Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but finding the right mortgage can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or relocating, home mover mortgages help you finance your next property in a way that suits your plans.
At Empire Mortgages, we take the hassle out of moving home by offering expert, tailored mortgage advice and searching the whole market to find a deal that suits you.
With over 60 years of combined experience, our advisers will guide you every step of the way. We handle the paperwork and liaise with lenders, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
A home mover mortgage is a mortgage for someone who already owns a home and is moving to another one. You’ll usually use the equity in your current property, plus any savings, as your deposit.
Home mover mortgages suit people who are:
Because you already have a mortgage, there are extra decisions to make – such as whether to take your current deal with you and how much more you can borrow. We’ll explain each option clearly, so you can move with confidence.
Porting Your Existing Mortgage – Many mortgages are portable, so you can take your current deal with you. Your lender will still reassess your circumstances and the new property.
Getting a New Mortgage – If your mortgage isn’t portable or your deal is ending, you can apply to any lender. We compare the whole market to find options that suit you.
Additional Borrowing – Moving somewhere more expensive may mean borrowing more. If you port, the extra may sit on a separate product with its own rate.
Early Repayment Charges – Leaving a fixed or discounted deal early can mean a charge. Porting can sometimes avoid this, and we’ll compare the costs for you.
How much you can borrow depends on your income, outgoings, credit history and deposit. Lenders also look at your loan-to-value (LTV) – the size of your mortgage compared with the property’s value.
Your deposit usually comes from the equity in your current home. Our affordability calculator and repayment calculator give you a rough idea before we look at your situation in detail.
If you’re moving later in life or downsizing, we can also advise on mortgages for older borrowers.
Moving home involves more than your new deposit. Costs to plan for include:
Agreement in Principle – Before you make an offer on your next home, it’s a good idea to have a mortgage agreement in principle in place. It shows sellers you’re ready to proceed.
Matching Your Dates of Entry – Ideally, your sale and purchase will settle on the same date of entry. We work with your solicitor to keep both sides of your move on track.
Buying Before You Sell – If you buy before your current home has sold, you may pay the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) on top of LBTT. This can usually be reclaimed if you sell your previous main home within 36 months.
Keeping Your Current Home – If you’d rather rent out your current home than sell it, a let to buy mortgage may be another option to explore.
Upsizing usually means moving to a bigger home for a growing family, more space to work from home or a larger garden. It often means borrowing more than you do now.
Lenders will look at your affordability for the larger mortgage, including your income, outgoings and any childcare costs. The equity in your current home can make a real difference to your deposit.
We’ll help you work out a realistic budget before you start viewing, so you can make offers with confidence.
Downsizing can free up equity, reduce your monthly costs or give you a home that’s easier to manage. Some home movers downsize to clear their mortgage altogether, while others still need a smaller one.
If you’re downsizing later in life, lenders will look at how long your mortgage runs into retirement and what your income will be at that point.
We’ll explain your options clearly, including whether you need a mortgage at all for your next home.
Being self-employed doesn’t stop you moving home, but lenders will want to see proof of your income. This usually means at least two years of accounts or tax calculations, although some lenders will consider less.
We’ll help you gather the right paperwork and approach lenders who understand how self-employed income works. Find out more about our self-employed mortgages advice.
If you’ve had missed payments, defaults or a CCJ in the past, moving home can still be possible. Some lenders specialise in helping borrowers whose credit history isn’t perfect.
The rate and deposit you need may depend on how recent and how serious any issues were. Learn more about our adverse credit mortgages and CCJ mortgages advice.
We understand that moving home can be stressful, which is why we aim to make your mortgage journey as smooth as possible. Our expert advisers will:
Our process is simple and stress-free:
With Empire Mortgages, you can trust that your home move is in safe hands.
As established mortgage brokers in Dunfermline, we support home movers throughout Fife, including Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Cupar, St Andrews, Leven and surrounding areas.
Our understanding of the local housing market, combined with access to national lenders, means our advice is both locally informed and tailored to your move.
Whether you’re moving within Dunfermline, relocating across Fife or moving further afield, we’ll help you find a home mover mortgage that fits your plans.
Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by video – whichever suits you best.
Moving home is an exciting journey, and securing the right mortgage can make all the difference. At Empire Mortgages, we take the stress out of the process with expert, whole-of-market advice tailored to you.
Whether you’re porting your existing mortgage, securing a new deal or exploring additional borrowing, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a Free Consultation Today and let’s discuss your mortgage options.
Yes, if your mortgage is portable, you may be able to transfer it. Your lender will still reassess your circumstances, and we’ll help check the terms with them.
If you’re moving to a higher-value home, we can help arrange additional borrowing – either with your current lender alongside your ported mortgage, or through a new mortgage with a different lender.
It typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on the lender and legal process.
Lenders assess affordability based on your current earnings. If your income has changed, we’ll guide you through the best options available.
It depends on your current deal. If you’re still within a fixed or discounted period, leaving early may trigger a charge. Porting your mortgage can sometimes avoid this, and we’ll compare the costs for you.
It isn’t always required, but it’s strongly recommended. It shows sellers and estate agents that you’re ready to proceed and gives you a clear idea of your budget.
Recommend a friend who is new to Empire Mortgages and if they then take out their mortgage with us, you’ll each receive £50 worth of vouchers.
The guidance provided within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Empire Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of TenetLime Ltd. TenetLime Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tenet Lime Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference 150643.
Empire Mortgages Ltd may charge a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend on your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Our typical fee is £295 payable on receipt of a full mortgage offer.
Registered in Scotland under reference SC545434
Registered office address: Unit 9, Flexspace, Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
© Copyright 2025 Empire Mortgages Ltd. All Rights Reserved
