When moving to a new property, many homeowners face one key decision: should you remortgage or port? Both options offer distinct advantages, but the best choice depends on your current deal, financial goals, and property plans.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, costs, pros and cons, and help you decide which option fits your move in 2025.
What Does It Mean to Port a Mortgage?
Porting your mortgage means transferring your existing mortgage deal to a new property. This can be appealing if you’re currently on a favourable fixed-rate or tracker deal and want to avoid exit fees or early repayment charges.
✅ Pros of Porting:
-
Keep your existing interest rate
-
Avoid early repayment charges
-
No need to reapply from scratch (if your lender allows)
❌ Cons of Porting:
-
Your lender must approve the new property’s value and affordability
-
You may need to borrow more, which could be at a different rate
-
Not all lenders offer porting flexibility
Note: If you’re increasing your loan, some lenders will split the mortgage into two parts: your ported deal and a new rate for the top-up.
What Is Remortgaging When Moving Home?
Remortgaging means paying off your current mortgage and taking out a new one either with your existing lender or a new provider. This is a popular choice for borrowers who want better rates, want to switch to a more flexible product, or want to restructure their mortgage terms entirely.
Explore the process in more detail with our Remortgage Advice UK guide.
✅ Pros of Remortgaging:
-
Access to better interest rates
-
Freedom to switch lenders
-
Restructure mortgage term or switch to interest-only/repayment
❌ Cons of Remortgaging:
-
Early repayment charges may apply
-
May involve arrangement, valuation, and legal fees
-
Full application and credit assessment required
Key Factors to Consider
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) | Leaving a fixed-rate deal early may trigger charges between 1%–5% of your loan. Porting can help avoid these costs if your current rate is favourable. |
| Affordability and Credit | Remortgaging requires a full affordability and credit check. If your income or credit score has changed, porting might be a smoother path, especially if staying with the same lender. |
| Loan Amount | Upsizing may require a larger loan. If your current lender can’t support the extra borrowing, remortgaging with a new provider may offer better options and flexibility. |
| Interest Rate Trends | In 2025, interest rates remain uncertain. If rates have dropped since your original deal, remortgaging could reduce your monthly payments and save money over time. |
Specialist Scenarios
Not every case is straightforward. If you have complex income, adverse credit, or need help structuring your borrowing, it’s wise to speak to Specialist Mortgage Brokers who can assess niche lenders and bespoke deals.
Can You Port a Mortgage to a More Expensive Home?
Yes. But only if your current lender agrees, and you qualify for the higher amount. If your new home is more expensive, you may need a top-up loan, which could come at a higher rate. If your lender won’t approve the full amount, remortgaging may be your only option.
How We Can Help
At Connect for Intermediaries, we work with a wide range of specialist lenders to secure buy-to-let solutions for every type of landlord. Whether you’re navigating HMO licensing or expanding a limited company portfolio, we offer personalised advice and access to exclusive products.
If you’re starting out, check our Adviser Mortgage Network for the Newly Qualified page to see how we support new advisers working with property investors.
Explore More
If you’re serious about developing your client base and becoming the adviser people remember and recommend, you’re in the right place.
Ready to grow? Join Our Network today and turn leads into loyal clients.
Remortgage vs Porting – FAQs Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it cheaper to port or remortgage? | Porting is usually cheaper in the short term if you’re on a good rate and want to avoid early repayment charges. Remortgaging may be cheaper in the long term if rates drop. |
| What happens if I sell my house and don’t buy another immediately? | You’ll likely need to repay your mortgage. Some lenders offer porting within 90–120 days, but early repayment charges may still apply. |
| Can I port my mortgage to a lower-value property? | Yes, but if your loan-to-value (LTV) increases, your lender may reassess affordability or impose stricter conditions. |
| Can I change mortgage lenders when porting? | No, porting only applies if you stay with your current lender. To switch lenders, you’d need to remortgage. |
| Do all lenders allow mortgage porting? | No, not all lenders offer porting options. Even if they do, approval isn’t guaranteed—it’s subject to underwriting and eligibility criteria. |
| Will I need to reapply if I port my mortgage? | Yes. Even though you’re keeping the same deal, lenders still reassess affordability for the new property. |
| Is credit rechecked when remortgaging or porting? | Yes. Whether remortgaging or porting, most lenders will perform a credit and affordability check as part of the application process. |
| Can I port if I’m downsizing? | You can, but if your new loan amount is lower, early repayment fees may apply to the portion you’re not reusing. |
| Is there a time limit to port a mortgage after selling? | Most lenders require the new purchase to be completed within a set window—typically 3 to 6 months—after selling your existing home. |