How hard is it to port a mortgage?

Asked by: Danyka Moen  |  Last update: August 10, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (47 votes)

A mortgage provider will want to see at least two or three years of income records and tax returns to estimate your average annual income. It may be more difficult to port a mortgage if your employment status is considered a higher risk, such as being newly self-employed or within a probationary employment period.

What are the downsides of porting a mortgage?

Cons
  • You have a limited timeframe. Most lenders offer a limited timeframe, usually 30 – 120 days, to successfully port your mortgage. ...
  • Your lender may not offer the lowest rates. ...
  • You may face fees. ...
  • You could still pay some prepayment penalties.

Is there a penalty for porting a mortgage?

Porting allows you to keep your existing mortgage, including the rate and terms, and transfer it to a new property without the penalty you would need to pay if you break your existing mortgage.

Is it easier to port a mortgage?

There are clear benefits to porting your mortgage. You can sidestep those pesky ERCs, potentially enjoy a faster application process compared to starting anew, and you might be able to maintain a favourable interest rate.

How long does it take to port a mortgage?

If you meet their lending criteria and pass the application process and your lender is happy to port your mortgage, the process usually takes up to three months to complete. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Porting a Mortgage Guide - How Does It Work?

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How do I know if my mortgage can be ported?

You can do this by contacting your mortgage lender or broker to determine. Your lender will likely require a professional appraisal of the new property to ensure it meets their lending criteria. If the new property meets the lender's criteria, you can apply to port your mortgage.

How long does the porting process take?

The industry average for porting a number is 7 to 10 days.

Do you get credit checked when porting a mortgage?

Porting a mortgage isn't merely a matter of shifting the loan from one place to another; it involves a formal application process. This process typically includes a thorough credit assessment and an evaluation of your financial capacity to make repayments.

Which lenders allow mortgage porting?

Bank of America Wells Fargo Chase U.S. Bank PNC Bank First Republic Bank Capital One Quicken Loans Mortgage Porting is the process of transferring your existing mortgage from one property to another. This allows you to keep your current interest rate, term, and other terms and conditions when you move.

What if I can't port my mortgage?

Issues such as stricter lender criteria or changes in your personal circumstances may affect your ability to port your mortgage, as could a missed mortgage payment in the past or wanting to mortgage for a value different to the amount you've already taken out.

Does your interest rate change when you port a mortgage?

Porting a mortgage rate is when you buy a new home and effectively take your rate with you. It could be useful if you have a mortgage rate that you want to keep, as you'll retain the same rate as your current deal. You'll still be applying for a new mortgage, but your current rate would apply if you're able to port it.

Do you have to re qualify when porting a mortgage?

You stay with the same lender, allowing you to continue along your (mortgage) way without breaking your contract and paying a sometimes costly penalty. You'll still need to re-qualify with the lender when porting your mortgage (admin fees may apply).

What happens to equity when porting a mortgage?

You can port your existing mortgage product to all or part of the mortgage balance. But, for the outstanding amount, the ported interest rate doesn't apply. You will need to choose a new mortgage product or deal to cover it. The equity from your existing property can go towards the new mortgage loan amount.

What are the porting rules?

Mobile Number Portability
  • Generate UPC at the point of sale of recipient operator. ...
  • Fill the Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) and Porting Form of the operator of your choice and mention the valid UPC. ...
  • Porting within a Licensed Service Area (LSA) (e.g. porting within Gujarat LSA) takes 3 working days.

Can I move my mortgage to another bank without refinancing?

You can switch mortgage companies without refinancing only before the home purchase closes. After that, you can change to a different lender through a refinancing.

Can you port a mortgage and remove someone?

Removing somebody without buying out

Either way, if you have agreed to it, it can be done relatively easily. To remove a name from a mortgage, you'll need to apply for a “transfer of equity” to remove the name from the title deeds while allowing the mortgage lender to remove them.

How common is mortgage porting?

Mortgage porting is more common in Canada and the United Kingdom, but it isn't widely used in the United States. Learn more about what portable mortgages are and how they work.

How do I know if my mortgage allows porting?

Whether your lender will port your mortgage is decided on a case by case basis. To know for sure whether you can port your mortgage you'll need to talk to your mortgage representative.

How long can I port my mortgage?

If your current mortgage deal still suits your needs, you could move it to your new home (also known as 'porting' your mortgage). Apply to transfer your current balance and there are no early repayment charges to pay, as long as your new mortgage starts within 90 days of selling your current home.

Do I need a broker to port my mortgage?

In fact, if you don't need to borrow as much money your existing lender might not let you port anyway. In these types of scenario it's best to speak with a mortgage broker as they'll be able to advise on the different courses of action.

Do lenders monitor your bank account?

Your recent bank statements show if you can afford the down payment and closing costs, as well as monthly mortgage payments. As they are essential to this, your lenders check bank statements, deposits, and withdrawals for red flags — particularly negative balances resulting from overdrafts or non-sufficient funds fees.

How easy is it to switch mortgage lenders?

There is a fair amount of paperwork involved in switching mortgage lenders, although much is now digital. But it's usually more than worth it for the money you save in interest. If you use a mortgage broker, such as our partners London & Country or Fluent, much of the legal work is carried out for you.

How do you initiate porting?

Step 1: SMS PORT <10-digit mobile number> to 1900 from your existing mobile number. Step 2: You will receive an SMS that will contain the UPC (Unique Porting Code) and its expiry date.

How will I know that my porting request has been successful?

Your current SIM will stop working and will give Error message. Generally this will happen during midnight and it takes up to 7 days from the day of submission of CAF and giving KYC to new Service Provider. If you see SIM Error in the morning, insert the new SIM and you have just Ported In to new Service Provider.

What is the minimum porting time?

Porting within the same Licensed Service Area (LSA) takes 3 working days, while porting between different LSAs or corporate numbers may take up to 5 working days. In Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and North East LSAs, the porting time can be up to 15 working days.