Portable does not mean automatic. Porting generally means applying to take an existing mortgage product or rate to a new property. The lender still needs to approve the new mortgage and property.
What changes when you move?
Your lender may reassess your income, commitments and borrowing needs. A property that suits your plans may still need to meet the lender’s criteria. Check the original mortgage offer and ask the lender or adviser to explain the current porting conditions.
Borrowing the same, more or less
| Your plan | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| A similar mortgage amount | Can the existing product be ported to the new property, and what checks or costs apply? |
| Additional borrowing | Would the extra borrowing sit on a separate rate or product? How do the parts’ end dates and charges compare? |
| A smaller mortgage | Could repaying part of the balance trigger an early repayment charge? |
| A gap between sale and purchase | What timing conditions, charges or possible refunds apply? Obtain the actual terms before relying on a refund. |
Compare porting with taking a new deal
Porting is one route to explore, not a recommendation to keep a mortgage. Ask for a comparison covering repayments, fees, early repayment charges, the mortgage term and the costs of any additional borrowing. Check whether the options use the same assumptions and comparison period.
Prepare a moving summary
Before the conversation, note your current mortgage balance, product end date, expected sale proceeds, purchase budget and likely moving dates. Include changes in income or household commitments. A short summary helps identify what needs checking without treating an estate agent’s estimate as a guaranteed sale price.
Read our home mover mortgage information or explore an illustrative repayment. The lender’s own conditions and your circumstances determine what can proceed.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked on 28 October 2026. General information only, not a personal mortgage recommendation. Your circumstances, the property and lender criteria affect the options available.