Porting a mortgage

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Porting a mortgage

When it comes to moving homes, one aspect often overlooked is the mortgage. Many homeowners believe they have to start fresh with a new mortgage, but that’s not necessarily the case. Porting your mortgage, or transferring it from your current home to a new property, can be an excellent option for those who have a favourable mortgage deal they wish to retain. This process can seem complicated, but with the right guidance, it’s manageable.

This guide provides valuable insights into mortgage porting from a UK perspective, covering key considerations such as eligibility, the impact on repayments, and the potential benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or simply moving to a new area, these insights aim to demystify the process of porting your mortgage, offering a clear path to making informed decisions during your moving journey.

What does porting a mortgage mean?

Porting a mortgage means transferring your existing mortgage deal from your current home to a new property. This option can be particularly advantageous if you have a mortgage with favourable terms, such as a low-interest rate, or if you’re in the middle of a deal that would impose early repayment charges if you were to switch to a new mortgage.

In essence, when you sell your home and move to a new one, you have the ability to “port” your mortgage — carry it over — to the new property. The balance, rate, and terms remain the same.

It’s worth noting that even though a mortgage is portable, it doesn’t guarantee that you will qualify to port it to a new property. The lender will reassess your circumstances and the property details before allowing the transfer, as they would for a new mortgage. If the new property is more expensive, you may also need to borrow additional funds, which could be subject to different rates and terms.

How can I prepare for porting my mortgage?

Porting a mortgage is a significant financial decision, and you’ll need to take a few steps to prepare:

Understand Your Current Mortgage Terms: Check to see if your current mortgage is portable. This information can be found in your mortgage agreement or by speaking with your lender.

Research the Market: Look at what other mortgage deals are available. There may be better rates or terms that could outweigh the cost of any early repayment charges on your current mortgage.

Financial Health Check: Ensure your credit score is in good shape and you have a solid understanding of your current financial situation. Lenders will conduct an affordability check, just like when you first took out the mortgage.

Property Valuation: Understand the market value of both your existing home and the new property you wish to purchase. If the new property is more expensive, you’ll likely need to borrow additional funds, which may be subject to different rates.

Speak to Your Lender: It’s always best to speak with your lender about your intention to port your mortgage. They can provide you with information specific to your mortgage and any potential costs.

Seek Professional Advice: Consider speaking with a mortgage broker or financial advisor. They can provide expert advice tailored to your personal circumstances and help you weigh your options.

Prepare Necessary Documents: Just like when applying for a mortgage, you will need to provide documents such as proof of income, proof of identity, and details about the new property.

How does porting your mortgage work?

Porting your mortgage involves transferring your existing mortgage deal from your current home to a new one. Here’s how the process typically works:

Check If Your Mortgage Is Portable: The first step is to make sure your mortgage is portable. This information should be in your mortgage contract. If you’re unsure, contact your lender directly.

Discuss With Your Lender: If your mortgage is portable, contact your lender and tell them you’re planning on moving and would like to port your mortgage. They will explain the process and tell you what information they need.

Application Process: You will need to complete an application process similar to when you applied for your original mortgage. Your lender will reassess your financial situation, credit history, and the value of the new property. They need to ensure you can still afford the mortgage and that the new property meets their lending criteria.

Additional Borrowing: If your new home is more expensive than your current home, you may need to borrow additional money. This is sometimes known as a ‘top-up’ mortgage. The interest rate on this additional borrowing may be different from your existing rate. If you’re downsizing and the new property is cheaper, you may need to partially repay your mortgage.

Legal and Valuation Processes: As with any property purchase, there will be legal work to complete. Your solicitor or conveyancer will need to carry out the necessary checks on the new property and manage the transfer of funds. Your lender will also likely want to do a valuation of the new property.

Completion: Once all the checks have been completed and everyone is happy, you can complete the sale of your old home, the purchase of your new one, and the transfer of your mortgage.

What factors do lenders consider when I want to port my mortgage?

When you apply to port your mortgage, lenders will assess a variety of factors to determine if they can allow the porting. Here are some of the key factors they’ll look at:

Affordability: Just like when you first got your mortgage, the lender will want to make sure that you can afford the repayments. They’ll look at your income, your outgoings, and your overall financial situation. If your financial situation has changed significantly since you first took out the mortgage, this could affect your ability to port it.

