Moving home is one of the biggest decisions most people make, and if 2026 is the year you’re planning to make a move, the preparation really starts long before you book a valuation or scroll through property listings.
Whether you’re buying your next home, selling your current one or doing both at the same time, getting your finances in order early can make the entire process smoother, calmer and far less stressful. At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we see time and again that the best moves are the ones that are properly planned.
As a team providing mortgage advice in the North West, with strong links to estate agents across the region, we understand exactly what’s involved at every stage of the moving journey. This guide sets out the key things to consider before you begin.
Start with your finances before you start your property search
One of the most common mistakes buyers make is starting their property search before fully understanding their financial position. Knowing what you could borrow and what you should borrow are two very different things.
Before viewing homes, it’s important to:
- Review your income, outgoings and existing commitments
- Understand your credit position
- Consider how much deposit you have available
- Factor in moving costs, not just the purchase price
Getting clarity early allows you to search with confidence, avoid disappointment and move quickly when the right property comes along.
Why mortgage advice early on makes a difference
Speaking to a mortgage adviser at the start of your journey can save a significant amount of time later. Mortgage products, lender criteria and affordability assessments vary widely, and early advice helps you understand what’s realistic for your situation.
As part of our mortgage services in Rawtenstall, Burnley, Accrington and surrounding areas, we help clients:
- Assess affordability accurately
- Explore mortgage options suited to their plans
- Understand fixed, variable and tracker rates
- Prepare for lender checks and documentation
This early preparation can also strengthen your position when making an offer, particularly in competitive local markets.
Get a mortgage agreement in principle in place
A mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) is often essential before making an offer on a property. It shows estate agents and sellers that you are a serious buyer and that your finances have been assessed by a lender.
An AIP also:
- Gives you a clear price range
- Helps narrow your property search
- Reduces delays once an offer is accepted
In many cases, having this in place early can make the difference between securing a property and missing out.
Thinking about selling? Preparation matters just as much
If you’re planning to sell as part of your move in 2026, financial preparation is just as important. Understanding your likely sale price, outstanding mortgage balance and equity position will shape your next steps.
Because of our close working relationships and experience with estate agents across the North West, we understand what buyers are looking for and how local markets behave. This insight helps clients make informed decisions around timing, pricing and onward purchases.
It’s also worth considering:
- Early repayment charges on your current mortgage
- Whether porting your mortgage is an option – transferring your existing mortgage deal from your current home to a new property when you move
- How sale proceeds will affect your next deposit or borrowing
Budgeting beyond the purchase price
Moving home involves more than just buying and selling. Many costs are often overlooked in early planning, including:
- Legal fees
- Survey costs
- Stamp Duty (where applicable)
- Removal expenses
- Initial home improvements or repairs
Factoring these in early helps avoid financial pressure later. A well-planned move is one where there are no surprises along the way.
Reviewing protection and insurance before you move
A move is also an ideal time to review your wider financial protection. New mortgages, higher borrowing or a change in circumstances may mean your existing arrangements are no longer suitable.
This includes reviewing:
- Buildings and contents insurance
- Life cover linked to your mortgage
- Income protection or critical illness cover
As part of our wider advice, we help clients understand how these elements fit together, ensuring they’re protected not just when they move, but long after they’ve settled into their new home.
Local knowledge makes a real difference
Property markets are not one-size-fits-all. What works in one area may not apply in another, and this is where local insight really matters.
Providing insurance advice and mortgage advice in the North West, and working closely with estate agents in Rawtenstall, Burnley, Accrington and surrounding areas, gives us a clear understanding of:
- Local buyer demand
- Typical timescales
- Common challenges in chains
- How to prepare clients for what’s ahead
This joined-up understanding allows us to guide clients through the process with clarity and confidence.
Avoiding common moving mistakes
Many moving-related stresses come from issues that could have been avoided with early planning. Common pitfalls include:
- Rushing into a mortgage without advice
- Underestimating costs
- Delaying decisions until an offer is accepted
- Not reviewing protection alongside borrowing
Taking time at the start can remove pressure later, particularly when timelines tighten or chains become complex.
“Moving home is about far more than finding the right property. It’s often a significant milestone in your life and a large financial undertaking. We encourage clients to get their finances prepared early, so when the time comes to act, everything is already in place. That preparation gives people confidence and control throughout the process.”
Jack Cunningham
Business Principal, Mortgage & Protection Advisor
Getting ready to move in 2026 starts now
Even if your move feels some way off, the groundwork you lay now can make a real difference. Reviewing your finances, understanding your options and seeking advice early puts you in the strongest possible position.
At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we’re proud to support clients with clear, honest mortgage advice in the North West, backed by genuine local knowledge and experience across the property sector. Whether you’re buying, selling or doing both, our aim is to help you move forward with confidence.
If 2026 is your year to move, now is the perfect time to start preparing.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.