11. Mortgages

Abstract

A mortgage is a form of security for a loan, the purpose of which is often to finance the purchase of a house. This type of mortgage is known as acquisition mortgage. The house can also be used as security for other borrowing (for example, to pay for an extension to a house) or to finance a small business. Such mortgages are generally termed second, or even third, mortgages. The person who creates the mortgage is called the mortgagor and the person in whose favour it is created is called the mortgagee. The mortgagee is a secured creditor and can transfer the mortgage to another person. This chapter, which focuses on the nature of mortgages and how they are created, also discusses the role of mortgages, types of mortgage, rights of the mortgagor, rights and remedies of the mortgagee, and priority of mortgages.