Credit History: Lenders will look at your credit score and your credit history. If you’ve missed payments or had other negative marks on your credit history, this could impact the lender’s decision.

Property Value: The lender will need to conduct a valuation on the new property to ensure it provides sufficient security for the mortgage loan. The new property will have to meet the lender’s criteria for acceptability.

Mortgage Balance: If the new property is more expensive, you may need to borrow additional funds. Lenders will take into account your ability to afford the increased payments. Conversely, if the property is cheaper, you might need to pay back some of the mortgage balance.

Changes in Circumstances: If there have been major changes in your circumstances, such as a change in employment, becoming self-employed, or retirement, lenders will take these into account as they could affect your ability to meet the mortgage repayments.

Existing Mortgage Terms: Some mortgage deals might have specific terms and conditions about porting. For example, there might be a fee to pay or a limit on how much time you can take to complete the porting process.

It’s important to have an open conversation with your lender about porting. They can provide you with information specific to your mortgage and personal circumstances. You might also consider getting advice from a mortgage broker or financial advisor to understand your options fully.

Can I port a joint mortgage if my circumstances have changed?

Porting a joint mortgage when circumstances have changed is possible, but it may be more complicated. Here’s how it may work depending on various situations:

Change in Financial Circumstances: If one or both parties have had a significant change in financial circumstances (such as job loss, reduced income, or increased debt), the lender will take this into account when deciding whether to allow the mortgage to be ported. They’ll reassess your ability to afford the mortgage based on your current situation.

Change in Relationship Status: If the joint mortgage was with a spouse or partner and the relationship has ended, porting the mortgage can be complex. Both parties are still responsible for the mortgage until it is paid off, sold, or refinanced. If one party wants to keep the property and take over the mortgage, they will need to be able to afford it on their own. The lender will need to approve this.

Adding a Party to the Mortgage: If you want to add a new party (such as a new spouse or partner) to the mortgage, the lender will need to assess their financial circumstances and credit history. Adding a third party can also have legal implications and may require the advice of a solicitor.

Death of a Joint Mortgage Holder: If one of the joint mortgage holders has died, the surviving person usually becomes solely responsible for the mortgage. They will need to show they can afford the repayments on their own if they wish to port the mortgage. Some mortgages have insurance policies that pay off the mortgage in the event of death.

In any of these scenarios, it’s a good idea to discuss the situation with your lender and get advice from a financial advisor or solicitor. They can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances and the terms of your mortgage.

I can’t port – can I switch to a new mortgage?

Yes, if you’re unable to port your mortgage due to reasons such as changes in financial circumstances, the new property not meeting the lender’s criteria, or your mortgage product simply not being portable, you can consider switching to a new mortgage. This process is often referred to as remortgaging. Here’s a brief outline of how it works:

Research Your Options: Look at different mortgage deals available in the market. You can use comparison websites, speak to various lenders directly, or use a mortgage broker to help find the best mortgage deal for your needs.

Consider Costs: Be aware that switching to a new mortgage can come with costs. You may have to pay an early repayment charge on your current mortgage, as well as arrangement fees for the new mortgage. You should factor these costs into your calculations when deciding if it’s worthwhile.

Application Process: Similar to when you first got a mortgage, you’ll have to go through an application process. The lender will assess your credit history, income, outgoings, and the value of the property to decide whether they can offer you a mortgage.

Legal Work: Once the new mortgage is approved, there will be some legal work to transfer the mortgage from the old lender to the new one. This is usually done by a solicitor or conveyancer.

Completion: Once all the legal work is done, your old mortgage will be paid off with the funds from the new mortgage, and you’ll start making repayments to your new lender.

Before deciding to switch to a new mortgage, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a financial advisor or mortgage broker. They can help you understand your options and what would work best for your individual circumstances.

Is there a difference in porting a mortgage for a freehold and leasehold property?

