Home Mover Mortgage FAQs

Moving home mortgage FAQ

Moving home often means coordinating two mortgage timelines at once: selling your current property and securing finance for your next one. If you're in a fixed rate period, or you want to borrow more (or less) than before, the details of your existing mortgage can make a real difference.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about moving home mortgages.

Do you charge a fee for a moving home mortgage?

Some mortgage brokers charge a fee for arranging a mortgage, while others are paid by commission. Whether a fee applies—and the amount—can depend on how complex your situation is.

Common factors that can affect complexity include:

• Whether you can port your existing mortgage deal
• Whether you need to borrow more (often referred to as topping up)
• Whether you need to redeem your current mortgage and take out a new one
• Whether there are additional constraints (for example, changes to property type or borrowing structure)

Any costs are typically discussed clearly before work begins, so you understand what's involved.

Can I move in the middle of my fixed rate term?

It may be possible, but what happens next depends on the terms of your mortgage and the options available.

Two broad routes are usually considered:

• Porting: transferring your existing mortgage deal to a new property (subject to lender approval and meeting their criteria)
• Redeeming and remortgaging: ending the current mortgage and taking out a new one

If you don't port, you may face early repayment charges for leaving your fixed term early. If you port and also change the amount you borrow, there can be additional considerations depending on how the lender structures the new arrangement.

Can I move house without changing my mortgage?

Sometimes, yes—particularly if your mortgage is portable.

However, "not changing your mortgage" doesn't always mean "no changes at all". Even where porting is available, lenders commonly still require a review of the new property and confirmation that you meet their requirements.

If you're also changing the amount you borrow, the additional borrowing may not be on exactly the same terms as the portion you port.

Does the value of my current home affect my moving options?

It can, but it's usually one part of a wider picture.

Moving options are typically influenced by:

• Affordability for the mortgage you want on the new property
• The new property's value and how it is assessed
• Whether your existing mortgage deal is portable
• Any fees or charges that apply when moving (for example, early repayment charges if you redeem)

Even if your current home value changes between sale and completion, you still need the mortgage for your next home to be affordable and acceptable to the lender.

Can I use equity from my current home as a deposit?

In many cases, yes.

Equity is the difference between your property's market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. When you sell, you may be able to use some or all of the sale proceeds (including equity) as part of the deposit for your next purchase.

It's also important to consider that buying costs don't stop at the deposit. You may need funds for items such as:

• Stamp duty (where applicable)
• Legal fees
• Survey costs
• Estate agent fees

What happens if my sale completes later than expected?

Delays can affect mortgage timelines, especially where exchange and completion dates are tight.

Potential knock-on effects can include:

• Changes to the timing of valuations or updates required by the lender
• Impact on offer validity periods
• Practical timing issues around porting or remortgaging

If your completion date shifts, it's usually worth keeping your mortgage plan aligned with the property chain so you can reduce avoidable friction.

Is it possible to manage my moving home mortgage application remotely?

Many parts of the process can often be handled remotely, depending on the lender and the documentation required.

Remote options may include:

• Online application steps
• Secure document sharing
• Video or telephone discussions for reviews and updates

Even where remote processing is available, you'll still need to complete the lender's required checks and provide supporting information.

What should I consider before I move?

Moving home mortgages can be straightforward, but they're often time-sensitive. Planning ahead can help you avoid last-minute issues.

Key areas to think about include:

• Your sale timeline and how it affects when you need mortgage completion
• Whether you're porting, topping up, or remortgaging
• Whether early repayment charges could apply
• How costs of moving fit alongside mortgage affordability
• Whether you're changing property type or borrowing amount

Do I need to apply for a new mortgage if I'm porting?

Porting typically involves transferring your existing mortgage deal to the new property, but it's not always a simple "transfer and done" process.

Lenders usually still need to assess the new property and confirm that the arrangement meets their requirements. If you're borrowing more or changing the structure of the borrowing, additional steps may be needed.

Planning your move with the right mortgage approach

If you're moving home, the most effective starting point is understanding how your current mortgage deal interacts with your sale and purchase dates—particularly if you're in a fixed rate period or considering porting. Getting clarity on the likely route (porting versus redeeming and remortgaging) can make it easier to plan around dates, costs and lender requirements.