Moving Home: Start Your Next Chapter

Upsizing, downsizing, or relocating. We make the transition seamless.

Buying your first home was a steep learning curve, but moving home brings a new set of challenges. You aren't just buying; you are selling, managing a property chain, and trying to coordinate dates.

At I J Mortgage Solutions, we are experts in the logistics of moving. Whether you need to borrow more for a bigger family home or release equity to enjoy your retirement, we ensure your finances move as smoothly as you do.

The Big Question: Porting vs. Switching

When you move, you generally have two options regarding your mortgage. We help you calculate which one makes the most financial sense.

1. Porting (Taking your mortgage with you)

If you are on a great low-interest fixed rate, you might want to keep it. "Porting" means transferring your current mortgage balance and rate to your new property.

The Catch: You still have to re-apply. The lender will check your income and credit again. If you need to borrow more money (top-up), the extra amount is usually on a different interest rate.
2. Switching (Starting fresh)
Sometimes, your current lender isn't the best option for your new circumstances.
- The Strategy: We might find a new lender with much lower rates or higher borrowing limits. We calculate if the savings from the new deal outweigh any Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) you might have to pay to leave your old lender.

We do the math. We compare the cost of Porting vs. Switching to ensure you don't waste a penny.

How We Help You Buy (The Process)

1. Cost of Moving Check

Before you put your house on the market, we calculate your "moving budget"—factoring in Estate Agent fees, Stamp Duty, and Deposit requirements.

We secure this early so you can prove to sellers that you are "good for the money," even if your own house hasn't sold yet..

3. The Application

Once you accept an offer on your sale and have an offer accepted on your purchase, we submit the full application.

4. The Valuation

The lender values your new home to ensure it's worth the price.

5. Exchange & Completion

We ensure the funds arrive on time so you can pick up the keys to your new life.

2. Decision in Principle (DIP)

Common Questions for Movers

Can I keep my current mortgage rate?

Usually, yes, provided your mortgage is "portable" (most are) and you still meet the lender's affordability criteria.

What happens if there is a gap between selling and buying?

If you sell your house but haven't found a new one yet, you may have to go into rented accommodation. In this scenario, you usually have to pay off your mortgage. However, some lenders allow you a "grace period" (often 3-6 months) to reclaim your old rate if you buy again quickly.

I have "Negative Equity." Can I still move?

This is difficult but not impossible. If your house is worth less than the mortgage secured on it, you will need to pay the difference from your own savings to clear the debt before you can move.

What fees do I need to pay?

Aside from the deposit, you should budget for:

Solicitor Fees: To handle the legal transfer of ownership.
Surveyor Fees: To check the property isn't falling down!
Stamp Duty: Note: First-time buyers currently get special relief on Stamp Duty (up to certain property values), potentially saving you thousands.