Porting a mortgage from a freehold to a leasehold property, or vice versa, should not in itself make a substantial difference to the process of porting. The primary focus will still be on your personal financial circumstances, the value of the property, and the terms of your mortgage.
However, there are a few points to bear in mind:

Property Acceptability: Lenders have different criteria for what they consider an acceptable property for lending. Leasehold properties can sometimes be more complicated due to factors such as the length of the lease remaining, ground rent, service charges, and permissions required for alterations. The lender will need to be satisfied that these do not significantly affect the property’s value or your ability to afford the mortgage.

Longevity of Lease: If you’re porting your mortgage to a leasehold property, the length of the lease remaining can be a critical factor. Many lenders require a certain number of years left on the lease at the end of the mortgage term. If the lease isn’t long enough, you might need to extend it, which can be a costly and lengthy process.

Costs: Leasehold properties often come with additional costs, such as service charges and ground rent. Your lender will consider these when assessing your affordability.
In all cases, it’s essential to discuss your intentions with your lender and possibly seek advice from a mortgage broker or conveyancer, particularly when dealing with leasehold properties due to their potential complexities.

Can I port part of my mortgage and remortgage the rest?

Yes, it is possible to port part of your mortgage and remortgage the rest, subject to your lender’s agreement and your personal circumstances. This could be a solution if you are moving to a property that is more expensive and you need to borrow more or if you have a particularly advantageous interest rate on the part of your mortgage that you want to keep.

Here’s how it might work:

Porting Part of Your Mortgage: You would take the part of your mortgage with the favourable rate or terms and port it to the new property.

Remortgaging the Rest: You would then take out a new mortgage for the rest of the purchase price of your new home. This could be with the same lender or a different lender, depending on what rates and terms are available.

This is sometimes referred to as having a ‘split’ or ‘blended’ mortgage. It allows you to have two different parts of your mortgage on different deals.

What are the benefits of porting a mortgage?

Porting a mortgage can come with several potential benefits:

Preserve Low-Interest Rate: If you currently have a mortgage with a favourable, low-interest rate that is lower than what’s currently available on the market, porting can allow you to keep that rate for the remainder of your fixed or discounted period.

Avoid Early Repayment Charges (ERCs): If you’re in the middle of a fixed-rate, discount, or tracker deal, you may have to pay an Early Repayment Charge (ERC) to get out of your mortgage early. By porting your mortgage, you can avoid these charges.

Less Hassle: If you’re happy with your current lender and mortgage product, porting your mortgage can save you the hassle of shopping around for a new deal.

Flexibility: If you’re moving to a more expensive property and need to borrow more money, some lenders may allow you to port your existing mortgage and take out a top-up mortgage for the extra amount you need.

What are the potential drawbacks of porting a mortgage?

While porting a mortgage can offer several advantages, it also comes with potential drawbacks.

Here are some to consider:

New Affordability Checks: Even though you’re staying with the same lender, you’ll still need to go through a new affordability assessment. If your circumstances have changed (for example, your income has decreased or your expenses have increased), you might not pass these checks.

Potential Additional Costs: If the new property is more expensive, you may need to borrow more money. This could be at a different rate than your existing mortgage and might increase the overall cost.

Limited Flexibility: Porting ties you to your current lender and their specific mortgage products. This may limit your ability to take advantage of better deals or more suitable products from other lenders.

Property Restrictions: Your new property will have to meet your current lender’s criteria. If it’s a non-standard property or there are other issues, the lender might not approve the port.

Timing Constraints: There may be timing restrictions on porting your mortgage. For example, some lenders may require that the sale of your old property and the purchase of the new one happen simultaneously.

Legal and Valuation Costs: As with any property purchase, you’ll likely need to pay for legal fees and a property valuation.

Possible Fees: Some lenders charge a fee for porting a mortgage.

Should I port my mortgage or switch to a new deal?

Whether you should port your mortgage or switch to a new deal depends on your individual circumstances, financial situation, and the current mortgage market. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

  1. If you’re currently on a low-interest rate and market rates are higher, it may be beneficial to port your mortgage and maintain your current rate. Conversely, if market rates are lower, you might want to consider switching to a new deal.
  2. If you’re still in the initial period of your mortgage (typically a two to five-year fixed, tracker or discount deal), you might have to pay an ERC if you switch to a new deal. Porting your mortgage allows you to avoid this charge.
  3. If your financial situation has changed since you took out your current mortgage (for example, if your income has decreased or your credit score has gone down), you might find it more difficult to get a new deal. In this case, porting your mortgage may be the more viable option.
  4. If you’re moving to a more expensive property and need to borrow more, your lender may allow you to port your existing mortgage and top it up with a further advance. If you’re downsizing and your new home costs less, you might need to repay part of your mortgage, or you could potentially switch to a new deal more suitable for a smaller loan amount.
  5. Remember to factor in the costs of both options. These may include valuation fees, legal fees, arrangement fees for a new deal, and potential ERCs for your current deal.

