🏡 Home Mover Mortgage Guide

Build Your Next Step with Confidence

Couple moving into their new UK home after mortgage approval — Turkington Davis Wealth Architect Home Mover Guide.

TL;DR - Quick Blog Summary

  • Moving home doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch - explore your Home Mover Mortgage options.

  • Learn the difference between porting your current mortgage vs. switching & applying for a new one.

  • Discover how to use equity and strategy to strengthen your long-term wealth.

  • Understand the costs, timing, and protection steps that keep your move stress-free.

  • Get expert, independent advice from Turkington Davis - your Wealth Architects for life.


🧭 Moving Home Isn’t Just About Location - It’s About Leverage

Moving home can feel like a juggling act - selling one property, buying another, arranging removals, and somewhere in the middle, finding the right mortgage deal.
But at Turkington Davis, we believe your next home should move your wealth forward, not just your postcode.

That’s where Home Mover Mortgages come in - helping you borrow efficiently, use your existing equity wisely, and keep your long-term financial goals on track.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what a home mover mortgage is, how it works, and how to make your next move strategically sound.


Infographic showing how home mover mortgages work in the UK — sell, move, and secure your new mortgage.

🏠 What Is a Home Mover Mortgage?

A Home Mover Mortgage is designed for people who already own a property and want to move to a new one.
It lets you sell your current home and either:

  • Transfer (“port”) your existing mortgage to the new property, or

  • Switch and apply for a new mortgage altogether.

Each option has pros and cons - and which is right for you depends on factors like your lender’s criteria, your new property’s value, and your income today versus when you first applied.

💡 Tip: If your existing rate is still competitive, porting can save on early repayment charges. But if rates have improved, a new deal could offer lower repayments - it is important to consider how far into any fixed deal you are.


💷 Porting vs. Starting Fresh - Which Is Better?

Comparison between porting a mortgage and applying for a new mortgage in the UK.

Porting vs switching: deciding to transfer your current mortgage or take out a brand new one.

When moving, most lenders allow you to port your mortgage - transfer your current deal and rate to your new home. However, not all deals or situations make porting the best option.

Option Pros Cons
Porting Keeps your current rate; avoids early repayment fees Must meet lender’s new criteria; not all deals portable
New Mortgage Chance to find better rates; more flexibility May involve exit fees and arrangement costs

If your circumstances have changed (e.g. higher income, larger deposit, or new financial goals), starting fresh might unlock a better fit for your overall plan.


🧱 Using Equity to Your Advantage

Equity - the difference between your home’s value and your mortgage balance - can be your greatest ally when moving.
By releasing part of it, you could:

  • Increase your deposit on your next home

  • Pay down higher-interest debt

  • Fund home improvements or investment projects

Handled well, equity can be a tool for building wealth, not just covering costs.
Our role as advisers is to ensure your equity works within your financial blueprint, not against it.

UK homeowner reviewing equity and financial options with an independent adviser.

🕓 The Process — How to Move Smoothly

Here’s a simplified view of the home mover journey:

Step Focus Why It Matters
Discovery Review your financial position, income, and goals Ensures the mortgage fits your life, not the other way around
Blueprint Create a plan for deposit, borrowing, and protection Balances ambition with affordability
Build Secure the mortgage and manage sale/purchase logistics Keeps structure and stability
Review Revisit after completion (2–5 years) Keeps your plan aligned with new goals and market shifts

Each stage ensures your next move aligns not just with today’s home, but with your future wealth strategy.


Image showing the costs to budget for when you are planning a home mover mortgage

Valuation, Legal, Estate Agent, SDLT, Moving costs…

🧮 Costs to Budget For

Moving home involves more than just the new mortgage.
Be sure to budget for:

  • Valuation and survey fees

  • Legal and conveyancing costs

  • Estate agent fees (for selling your property)

  • Stamp Duty or Land Transaction Tax (where applicable)

  • Moving costs and removals

  • Protection cover - life, critical illness, or income protection

A clear budget upfront helps you move with confidence and avoid last-minute surprises.


🧩 Why Choose an Independent Adviser

Unlike banks or single-lender brokers, independent financial advisers like Turkington Davis work across the whole market - meaning we can explore every lender and every option available to you. We will search 1,000’s of mortgage products to find the one that is best for you.

We design your mortgage strategy as part of a holistic wealth plan, not just a loan application.
That means balancing your mortgage with your protection, savings, and long-term financial blueprint - all under one roof.

We don’t just help you move home - we help you move forward financially.


❓ FAQ: Home Mover Mortgages (2025)

Clear, practical answers to help you move home with confidence.

Can I keep my current mortgage when I move home?

Yes — this is called porting. Most lenders allow it, but you’ll still need to meet affordability checks and property criteria.

How much deposit do I need as a home mover?

Usually between 10–20% of your new property’s value, depending on your equity and the lender’s policy.

What happens if my new home is more expensive?

You can often top up your existing mortgage with an additional loan or product. We’ll help assess which combination gives you the best overall rate.

What if my current lender won’t let me port my mortgage?

You can apply for a new mortgage with another lender. Independent advisers like us can compare all options to ensure the transition is seamless.

Can I move home while still in a fixed-rate deal?

Yes, but early repayment charges may apply. Sometimes these can be offset by porting or negotiating with your lender — we’ll help you explore both options.

What documents will I need to apply?

Typically: proof of income (payslips or accounts), ID, bank statements, and evidence of deposit or sale proceeds.

How long does the process take?

Usually 6–10 weeks from application to completion, depending on your solicitor and the lender’s processing time.


🏁 Ready to Design Your Next Move?

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, our goal is to help you move with confidence — and build lasting wealth while doing it.

👉 Book your free consultation - Let’s design your next step together.

Front door key resting on architectural home plan — symbol of designing your next move with Turkington Davis.

Independent, FCA-authorised financial and mortgage advisors | Trusted by Home Movers across the UK

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.


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