When Laura and Mark bought their home five years ago, they felt they had secured the perfect place to start building their future. They chose a long-term fixed-rate mortgage because they wanted stability. Something predictable they could rely on while planning the next chapter of their lives.

Back then it was just the two of them. Fast-forward to today and life looks very different. With two children now filling the house with toys, noise and plenty of energy, their once-perfect home started to feel smaller every month. They dreamed of somewhere with more space, a bigger garden and a layout that worked better for family life.

However in their minds, moving wasn’t an option

Like many homeowners, Laura and Mark believed that because they were still tied into their fixed-rate mortgage, they were “locked in” until the end of the deal. They worried that repaying it early would trigger large financial penalties and charges they simply couldn’t afford while raising a young family.

That assumption kept them where they were for far longer than necessary.

It wasn’t until they reached out to HFA Mortgage & Protection for advice that everything changed.

During our first conversation, it became clear that Laura and Mark didn’t actually understand the full terms of their existing mortgage and they’re certainly not alone. Many fixed-rate mortgages do include early repayment charges, but that doesn’t always mean you can’t move house.

For homeowners staying with the same lender, porting a mortgage can be an option. Porting means transferring your existing fixed-rate mortgage terms to a new property, while arranging any additional borrowing you need alongside it. In many cases, this avoids early repayment penalties entirely.

When Laura and Mark heard this, they were stunned

They said the same thing most clients do: “We didn’t know that was even possible.”

From there, the process became clearer. We reviewed their existing mortgage, checked the lender’s criteria and confirmed that their fixed-rate deal was indeed portable. That meant they could keep the rate and avoid penalties. Something they hadn’t imagined would be an option.

The next step was affordability. With increased income since buying their first home and a good repayment history, they were in a strong position. We assessed how much they could borrow now, taking into account the additional space they needed and the rising costs of raising a family.

Once they had a clear picture of their budget, their dream of moving no longer felt out of reach.

We guided them through the full application process, structured their mortgage so part was ported and part was taken out as new borrowing and worked closely with the lender to ensure everything aligned smoothly. Their solicitor handled the legal checks, contracts and transfer of title. With everyone communicating clearly, the process moved forward without delays.

A few months later, Laura and Mark were holding the keys to their new family home

For them, the biggest relief wasn’t just the move. It was realising they had options all along. They simply needed someone to interpret their mortgage terms and show them the route forward.

Laura said:

“We were shocked we could buy a new house. We thought we were stuck. HFA explained everything in a way we actually understood and it changed everything for us.”

Their story is a powerful reminder that fixed-rate mortgages don’t necessarily stop you from moving. Understanding your mortgage terms and exploring whether porting is possible, can unlock opportunities you didn’t even realise you had.

If you’re thinking about moving but worried about early repayment charges or being tied into your current deal, the right advice can open doors you might not expect.

Your next home could be more achievable than you think.

Start Your Journey with Confidence

HFA Mortgage & Protection can help you review your existing mortgage, understand your options and guide you through porting or arranging a new deal that fits your next chapter.

Find out what’s possible at https://hfassociates.uk.

Disclaimer:

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances but will range from £195 to £1500.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.