Will I still have to go through an affordability test?

Yes, even when you’re porting your mortgage, your lender will still require you to go through an affordability test, much like when you initially secured your mortgage. This is because lenders have a responsibility to ensure that you can afford the mortgage repayments, both now and in the future, even if interest rates were to rise.

During an affordability assessment, the lender will consider several factors:

Income: Your regular income will be evaluated. This includes salary, bonuses, commission, or income from investments. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide evidence of your earnings.

Outgoings: The lender will look at your regular expenses. This includes things like existing credit commitments, household bills, living costs, and any personal expenses.

Debt: Any existing debt you have, such as loans or credit cards, will be factored into the assessment.

Future Changes: Lenders also consider potential future changes, such as retirement or interest rate increases, to ensure you could still afford the mortgage.

Credit History: Your credit score and credit history will be checked to see how you’ve managed past credit.

The lender uses this information to determine whether you can afford the mortgage repayments. If you’re porting and need to borrow more because the new property is more expensive, the affordability checks will also ensure you can afford the higher loan amount.

It’s important to be prepared for this and to understand that even though you have a history with your lender, the approval for porting your mortgage is not automatic.

Can I port my buy-to-let mortgage to a new investment property?

Yes, in many cases, you can port a buy-to-let mortgage to a new investment property, but this will depend on your lender’s policies and the terms of your specific mortgage.

Just like porting a residential mortgage, porting a buy-to-let mortgage means you would take your current mortgage deal — with the same interest rate and terms — to a new property. Here are some points to consider:

Affordability Assessment: Even though you are porting your mortgage, your lender will still assess your financial circumstances to ensure you can afford the mortgage repayments. For buy-to-let mortgages, lenders often base this on the expected rental income from the property, although personal income can sometimes be taken into account.

Property Criteria: The new property will need to meet your lender’s criteria. This could include factors such as the property’s condition, location, and type. The expected rental income will also need to be sufficient to cover the mortgage repayments by a certain margin, as defined by the lender’s rental coverage ratio.

Potential Costs: There may be costs associated with porting your mortgage, such as valuation fees, legal fees, and possibly a porting fee. You’ll need to factor these into your decision.

Additional Borrowing: If the new property is more expensive and you need to borrow more, your lender may allow you to take out a further advance. This would usually be on a different rate than your existing mortgage.

As with any financial decision, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a mortgage broker or financial advisor before deciding to port your buy-to-let mortgage. They can help you understand whether it’s the best option based on your individual circumstances and the current mortgage market.

Can I port my mortgage more than once?

Yes, in principle, it’s possible to port a mortgage more than once, as long as your mortgage terms and conditions allow for portability and your lender approves it each time. It’s important to note that every time you port your mortgage, your lender will conduct an affordability assessment, and the new property will need to meet the lender’s criteria.

However, there are a few factors to consider:

  1. Most lenders require the sale of the old property and the purchase of the new one to happen simultaneously. If there is a gap, the lender might not approve the port.
  2. Each time you port your mortgage, there may be fees such as valuation costs, legal fees, and potential porting fees to consider.
  3. The terms of your mortgage deal will apply each time you port. If you’re considering porting multiple times, be aware that if the term of your mortgage deal is close to the end, you might not have the option to port and may need to look for a new mortgage.

Is it possible to port my mortgage if I’m self-employed?

Yes, it is possible to port your mortgage if you’re self-employed. The process will be similar to that of someone who is employed, but there will be different criteria for proving your income.

Self-employed individuals typically need to provide more extensive documentation about their income. Lenders will typically require at least two years’ worth of accounts or tax returns to assess your income. This is to show that you have a reliable income and can afford the mortgage repayments. Here’s what lenders typically look for:

Proof of Income: This can be tax returns (SA302s) or certified accounts showing at least two years of income. Some lenders may require more than two years.

