Home Mover Mortgages

Whether you're climbing the property ladder, downsizing for retirement, or relocating for work — we'll find the right mortgage and make the process as smooth as possible.

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How much can you afford?

Understanding your borrowing capacity is the first step. Most lenders calculate affordability at around 4.5 times your annual household income, though some specialist lenders can stretch to 5 or 6 times for certain professions.

Quick affordability example

Combined household income:£60,000
Borrowing at 4.5x income:£270,000
Equity from existing property:£120,000
Potential purchasing power:£390,000

This is a simplified example. Your actual borrowing will depend on your specific circumstances, outgoings, and the lender's criteria.

Using your equity as a deposit

The equity in your current home — the difference between its value and your outstanding mortgage — becomes your deposit for the next property. This is one of the biggest advantages of being a home mover rather than a first-time buyer.

We'd typically recommend targeting a deposit of at least 15% of the new property's value. This puts you in a strong loan-to-value (LTV) bracket, unlocking more competitive interest rates and a wider choice of lenders.

To pay fees or go fee-free?

Many of the most competitive mortgage rates come with an arrangement fee. Adding this fee to the loan means you pay interest on it for the full mortgage term. We'll always show you both options:

Option A: Fee deal

  • Rate: 1.43%
  • Arrangement fee: £999
  • Lower monthly payments
  • Fee can be added to the loan

Option B: Fee-free deal

  • Rate: 1.96%
  • Arrangement fee: £0
  • Higher monthly payments
  • No upfront cost

The right choice depends on your loan size, term length, and plans. On larger mortgages, the fee deal usually wins. On smaller loans, the fee-free option may cost less overall. We'll calculate the true cost of each and recommend the best option.

Why use an independent broker?

Your bank can only offer you their own products. An estate agent's recommended broker is often tied to a limited panel. As independent whole-of-market brokers, we have access to every mortgage available — and many exclusive deals you can't get elsewhere.

  • Access to the entire market, not just one lender's products
  • Expert advice on structuring your finances for the best deal
  • We manage the entire application process, chasing lenders and solicitors
  • Impartial recommendations — we're not incentivised to push any particular lender

Frequently asked questions

Can I port my existing mortgage?
Many mortgages are portable, meaning you can transfer your current deal to a new property. However, you'll still need to pass the lender's affordability checks, and if you're borrowing more, the additional amount may be on a different rate. We'll assess whether porting makes sense for you.
How much can I borrow when moving home?
Most lenders offer 4 to 4.5 times your annual household income. The equity from your current property sale acts as your deposit for the new purchase, which often means you have a larger deposit percentage and access to better rates.
Should I add fees to my mortgage or pay them upfront?
It depends on the deal. A mortgage at 1.43% with a £999 fee may work out cheaper than a fee-free deal at 1.96%, depending on your loan size and term. We'll calculate both options and show you the total cost of each.
What happens if my sale falls through?
This is one of the most stressful parts of moving. We'll ensure your mortgage offer has a reasonable validity period and can quickly reassess your options if circumstances change. We're here to support you through the entire process.

Planning your next move?

Book a free consultation and we'll help you work out what you can afford and find the best mortgage for your new home.

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