This article is about the legal mechanism used to secure the performance of obligations, including the payment of debts, with property . For loans secured by mortgages, such as residential housing loans, and lending practices or requirements, see Mortgage loan. Property law Part of the common law Contract law · Tort law Wills and trusts Criminal Law · Evidence A mortgage is a method of using property (real or personal) as security for the performance of an obligation, usually the payment of debts, with property . For loans secured by mortgages, such as residential housing loans, and lending practices or requirements,