Understanding mortgage portability and when to use it

Mortgages

Mortgage portability refers to moving your current mortgage deal with you when you move to a new property. The process means you can transfer your existing mortgage deal, including the interest rate, terms and remaining balance.

It's important to know that you still have to re-qualify for the mortgage in order to be able to move it. This depends on whether your financial circumstances have changed for example, do you have a new job and have you kept up with timely mortgage payments? You should also note that if the new property has a higher value, you need to apply to borrow more money. This can determine whether mortgage portability is beneficial for you, because it depends on the new rate set by the lender.

While many mortgages are portable, it's not always guaranteed. Your lender will need to assess the new property and your financial situation before approving the transfer.

In this blog, we will look at the many reasons why mortgage portability may be a good option for you.

The benefits of mortgage portability

Mortgage portability means you avoid incurring penalties for moving, without having fulfilled the terms of your mortgage. For example, when you repay a mortgage deal early, you could face a repayment charge. However, when you move the mortgage to a new property via the mortgage portability process, you avoid these extra costs.

If you were happy with your mortgage and the rates you had secured, mortgage portability means that you can transfer these to your next home and you won't have to look for a new 
deal.

You also don't have to secure the entire mortgage again. You may need to secure extra funds if the value of the new property is higher however, you do not need to start entirely from scratch. This takes some of the complexity out of moving house.

Image showing a couple on their laptop surrounded by boxes

While many mortgages are portable, it's not always guaranteed.

Scenarios where mortgage portability could be advantageous

There are several instances where mortgage portability can be a valuable tool for saving money.

One of the main benefits of mortgage portability is avoiding early repayment charges (ERCs). These are fees imposed by lenders if you end your mortgage deal early, typically during a fixed or discounted rate period. The potential penalty amount is often based on a percentage of the remaining loan balance so it can be substantial with a longer term remaining on your current deal. By porting your mortgage, you can keep your existing rate and avoid these penalties.

Another main advantage of mortgage portability is that it allows you to keep your existing interest rate, especially if it's a good deal compared to current market rates.

If you anticipate moving again relatively soon, portability can be a smart strategy. It allows you to keep your existing mortgage deal, potentially saving you money on fees and avoiding the hassle of securing a new mortgage each time. However, it's important to check with your lender about any limitations they might have on the number of times you can port your mortgage within a specific timeframe.

Contact our experienced mortgage advisers to discuss whether mortgage portability is the right option for your circumstances.