The Ultimate UK Home Mover Guide (2026)

Everything you need to know about moving home in the UK — explained clearly, without jargon.

Moving home is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll take. It’s exciting, but coordinating a sale, purchase, and mortgage can feel stressful and confusing. This guide walks you through the entire home mover journey, with practical tips, timelines, and examples to help you move smoothly in 2026.

Before You Start: Quick Reality-Check Checklist

✅ Review your current mortgage & check porting options
✅ Check your borrowing potential & deposit requirements
✅ Factor in legal fees, survey costs, and moving expenses
✅ Plan your timeline for selling & buying
✅ Book a mortgage adviser to guide you

Who Is a Home Mover?

A home mover is someone who already owns a property and is buying a new one. This includes:

  • Upsizing to a larger property
  • Downsizing to a smaller property
  • Relocating for work or lifestyle reasons
  • Switching to a new lender or mortgage deal

Being a home mover differs from a first-time buyer — you already have a property, which can affect mortgage options, deposits, and timelines.

Step 1: Review Your Current Mortgage

Before buying, check:

  • Porting: Can you transfer your mortgage to a new property?
  • Early repayment charges: Breaking your mortgage early can be costly.
  • Remaining term & interest rate: This affects your affordability for a new mortgage.


💡 Tip: A mortgage adviser can weigh the pros and cons of porting vs switching.

🔗 Learn more: Home Mover Mortgages UK service

Timeline: 1 week

Key Takeaways:
✅ Review your current mortgage first
✅ Understand porting vs switching
✅ Get professional advice early

Step 2: Determine How Much You Can Borrow

  • Potential borrowing: £240,000–£270,000


💡 Tip: Run affordability checks before house hunting to avoid disappointment.

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Key Takeaways:
✅ Know your borrowing limit
✅ Factor in all outgoings
✅ Seek expert guidance

Step 3: Understand Deposit Requirements

Home movers often need extra deposit:

  • Typical deposits: 5%–20% depending on lender & property price
  • Gifted deposits: Parents/close family can contribute (written confirmation required)
  • Deposit size affects interest rates, monthly repayments, and lender eligibility


Sample Costs for £300,000 Property:

  • 10% deposit = £30,000
  • 15% deposit = £45,000


💡 Tip: Larger deposits lead to better interest rates & lender options.

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Key Takeaways:
✅ Review deposit options early
✅ Consider family gifts
✅ Bigger deposit = bigger benefits

Step 4: Porting vs Switching

  • Porting: Transfer your current mortgage
    • Keep your current rate
    • Avoid early repayment charges
  • Switching: Take a new mortgage deal
    • Better rates may be available
    • Needed if a larger loan or lender restrictions apply


💡 Tip: Compare all options with a mortgage adviser to find the best solution.

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Key Takeaways:
✅ Decide early whether to port or switch
✅ Compare costs carefully
✅ Seek expert guidance

Step 5: Get an Agreement in Principle (AIP)

An AIP confirms how much a lender may lend:

  • Estate agents take you more seriously
  • Shows affordability before making an offer
  • Usually lasts 60–90 days


💡 Tip: Getting an AIP early helps you move quickly.

Timeline: 1–3 days

Key Takeaways:
✅ Obtain an AIP before house hunting
✅ Demonstrates seriousness to sellers
✅ Guides your property search

Step 6: Choosing the Right Mortgage Type

  • Fixed-rate: Payments stay the same for 2–5 years
  • Variable-rate: Payments fluctuate with interest rates

Your mortgage adviser explains:

  • Monthly repayments
  • Fees & early repayment charges
  • What happens when the fixed rate ends


💡 Tip: Explore our Home Mover Mortgages UK service for the best options.

Timeline: 1 week

Key Takeaways:
✅ Understand fixed vs variable rates
✅ Know fees and terms
✅ Seek expert advice

Step 7: Selling Your Current Property

Key steps:

  • Instruct an estate agent & agree a marketing strategy
  • Arrange viewings & negotiate offers
  • Align sale timing with your new purchase


💡 Tip: A clear plan reduces stress & avoids last-minute delays.

Timeline: 2–6 weeks (can overlap with step 8)

Key Takeaways:
✅ Plan sale carefully
✅ Align timelines with your purchase
✅ Avoid rushing decisions

Step 8: Making an Offer on Your New Property

  1. Submit an offer through estate agent
  2. Provide your AIP
  3. Agree a price (subject to survey & mortgage approval)


💡 Tip: Nothing is legally binding until exchange of contracts — don’t rush.

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Key Takeaways:
✅ Use AIP to strengthen your offer
✅ Confirm budget before committing
✅ Proceed carefully

Step 9: Mortgage Application

Your broker:

  • Submits the mortgage application
  • Handles lender queries
  • Liaises with solicitors & estate agents
  • Keeps the process moving


💡 Tip: Applications typically take 2–6 weeks. Let your adviser manage for a smoother experience.

Timeline: 2–6 weeks

Key Takeaways:
✅ Trust broker to handle paperwork
✅ Track application progress
✅ Understand timelines

Step 10: Surveys, Solicitors & Legal Work

You’ll need:

  • Solicitor/conveyancer
  • Property survey (recommended for all homes)

Solicitor manages:

  • Searches & contracts
  • Exchange of contracts
  • Completion


💡 Tip: Schedule surveys early to avoid delays.

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Key Takeaways:
✅ Choose a trusted solicitor
✅ Conduct thorough surveys
✅ Stay proactive

Step 11: Exchange & Completion

  • Exchange: Pay deposit → legally binding
  • Completion: Mortgage funds released → receive keys → officially own home 🎉


💡 Tip: Celebrate — you’ve completed your move!

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Key Takeaways:
✅ Deposit paid = legally secure
✅ Completion = keys in hand
✅ Plan moving day

Costs Home Movers Should Budget For

  • appliances: £500+


💡 Tip: Budget for all extras & don’t underestimate moving costs.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Factor in all costs
✅ Budget for extra fees
✅ Avoid last-minute surprises

Common Home Mover Mistakes

❌ Not checking if the mortgage can be ported
❌ Assuming current mortgage covers new property
❌ Overextending financially
❌ Poorly coordinating sale & purchase timelines

💡 Tip: A mortgage adviser helps you avoid all these pitfalls.

Why Use a Mortgage Broker When Moving Home

A mortgage broker:

  • Accesses more lenders & products
  • Reduces rejection risk
  • Explains every step clearly
  • Manages paperwork & deadlines

Especially valuable if you’re unsure, nervous, or time-poor.

Speak to a Home Mover Mortgage Adviser

Moving home doesn’t have to be stressful. At Middleton Finance, we specialise in calm, clear, expert support from start to finish.

👉 Book your home mover mortgage consultation
📞 Or speak directly with a mortgage adviser today on 07775 874126