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Can I move my mortgage?

Posted on: Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Moving house can be a stressful time but, for buyers who already have a mortgage, it doesn’t necessarily mean ripping up the deal and starting again.

 

Most mortgages are portable, which means that they can be transferred from a borrower’s current property to their new home when they move.  This can be particularly useful for homeowners who want to avoid paying Early Repayment Charges (ERC’s) on their existing mortgage, which can amount to thousands of pounds.

 

Those who have secured a competitive interest rate may also find it more beneficial to port their mortgage to a new property rather than taking a new deal.

 

Staying with the same lender can still throw up its challenges however, so the ability to move the mortgage to a new property is by no means guaranteed. A lender will still carry out an assessment before approving the loan, and this will be based on their current criteria.

 


 

The Mortgage Market Review of 2014 saw more focus placed on affordability, with lenders asking more questions and examining incomings and outgoings in greater detail. As a result, some may be surprised to find they are turned down by their existing lender, even if they are not asking for any additional borrowing.  Those whose circumstances have changed since last applying, for example becoming self-employed or starting a family and paying for childcare, may also discover that they no longer meet the criteria of their lender. 

 

For many, moving home means buying a more expensive property, and asking for a top-up on the mortgage. A lender might not be willing to lend the additional funds however, leaving borrowers with little choice but to pay a penalty to move elsewhere. If they are happy to lend, then it could be on a different and potentially higher rate.

 

Whatever the options are, it is still important to take the opportunity to review the current market and compare new deals with those on offer through the existing lender. With rates over the last few months coming down to historic lows, it could even make financial sense to pay a penalty and take out a new loan with a different provider, but it’s vital to do the sums first to make sure this is the best course of action.

 

If you are considering moving home and need mortgage advice, then please speak to the Guild Mortgage Service provided by fee free L&C Mortgages.

 

You can contact L&C mortgages on: 0800 073 1945

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I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

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Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

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I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

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Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

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Therese Jouini

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We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

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What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

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Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

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Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

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