the case discussed?
Freehold of a hotel
The mortgaged property was commercial premises.
How long was the legal date for redemption postponed in the case?
40 years
What was the court’s ruling regarding the early repayment of the mortgage?
The court upheld the postponement of redemption and would not allow early repayment