Collateral
Collateral is an item of value, such as a property, that a borrower puts forward as a means of securing a loan from a lender. The item can be seized by the lender if the borrower fails to repay the loan according to the terms which have been agreed. Therefore, collateral is a way in which a lender can acquire some security against the capital that they loan.
The lender’s claim to a borrower’s collateral is described as a 'lien'.
For the loan to be considered 'secure', the collateral’s value must equal or exceed the amount remaining on loan. Loans that are secured by collateral typically have lower interest rates than unsecured loans. This is because they are less risky for the lenders, as the borrower has a strong incentive to continue payment and losses can be recovered.
A mortgage is a common type of collateral. The mortgage lender (typically a bank) will usually require that the home being purchased is provided as collateral. If mortgage loan repayments are not made according to the agreed terms, the bank is entitled to take ownership of the home (described as foreclosure), which it can then sell as a means of recouping losses.
NB: In construction, the term 'collateral warranty' refers to an agreement associated with another 'primary' contract providing for a duty of care to be extended by one of the contracting parties to a third party who is not party to the original contract. See Collateral warranties for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Backward integration.
- Bad debt.
- Collateral warranties.
- Construction loan.
- Credit check.
- Definition of collateral warranty.
- Equity in property.
- Funding options.
- Gazumping.
- Liens.
- Mezzanine finance.
- Performance bond.
- Practical considerations of collateral warranties.
- Property development finance.
- Remortgage.
- Trade credit insurance.
- What is a mortgage?
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.