Bank of Ireland increase differential on tracker rates

Bank of Ireland increase differential on tracker rates

10:32 AM, 28th February 2013, About 12 years ago 1862

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The story of the Bank of Ireland decision to increase to the differential (interest rate margin) on  tracker mortgages started on this forum when a professional landlord contacted Property118 within minutes of a letter from Bank of Ireland landing on his door mat. What ensued was outrage from landlords and affected residential mortgage borrowers. The story was quickly picked up by the National Media as it wasn’t just the 13,500 affected borrowers who were worried.

Will this set a precedent for other mortgage lenders to follow?

Property118 reacted by using funds donated to The GOOD Landlords Campaign to underwrite the cost of a barristers opinion on the legality of the Bank of Ireland’s actions. The remainder of this thread,one of the most read and most commented threads of all time on Property118, continues to tell the story as it unfolds.

If you want to skip the story and cut to the chase simply CLICK HERE

Of the 13,500 affected borrowers, 1,200 have had the decision reversed by Bank of Ireland. With additional support and pressure we believe all affected borrowers can and will see justice done.

___________________________________________

Lee, a professional Landlord asks, “help! I have just received a letter from the Bank of Ireland stating they want to increase the differential on my tracker rates.

I have 12 mortgages with the Bank of Ireland previously Bristol and West. I have been on a base rate tracker of 1.75% above base, but now Bank of Ireland are using some fine print claiming they have to recapitalise and saying the ‘new differential will be 4.49%.

How can I fight back?”

The original policy wording seems to be:

6 INTEREST

Charging interest at a tracker rate

(j) Unless we change the differential (if any) under condition 6 (n), we will not change the tracker rate unless the base rate changes.

(m) in condition 6 (n):
– a “positive differential” means a percentage which we add to the base rate to arrive at the tracker rate; and a “negative differential” means a percentage which we subtract from the base rate to arrive at the tracker rate.

(n) We may reduce a positive differential or increase a negative differential at our discretion by giving you not less than seven days written notice. This means that we can change the differential in a way that is favourable to you.

The above seems to indicate that they can reduce the rate in my favour, but not give them the right to increase it. Am I correct?


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Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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14:45 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

@Patricia Collick - when you join the Class Action Justin Selig's team will send you a template letter to make your complaint to the FOS which contains reference to the legal arguments prepared by our barristers.

Justin Selig - solicitor

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15:59 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

In response to Bridget's earlier post, I will email you directly.

Tricia Collick

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16:05 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

Thanks Mark, I joined the class action, etc, some time ago and have received the template already, I will take stock before I amend it a little to meet my particular case as I ported in 2004 from an original 2001 loan. As I have 6 months to contact the FOS I will take a few days to reflect and not rush my response.

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16:07 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

Justin,

I'm also interested in joining the Class Action Suit.

I've emailed Jemma last week and again today but had no response. I've also had my details forwarded by Mark's automated emailer. Should I just wait to hear back from you or should I email you directly?

Thanks, Michael.

Michael Kaplan

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17:36 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

The Bank of Ireland has reversed it's mortgage hike for over a thousand borrowers. And it's all because we all complained. This is landlord power. And this should be a lesson to all landlords. We believe that lenders will always try it on. And then they'll wait see what happens. If nobody complains they can just carry on. But under the regulations, the banks are obliged to look into every single complaint. So complain, complain, complain! The banks' decisions must always be challenged. Today's BOI reversal is proof that it can work. We can't let the banks ride roughshod over us. By sticking together, making a group noise and by making individual complaints we can get the banks to change. Our lawyer Justin Selig is still looking into the cases for the remainder of the affected borrowers. Justin says we should all thank those landlords who came forward and put their names in to a group action. It's because off people like them that the bank has backed down. Some good has come out of our efforts so far. But so many more borrowers could benefit with a bit more effort. C'mon!

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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17:45 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

@Michael - absolutely! Just imagine what could be achieved if 700 landlords were to sign up! What about 7,000? That would still only be just over half of those affected. To get this far with just 70 or so sign ups is amazing. Landlord power indeed. Time for a few more to put their hands in their pockets now I think!

ian

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18:26 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

Landlord power is great way forword, only problem is those who have,nt signed up are hopeing to get of scott free on the back of those that have signed. pure selfishness whats £120 to help those who help others. Put it on your tax return.

Anon

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18:50 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

Too true Ian, these bloody freeloaders piss me off too!

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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19:52 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

@Anon, I do understand your frustration but to add balance to this thread and possibly to restore a modicum of faith in human nature I can confirm that Simon Benstead who commented a few days ago was indeed true to his word and that I have just received notification of his £250 donation to The GOOD Landlords Campaign.

If you are reading this comment Simon, THANK YOU.

ian

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20:48 PM, 21st May 2013, About 12 years ago

If a 1000 borrowers got an administrative letter & the 200 recieved a letter before 1st May saying they will not be paying the increase,
I would of thought one atleast of those 1200 would of told us on here ?

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