Home Mover Mortgages
Moving to your next home? Use your equity, port your mortgage, and navigate property chains with expert guidance.
Content reviewed: 13 January 2026
How do mortgages work when moving home?
When moving home, your existing property equity becomes your deposit for the new purchase—often giving access to better rates. You can 'port' your mortgage to avoid early repayment charges or remortgage to a new lender for potentially better rates. Managing a property chain adds complexity but expert advice ensures smooth completion.
Coordinating your sale and purchase for a stress-free move.
How do mortgages work when moving home?
When moving home, your existing property equity becomes your deposit for the new purchase—often giving you access to better rates than when you first bought. You can either 'port' your existing mortgage (transferring your current deal to avoid early repayment charges) or remortgage to a new lender for potentially better rates. Managing a property chain adds complexity, but with the right advice you can coordinate your sale and purchase for a smooth completion. Stamp Duty applies at standard rates for home movers.
Home Mover Mortgages Explained
Moving home is one of life's biggest financial decisions. Whether you're upsizing for a growing family, downsizing for retirement, or relocating for work, the mortgage process differs from buying your first home. Your equity becomes your deposit, and you may have the option to port your existing mortgage.
The key advantage for home movers is built-up equity. If your home has increased in value and you've paid down your mortgage, you'll have a larger deposit for your next purchase—often giving you access to better interest rates than when you first bought.
Managing a property chain adds complexity, but with the right advice and preparation, you can navigate it smoothly. We'll help you understand your options, whether that's porting your current mortgage, remortgaging to a new lender, or using bridging finance to manage timing.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Why Move With Expert Advice
Use equity from your current property as a deposit for your new home
Expert coordination to align your sale and purchase for smooth completion
Access exclusive home mover rates with your built-up equity as leverage
Transfer your existing mortgage to a new property and avoid early repayment charges
Home Mover Guide: Expert Tips
Everything you need to know about moving home
Porting means transferring your existing mortgage deal to a new property. If you're mid-fix, this can save thousands in early repayment charges. However, porting isn't guaranteed—your new property must meet the lender's criteria, and you'll need to requalify. If you need to borrow more, the additional amount may be at a different rate.
The difference between your property's value and outstanding mortgage is your equity. This becomes your deposit for your next home. For example, if your home is worth £300,000 and you owe £150,000, you have £150,000 equity (minus selling costs). This equity often gives you access to better LTV rates than first-time buyers.
Moving home usually involves selling your current property while buying another. Aligning these can be stressful. Consider a bridging loan if timing doesn't align. Keep your chain as short as possible. Ensure all parties are motivated and have realistic timescales. Regular communication with your solicitor and estate agent is essential.
You'll need proof of income (payslips or accounts), bank statements, ID, and details of your current property and mortgage. Your solicitor will handle the legal work on both the sale and purchase. Getting organised with documents early speeds up the process considerably.
Moving home involves several costs: estate agent fees (1-3% of sale price), conveyancing (£1,000-£2,000 for both transactions), Stamp Duty (no first-time buyer relief), survey costs, removal costs, and potential early repayment charges if you don't port. Budget carefully and factor these into your affordability calculations.
Unlike first-time buyers, home movers pay full Stamp Duty rates. On a £400,000 property, that's £10,000 (0% on first £250,000, then 5% on the rest). If buying before selling your current home, you may face the 3% additional property surcharge, though this is refundable if you sell your previous home within 3 years.
Home Mover FAQs
Common questions about moving home answered
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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