Stability of Income: Lenders prefer to see a stable or increasing income rather than a fluctuating or decreasing income.

Business Accounts: If you’re a company director, lenders may look at both your personal income (salary and dividends) and the profitability of your business.

Credit History: As with any mortgage application, lenders will consider your credit score and credit history.

Future Income: If your recent income is higher than in previous years, some lenders may consider projected figures. An accountant would need to provide these.

While it’s certainly possible to port your mortgage as a self-employed individual, the process can be more complex. It may be beneficial to seek advice from a mortgage broker or financial advisor who has experience with self-employed borrowers. They can guide you through the process and help you prepare the necessary documents to make your application as strong as possible.

Is there a fee for porting a mortgage?

Whether there is a fee for porting a mortgage can depend on the specific terms and conditions of your mortgage contract, as well as your lender’s policies. Some lenders may charge a fee for this service, while others may not.

It’s important to understand that even if there’s no specific ‘porting fee’, there can still be other costs involved in the process. Here are some fees and costs that you might incur:

Valuation Fee: Your lender will need to conduct a valuation of the new property. This is to ensure that it provides adequate security for the loan. There is usually a fee for this service.

Legal Fees: You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of buying a property, and this will come with a cost.

Arrangement Fee for Additional Borrowing: If you’re moving to a more expensive property and need to borrow more, your lender may allow you to take out a ‘top-up’ mortgage. This could come with an arrangement fee.

Early Repayment Charge (ERC): Depending on the terms of your mortgage, if you’re unable to port your mortgage for some reason and need to repay it early, you might need to pay an ERC.

Can I port my mortgage to a more expensive property?

Yes, you can generally port your mortgage to a more expensive property, but it will depend on the terms of your mortgage and your lender’s policies.

If you are moving to a more expensive property and need to borrow more money, this is typically handled in one of two ways:

Porting with Additional Borrowing: Some lenders will allow you to port your existing mortgage and then take out a top-up mortgage for the extra amount you need. This top-up portion will likely be at a different, potentially higher, interest rate than your original mortgage. It’s also important to note that the lender will want to assess whether you can afford the larger loan.

A New Mortgage: Other lenders may require you to repay your existing mortgage and take out a new, larger mortgage for the more expensive property. This can sometimes involve penalties for early repayment of your existing mortgage, so it’s crucial to check the terms and conditions of your current mortgage.

In both cases, you’ll need to go through affordability checks and the property will need to meet the lender’s criteria. Before making a decision, consider talking to your lender or a mortgage broker or financial advisor to understand all the implications and to see what options may be best for your situation.

Can I port a mortgage to a cheaper property?

Yes, it is generally possible to port a mortgage to a cheaper property. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. If you’re moving to a less expensive property, you might need a smaller mortgage. Your lender will typically allow you to decrease the loan amount, but you may need to repay the difference between your current mortgage and the new property price.
  2. Depending on the terms of your mortgage, if you pay off a portion of your mortgage early (which would be the case when moving to a cheaper property), you could potentially incur ERCs. It’s crucial to check the terms of your mortgage to understand if this applies to you.
  3. Despite the move to a less expensive property, you’ll still be subject to affordability checks to ensure that you can meet the mortgage repayments.
  4. The new property will also need to meet your lender’s criteria, regardless of its lower price.

What is a mortgage top-up?

A mortgage top-up, also known as further advance, is when you borrow additional money from your current mortgage lender, over and above what you originally borrowed when you first took out your mortgage. The additional borrowed money is typically secured against the same property.

There are several reasons you might consider a mortgage top-up:

Home Improvements: If you’re planning significant renovations to your home, a top-up can provide the necessary funds.

Debt Consolidation: You might use a top-up to consolidate other, higher-interest debts into your mortgage. Note that while this could reduce your monthly outgoings, it might cost you more in the long run if the term of the mortgage is longer than your original debts.

Porting Your Mortgage to a More Expensive Property: If you’re porting your mortgage and the new property is more expensive, your lender may allow you to take a top-up to cover the extra cost.

However, a mortgage top-up is not without risks. Because the additional borrowing is secured against your property, if you fail to keep up with the repayments, your property could be at risk of repossession.

