What Is Porting a Mortgage?

Porting a mortgage means transferring your existing mortgage deal to a new property when you move home. This lets you keep your current interest rate, terms, and avoid paying early repayment charges (ERCs). Your lender will assess the new property and your current affordability. If you need to borrow more, the additional amount will typically be on a new rate. Porting is subject to lender approval - you'll need to pass their criteria for the new property.

Early repayment charges

Learn more about early repayment charges in our detailed guide.

Moving home mortgages

Learn more about moving home mortgages in our detailed guide.

Learn more about remortgage guide in our detailed guide.

Mortgage offer explained

Learn more about mortgage offer explained in our detailed guide.

What does porting a mortgage mean?

Porting means transferring your existing mortgage deal to a new property when you move home. You keep your current interest rate and terms, avoiding early repayment charges. You're essentially 'taking your mortgage with you' to the new property.

Can I port my mortgage to any property?

Not always. The new property must meet your lender's criteria - they'll assess its value, type, and condition. You'll also need to pass affordability checks based on current income. Some properties (e.g., non-standard construction) may not be acceptable.

What if I need to borrow more when porting?

You can usually borrow additional funds alongside your ported mortgage. The extra borrowing will be on a new rate (often higher than your ported rate). This creates a 'blended' mortgage with two parts at different rates.

What if my new home is cheaper?

If your new property is cheaper, you'll need to pay off part of your mortgage. This could trigger early repayment charges on the portion being repaid. Check with your lender what percentage can be repaid penalty-free (often 10% per year).

How long does porting a mortgage take?

Porting typically takes 4-8 weeks, similar to a standard remortgage. You'll need a valuation on the new property, affordability assessment, and legal work. Start the process as soon as your offer is accepted on the new home.

Is porting always cheaper than remortgaging?

Not necessarily. While porting avoids ERCs, current rates might be lower than your existing deal. Compare: your current rate vs new rates, minus any ERCs you'd pay. Sometimes paying the ERC and getting a better rate works out cheaper overall.

Quick Answer

How Do I Port My Mortgage to a New Home?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Contact your lender before you move. They'll assess the new property and your affordability. If approved, your existing deal transfers to the new home, avoiding ERCs.

Porting your mortgage lets you keep your current deal when moving home. The process involves: notifying your lender of your intention to port, having the new property valued and approved, passing affordability checks (lenders reassess based on current criteria), and completing legal work to transfer the mortgage. If your new home costs more, you can often borrow additional funds - though these will typically be on a new rate, creating a split mortgage. If your new home costs less, you may need to repay part of the mortgage, potentially triggering some ERCs. Porting isn't guaranteed - your lender can decline if the new property or your circumstances don't meet their criteria.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Porting is subject to lender approval and reassessment.

Key Points

1Keep your existing rate and avoid ERCs
2New property must meet lender criteria
3Fresh affordability assessment required
4Can borrow more at a new rate if needed
5Downsizing may trigger partial ERCs
6Not all mortgages are portable

Eligibility Criteria

Mortgage must have portability feature
New property meets lender criteria
Pass current affordability assessment
No significant adverse credit changes
Complete within porting window (usually 3-6 months)

Typical Timeframe

Allow 4-8 weeks for the porting process. Start as soon as your offer on the new property is accepted. You'll need: valuation, affordability check, and conveyancing. Coordinate with your sale and purchase timelines.

Next Steps

1Check your mortgage terms for portability
2Contact your lender to confirm porting is possible
3Get a decision in principle on the new property
4Compare porting vs remortgaging to a new deal
5Instruct solicitors for the conveyancing

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How Do I Port My Mortgage to a New Home?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

Related Questions

Porting vs Remortgaging

When Porting Works Best

Great Rate

High ERCs

Similar Value

Porting Process Step by Step

Check Portability

Contact Lender

Application

Valuation

Affordability

Legal Work

Completion

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