I don't understand either, grannygrump, but Connemmara has her reasons for not wanting to be 'attached to the mortgage' and for wanting what is probably the more expensive option of a loan for the outstanding £10000. It's a shame because I can't imagine Santander would turn her down for a modest extension on the remaining £10000 of the mortgage if they know she hasn't got the cash but has a good pension income and is still relatively young with a good track record of paying her mortgage.