Also, the interest rate for the additional borrowing may not be the same as your existing mortgage rate – it could be higher, depending on the terms offered by your lender and market conditions.

Lastly, as with your initial mortgage, you’ll need to go through an affordability assessment to make sure you can handle the increased repayments.

As with any major financial decision, it’s a good idea to consult with a mortgage broker or financial advisor to discuss the best course of action for your individual situation.

What if my mortgage is in negative equity? Can I still port it?

If your home is in negative equity, meaning you owe more on your mortgage than the current market value of your property, porting your mortgage can be challenging.

Most lenders will not allow you to port your mortgage if you’re in negative equity because the new property would not provide enough security for the loan. Moving a mortgage that’s in negative equity to a new property would essentially be transferring the debt shortfall to the new property, which presents a higher risk to lenders.

If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few possible options:

Stay in Your Current Home: If possible, one of the best options might be to stay in your current home until property prices rise and you’re no longer in negative equity.

Repay the Shortfall: If you have enough savings or other resources, you could consider repaying the shortfall between the property’s value and the mortgage when you sell. This would then allow you to take out a new mortgage on the new property. However, this can be expensive and is not an option for everyone.

Negotiate with Your Lender: In some cases, your lender might allow you to move the mortgage along with its negative equity to a new property, but this is at the lender’s discretion and may come with certain conditions, such as a higher interest rate.

Being in negative equity can be a difficult situation, and it’s important to seek advice from a financial advisor or a mortgage broker to understand the best options for your individual circumstances. They can help you navigate this situation and potentially negotiate with your lender.

Factors to consider before porting your mortgage

Porting your mortgage can be a convenient option if you’re moving home and want to keep your current mortgage deal. However, there are several factors to consider before deciding to port your mortgage:

  1. Not all mortgages are portable. Check the terms and conditions of your mortgage or ask your lender to confirm if you can port your mortgage.
  2. Porting a mortgage often involves costs, including valuation fees for the new property, legal fees, and potentially a porting fee. If you need to borrow more, there may also be arrangement fees for the additional loan.
  3. Even if you’re porting your mortgage, your lender will still assess your financial situation to ensure you can afford the repayments, especially if you’re borrowing more.
  4. Your lender will need to be satisfied that the new property provides sufficient security for the loan.
  5. The sale of your old home and the purchase of your new one generally need to happen simultaneously. If there’s a gap, you might not be able to port your mortgage.
  6. If you’re in the middle of a fixed-rate or discount period, you might have to pay ERCs if you can’t port your mortgage and need to repay it before the end of the period.
  7. While porting allows you to keep your current mortgage deal, it’s worth comparing it to the deals currently available. If interest rates have fallen since you took out your mortgage, you could potentially find a better deal.

Advice for mortgage porting

Porting a mortgage can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but it’s important to do your research and understand the process fully. Here are some pieces of advice if you’re considering porting your mortgage:

Check if Your Mortgage is Portable: The first step is to verify whether your current mortgage is portable. You can usually find this in your mortgage terms and conditions or by directly contacting your lender.

Review Current Mortgage Deals: Even if your mortgage is portable, take time to compare other available mortgage deals. Interest rates may have fallen, or there could be a new deal that better suits your needs.

Understand the Costs: Be aware of any costs associated with porting your mortgage. This could include valuation fees, legal fees, arrangement fees for additional borrowing, and potentially an early repayment charge if you decide not to port and repay your mortgage instead.

Prepare for Affordability Checks: Just like with your initial mortgage, your lender will perform affordability checks to ensure you can handle the repayments. This will be based on your current financial situation, even if you’re not borrowing more.

Ensure Your New Property Meets Lender’s Criteria: Lenders have criteria for the properties they’ll lend against. If your new home doesn’t meet your lender’s criteria (e.g., it’s of non-standard construction), you may not be able to port your mortgage.

Consider Timing: The sale of your current property and the purchase of your new home will generally need to coincide. If there’s a delay or gap, you might not be able to port your mortgage.

Seek Professional Advice: Given the complexities, it can be beneficial to consult with a mortgage broker or financial advisor. They can guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision.

