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From finding your next home to saving you money with great rates, we get it right.
Where great deals and advice take flight
Moving home can be stressful. It’s our mission to make things simpler, better, and cheaper. From our insightful advice and free remortgaging for life, to our access to specialist lenders and leading deal-finding technology, we work hard for you.
With us, you get:
- Search our huge panel of lenders
- Thousands of great deals
- Free remortgaging for life*
- Total freedom to switch deals
- Pay nothing until you move
Finding and funding your home
Had enough of scanning property sites? We work with a network of estate agents across the UK to help you find the right home. Say hello to a great home-mover mortgage and a great new home.
Protect your nest
New baby. New location. New start. Whatever your reason for moving, protect yourself, your family, and your property as life changes with 5-star Defaqto-winning insurance policies.
Three steps to a great deal
We give a hoot. We’re making the complex world of mortgages a happier place for first-time buyers.
Step-By-Step Guide for Moving Home
Moving home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, downsizing, or making room for a growing family, having a clear plan in place can make the entire process much smoother and less stressful. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you plan your move:
- Assess Your Finances. Review your current mortgage deal and check your budget, including the amount of equity you have in your existing property and how much you’ll need for your next home’s deposit and associated costs.
- Find Your Next Home. Start searching for properties that meet your needs. Use online portals like Rightmove and Zoopla and visit estate agents to find suitable homes for sale. Once you find the right property, make an offer.
- Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP). Before making an offer, secure an AIP from a lender. This shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and lets you know how much you can borrow. If you’re unsure where to start or want access to the best mortgage deals, Mortgage Matters can help. As expert brokers, we search across multiple lenders to find the right mortgage tailored to your financial situation and goals.
- Accept an Offer and Instruct a Solicitor. Once your offer is accepted, instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal paperwork.
- Arrange a Survey. Get a survey done to check the condition of your new home, helping avoid unexpected repairs or issues.
- Exchange Contracts. After all the legal work is complete, exchange contracts with the seller and pay your deposit. This is when the sale becomes legally binding.
- Complete the Sale and Move. On completion day, your solicitor will transfer your mortgage funds, after which you’ll receive the keys to your new home. Now it’s time to finally move in and start making your house a home.
- Notify Relevant Parties. Inform your utility providers, banks, local council, employer, and other important contacts about your move.
Moving Home Checklist
To help keep you organised, here’s a handy checklist of key tasks for moving home:
- Check your current mortgage terms and speak to your lender about porting or remortgaging.
- Arrange a mortgage Agreement in Principle.
- Research and view potential new homes.
- Make an offer on your chosen property.
- Instruct a solicitor or conveyancer.
- Organise a property survey.
- Confirm the moving date and book a removal company.
- Notify your current landlord if renting or prepare your home for sale.
- Pack your belongings and declutter unnecessary items.
- Set up utility accounts and change your address with relevant organisations.
- Exchange contracts and pay your deposit.
- Arrange buildings and contents insurance for your new home.
- Complete the sale and move in.
Your Options When Moving Property
When moving home, you have several options depending on your circumstances and financial situation.
- Porting Your Mortgage. You may be able to port your mortgage, which involves transferring your existing deal to your new home. This can save you from early repayment charges and avoid the hassle of searching for a new mortgage.
- New Mortgage. If porting isn’t possible, you can apply for a new mortgage on your new home. This might allow you to access better deals or borrow more. Mortgage Matters can guide you through this process, comparing multiple lenders to find the best remortgage options tailored to your needs.
- Selling First, Then Buying. Some people prefer to sell their current home before buying a new one, as this allows them to avoid paying two mortgages simultaneously. Whilst this reduces financial pressure, it may mean you require temporary accommodation during the transition.
- Buying First, Then Selling. Alternatively, buying first lets you secure your next home before selling your current one. This approach can involve bridging loans or additional costs, but it gives you greater control over your moving timeline.
What You Need to Know Before Moving Home
Before you move home, there are some important factors to consider:
- Mortgage Considerations. Check if your current mortgage has any early repayment penalties. Understand your lender’s policies on porting or switching mortgages.
- Costs Involved. Moving home can involve various costs, including legal fees, removal costs, surveys, stamp duty, and potential early mortgage exit fees.
- Timing. Coordinating completion dates is crucial to avoid paying for two properties at once or being left without a home.
- Legal Requirements. Ensure your solicitor or conveyancer handles all searches and contracts promptly to prevent delays.
- Moving Logistics. Plan your move well in advance, especially if you’ll be moving during busy times like summer or holidays.
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FAQs for Moving Home
Costs typically include legal fees, survey fees, removal company charges, Stamp Duty (if applicable), estate agent fees (if you’re selling), and possibly early repayment charges on your current mortgage. Budgeting carefully for these will help avoid unexpected expenses. At Mortgage Matters, we provide expert mortgage broker services with no upfront costs, with our ‘no sale, no fee’ approach ensuring you only pay when your move completes.
Yes, many homeowners move while still paying off their existing mortgage. You can either port your current mortgage to your new property or remortgage with a different lender. Make sure you check for any early repayment charges or restrictions in your current mortgage agreement.
Yes, you may face several fees such as mortgage arrangement fees, valuation fees, and legal fees. Some lenders offer fee-free deals or allow fees to be added to your mortgage. It’s important to ask your mortgage adviser for a full breakdown to understand what costs apply to your situation.
Start by setting a moving date and organising your finances. Book a removal company early and notify all relevant parties of your change of address. Begin packing well in advance, ensuring you label boxes clearly and keep essential items handy for moving day.
When you move, your mortgage either needs to be transferred (ported) to your new property or paid off and replaced with a new mortgage. If you port, the terms of your current mortgage stay the same. If you take out a new mortgage, you may find different rates or terms depending on the lender and your financial situation.