Facebook Summary: Thinking of moving house in 2026? Don't let mortgage stress ruin the excitement of your new home! Follow our 5 simple steps to a smooth remortgage and find out how we compare over 100 lenders to get you the best deal.
Hey there! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re eyeing up a new front door in 2026. Whether you’ve outgrown your current place in Oldham or you’re looking to downsize to something a bit more manageable, moving home is a huge milestone. It’s a time for new beginnings, fresh decor, and… a fair bit of paperwork.
I’m Naz Islam, Director at Hunter Capital, and I’ve seen first-hand how the "finance bit" can sometimes take the shine off a move. But here’s the secret: it doesn't have to be a headache. If you’re moving home and need to sort out your mortgage: often called a "home mover remortgage" or "porting": getting your ducks in a row early is the best gift you can give yourself.
In this guide, I’m going to break down the process into five simple, stress-free steps. We’ll look at how to navigate the 2026 market and how the team here at Hunter Capital can help you compare over 100 lenders to ensure you’re getting a deal that actually works for you.
1. Check Your Current Deal (and the "P" Word)
Before you start falling in love with properties on Rightmove, you need to know where you stand with your current lender. The first question most people ask is: "Can I take my current mortgage with me?"
This is known as porting. Most mortgages are portable, meaning you can transfer the same rate and terms to your new home. However, it isn’t a guaranteed right. You still have to re-apply, and the lender will check if you (and the new property) still meet their criteria.
If your current rate is fantastic, porting might be the way to go. But if you're coming to the end of your fixed term, or if you need to borrow more money, it might be the perfect time to look for a completely new deal. At Hunter Capital, we help you crunch these numbers. We’ll look at:
- Any Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) you might owe if you switch lenders.
- Whether your current lender will let you borrow the extra amount you need.
- If a new lender offers a lower overall cost even after paying fees.
2. Get Your Budget Realistically Sorted
In 2026, the property market has its own unique rhythm. Whether you're looking at a sleek apartment or a family home near Alexandra Park, you need a clear budget that includes more than just the purchase price.
When you remortgage to move home, you need to factor in:
- Lender Fees: Some deals have them, some don't.
- Solicitor Fees: Essential for the legal transfer of your old and new homes.
- Valuation Fees: Although many lenders offer these for free in 2026, it’s always worth checking.
- Stamp Duty: Don't forget to calculate this based on the current 2026 thresholds.
We always suggest getting a "Decision in Principle" (DIP) before you start viewing homes. It shows sellers in Oldham and beyond that you’re a serious buyer and that a lender has already given you a thumbs-up in theory. You can read more about how we’ve helped others navigate this in our case studies.
3. Compare the Market (The Hunter Capital Way)
This is where the magic happens: and where we save you the most legwork. If you go directly to your bank, they will only show you their products. That’s like going to a shoe shop that only sells one brand in one size.
At Hunter Capital, we have access to over 100 lenders. This includes the big high-street names everyone knows, as well as specialist lenders who don’t deal directly with the public.
Why does this matter? Because every lender has a different appetite for risk. Some love self-employed borrowers; others are great for people with a slightly smaller deposit. By comparing the whole market, we make sure you aren't just getting a mortgage, but the right mortgage for your specific situation in 2026.
4. Prep Your Paperwork to Avoid the "Snail Pace"
If there is one thing that causes stress during a move, it’s delays. Often, these delays happen because a document is missing or an old bank statement wasn't printed correctly.
To keep things moving at a healthy clip, start gathering these now:
- Proof of Income: Usually your last three months of payslips or two to three years of accounts if you’re self-employed.
- Bank Statements: Most lenders want to see the last three months of your primary account.
- ID and Proof of Address: Ensure your passport or driving licence is in date!
- Details of your current mortgage: Grab your latest annual statement.
Our job at Hunter Capital is to act as your "mortgage concierge." We review your documents before they ever reach the lender to spot any potential red flags. This proactive approach is how we keep things moving and avoid those last-minute panics. If you're interested in how we operate, check out our About page.
5. Lean on Expert Support Until Completion
Once your application is submitted, you might think the work is done. But between the application and the day you get your keys, there's a lot of "behind the scenes" coordination required.
We stay in the loop with your solicitor, the estate agent, and the lender. If the lender has a query about the valuation, we handle it. If the solicitor needs a specific document from the bank, we chase it. This level of support is vital for a stress-free move. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to navigate the hiccups that can happen in the final weeks of a property chain.
Moving home should be about choosing paint colours and deciding where the sofa goes, not chasing bank managers. By letting us handle the heavy lifting, you can focus on the exciting parts of your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remortgage if I’m moving to a more expensive house?
Yes! This is very common. You can either "top up" your current mortgage (if porting) or take out a brand-new, larger mortgage with a different lender. We’ll help you figure out which option is cheaper in the long run.
How long does the process take in 2026?
Generally, you should allow 3 to 6 months from the moment you start looking to the day you move. The mortgage offer itself usually stays valid for 3 to 6 months, giving you plenty of time to find the right spot.
Is it better to wait until my current deal ends?
Not necessarily. If interest rates are predicted to rise, or if you’ve found your dream home now, it might be worth paying a small exit fee to secure a new rate. We can run the "cost of waiting" vs. "cost of switching" numbers for you.
Do I need a broker even if I’m staying with my current bank?
Absolutely. Even if you stay with the same bank, a broker can often access "broker-only" rates that aren't available to the general public. Plus, we handle the paperwork for you!
Ready to Move? Let’s Chat.
Moving home in 2026 doesn't have to be a marathon of stress. With the right plan and the right team in your corner, it can be a smooth transition to your next chapter.
At Hunter Capital, we pride ourselves on making financial services simple. No jargon, no fluff: just honest, expert advice tailored to your life in Oldham or anywhere else in the UK.
Don’t leave your house move to chance. Request a free consultation today and let’s find the perfect mortgage for your new home.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.