What does porting your mortgage mean?

Asked by: Diana Wiza  |  Last update: January 18, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (62 votes)

Porting a mortgage is when you transfer your existing mortgage deal when you move to a new home, instead of taking out a new mortgage.

Is it better to port your mortgage?

Porting a mortgage can be a good idea if you face significant early repayment charges for leaving your current deal early. You could be charged a fee by your lender for porting your mortgage, but it may still work out less than any penalties you might have to pay for exiting your current deal.

Is there a penalty for porting a mortgage?

Your mortgage rates, term, amortization, conditions and remaining balance will stay the same after the transferral process. When you port a mortgage, you keep your existing loan with the same lender. Because porting doesn't require you to break your mortgage contract, you won't incur prepayment penalties.

How long does mortgage porting take?

However, as this isn't always possible, a significant percentage of lenders will still allow you to port your mortgage product provided that you complete on the new property within a certain period of time after redeeming the old mortgage. This period would probably be in the range of 30 to 90 days.

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.

Can you move your mortgage when you move house?

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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.

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.

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.

What happens to equity when you port 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 mortgage rates at the moment?

Best current mortgage rates
  • Fixed rate. Monthly repayment£ 904.56. Loan to value60 % Initial interest rate4.2 % ...
  • Fixed rate. Monthly repayment£ 1,065.17. Loan to value70 % Initial interest rate4.29 % ...
  • Fixed rate. £ 250 cashback. Monthly repayment£ 1,254.02. ...
  • Fixed rate. Monthly repayment£ 1,470.21. Loan to value90 %

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.

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 can void a mortgage?

In order to avoid a mortgage, typically a quiet title is filed in Civil Court. The purpose of the quiet title action is to challenge the validity of the mortgage in order to clear the title of the mortgage in the public records.

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.

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.

How much does it cost to change a mortgage provider?

You may be charged an early repayment charge for leaving your existing lender within the terms of your mortgage deal. This is usually between 1% and 5% of your remaining mortgage cost.

Can you lose your house with a home equity loan?

Home equity loans use your home as collateral. You could lose your home if you can't keep up with your loan payments. Home equity loans should only be used to add to your home's value. If you've tapped too much equity and your home's value plummets, you could go underwater and be unable to move or sell your home.

Can you keep your interest rate when you move?

At its core, a portability loan allows you to keep the same home loan interest rate and loan term when moving to a new property. This feature is particularly beneficial for those with fixed-term loans, as it avoids the break fees commonly associated with early loan termination.

Do I have to pay early repayment charge if I port a 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 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.

Can I transfer my mortgage to another person?

You'll typically only be able to transfer your mortgage if your mortgage is assumable, and most conventional loans aren't. Some exceptions, such as the death of a borrower, may allow for the assumption of a conventional loan. If you don't have an assumable mortgage, refinancing may be a possible option to pursue.

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.

Can I prevent my mortgage from being sold?

As a homeowner, you typically cannot prevent your mortgage from being sold or transferred. The lender has the legal right to sell the mortgage to another entity, lender or investor, under federal law and under the terms of your loan contract (read the fine print).

How can I take over my mortgage without refinancing?

  1. Obtain lender approval. If your lender wants to, they have the power to remove someone's name from the mortgage without needing to refinance. ...
  2. Assume the mortgage. Mortgage assumption is a special type of home sale where one person takes on or “assumes” responsibility for an existing mortgage loan. ...
  3. Declare bankruptcy.