Key Facts Illustration (KFI)

A Key Facts Illustration (KFI) is a document provided by mortgage lenders in the UK, offering a detailed breakdown of the terms, costs, and features of a mortgage offer, essential for comparing and making informed financial decisions.

What is a Key Facts Illustration?

In the competitive landscape of the UK property market, securing a mortgage is a significant step for buyers. A Key Facts Illustration (KFI) plays a crucial role in this process, providing prospective borrowers with a clear and comprehensive overview of a mortgage product's details before they commit. As mandated by financial regulations, a KFI includes vital information such as the interest rate, repayment details, fees associated with the mortgage, and any special conditions.

The document is designed to ensure transparency and help consumers compare different mortgage offers on a like-for-like basis. By outlining the total cost of the loan, including any associated fees and the impact of interest rate changes, a KFI enables borrowers to understand the long-term financial implications of their mortgage choice.

A Key Facts Illustration is an invaluable tool for anyone navigating the UK property market and considering mortgage options. It offers transparency, helping borrowers to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of the financial implications of various mortgage products. Ensuring you thoroughly review and comprehend the details within a KFI can significantly impact your financial wellbeing and satisfaction with your mortgage choice in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Facts Illustration (KFI) is a term that you may have heard before, but you might not be sure what it means. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand what it means.

You should receive a Key Facts Illustration from your lender or mortgage advisor early in the application process, typically after providing initial details about your financial situation and the type of mortgage you're seeking.
A Key Facts Illustration includes information on the mortgage product's interest rate, type (e.g., fixed, variable), repayment method, any fees (upfront and ongoing), the total amount payable over the term, and scenarios showing the potential impact of interest rate changes.
Use the Key Facts Illustration to compare the total cost of different mortgages, focusing on the interest rates, fees, and features. Pay special attention to the Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) and the total amount payable, as these can help you assess and compare the overall cost of mortgage offers.
While a KFI provides a detailed overview of a mortgage offer, it is not a legally binding contract. The formal mortgage offer issued by the lender after a full application assessment is the binding agreement.