Remember, porting a mortgage isn’t always the best or only option. Depending on your individual circumstances, it might be better to repay your existing mortgage and take out a new one. It’s always wise to weigh your options and consider what’s best for your unique situation.

FAQs

Do I need a solicitor to port my mortgage?

Yes, you’ll generally need a solicitor or conveyancer whenever you’re buying a new property. They handle the legal aspects of the home buying process, such as property searches, ensuring the property has a good title, liaising with the seller’s solicitor, and registering the new mortgage with the Land Registry.

Can I port my mortgage if I'm downsizing my home?

Yes, you can typically port your mortgage when downsizing. If the new property is cheaper and you no longer need the full mortgage amount, you may need to repay a part of your mortgage. Depending on the terms of your mortgage, you could be charged an early repayment fee for this, so it’s important to check with your lender.

How does porting a mortgage affect my repayments?

Porting your mortgage can affect your repayments in a few ways:

  • If you’re moving to a cheaper property and reducing your mortgage, your monthly repayments could decrease.
  • If you’re moving to a more expensive property and need to borrow more, your repayments could increase, especially as the top-up loan might be at a different interest rate.
  • If your new property’s value affects the loan-to-value ratio of your mortgage, it could also impact your interest rate and monthly repayments.

Always check with your lender to understand how porting will affect your repayments.

Can I port my mortgage if I'm moving to a different area in the UK?

In general, yes. As long as your lender is satisfied that the new property provides sufficient security for the mortgage, the specific location in the UK is not usually an issue for porting a mortgage. However, local property market conditions could affect the property’s valuation and your loan-to-value ratio, which could impact your mortgage terms.

Can I port my mortgage if I'm moving from a house to a flat?

Yes, you can generally port your mortgage from a house to a flat. The key factor is whether the new property provides sufficient security for the mortgage according to your lender’s criteria. Keep in mind, though, that some lenders may have restrictions on certain types of properties, such as flats in high-rise buildings or properties of non-standard construction.

What happens if I have an interest-only mortgage, can it be ported?

An interest-only mortgage can typically be ported just like any other mortgage. However, as with all mortgages, you would need to go through the same affordability checks and meet the lender’s criteria for the new property. Also, you’d need to have a credible plan for repaying the loan at the end of the term since, with an interest-only mortgage, your monthly payments don’t reduce the loan amount.

How long does it take to port a mortgage?

The process of porting a mortgage can vary in length depending on several factors, including the speed of the property buying process, the lender’s procedures, and whether any additional borrowing is required. On average, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, similar to the timescale for a standard property purchase or mortgage application.

Are all UK mortgages portable?

Not all UK mortgages are portable. The ability to port a mortgage is determined by the specific terms and conditions set by the lender. Most, but not all, mortgages have a portability feature, so it’s important to check your individual mortgage agreement or ask your lender if you’re unsure. It’s one of the many factors to consider when initially choosing a mortgage product if you think there might be a chance you’ll move home during the mortgage term.

Can I port my mortgage if I have made overpayments on my current mortgage?

Yes, you can typically port your mortgage if you’ve made overpayments. In fact, overpayments can be beneficial if you’re looking to port your mortgage, as they reduce the outstanding balance and potentially the loan-to-value ratio, which can affect your borrowing terms. However, some mortgages have restrictions or penalties for overpayments, so it’s essential to check your mortgage’s terms and conditions.

What happens to the equity in my home when I port my mortgage?

When you port your mortgage, you’re essentially selling your current property and buying a new one. The equity in your home — the portion of your property that you truly own outright, which is the current market value minus the outstanding mortgage — is released when you sell the property. This equity then often forms a significant part of the deposit on your new property. If you’ve built up substantial equity, this can put you in a strong position when moving, as it can reduce the loan-to-value ratio on your new property and potentially get you better mortgage terms.

Can I port my mortgage if I'm moving to a larger property?

Yes, you can port your mortgage to a larger property, but it often depends on several factors.

If the larger property is more expensive and you need to borrow more money, your lender will need to agree to lend you the additional funds. This will generally depend on their assessment of your ability to afford the higher repayments, the value of the new property, and other lending criteria.

The additional borrowing will also typically be subject to the lender’s current interest rates, which may be different from the rate on your existing mortgage.

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