Moving home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or simply looking for a change of scenery, a successful move relies on careful planning, clear financial advice and a good understanding of what lies ahead.
At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we support clients with mortgage advice in the North West, helping you navigate every stage of the moving process with clarity and confidence. With close links to estate agents across the region, we understand not just the numbers, but the realities of buying and selling homes in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas.
This guide brings together the key things to consider before, during and after your move, helping you feel prepared at every step.
Reviewing your mortgage before you move
One of the first and most important steps when planning a move is reviewing your current mortgage if you have one. Many mortgages are portable, meaning you may be able to transfer your existing mortgage deal to your new property without paying early repayment charges.
However, just because a mortgage is portable does not automatically mean it’s the best option for your next move.
Your mortgage offer will confirm whether porting is possible, but it’s equally important to check whether your existing mortgage deal is still competitive in a constantly changing mortgage market. Interest rates, fees and lender criteria evolve, and what worked a few years ago may no longer suit your circumstances.
As part of our mortgage advice Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas, we help clients:
- Compare their existing rate against current mortgage deals
- Understand any early repayment charges or arrangement fees
- Assess whether additional borrowing is needed
- Review protection cover to reflect changed circumstances
- Explore whether porting, switching or a combination of both makes sense
Early advice allows you to move forward with clarity, rather than making rushed decisions later.
Preparing your home for sale
If you’re selling as part of your move, preparation can have a significant impact on both timescales and outcomes. Small steps taken early can help your property stand out and attract the right buyers.
Key considerations include decluttering and depersonalising your home to create a sense of space, carrying out minor repairs and ensuring everything is clean and well presented. Kerb appeal also matters more than many people realise, as first impressions often shape buyer perception before they even step inside.
Because we work closely with estate agents across the North West, we understand what buyers are responding to locally and how presentation can influence demand and pricing. We’re always to happy to share this information with you.
Choosing the right estate agent and marketing strategy
Selecting the right estate agent is a crucial decision. A good agent will understand your local market, advise on realistic pricing and guide you through negotiations with confidence.
Professional photography, accurate pricing and a well-planned marketing strategy all play a role in generating interest. Overpricing can delay a sale, while pricing realistically based on comparable properties can help maintain momentum.
Our experience working alongside estate agents means we appreciate how mortgage readiness and strong marketing work hand in hand to keep transactions moving smoothly.
Financial planning for your move
A successful move depends on more than just securing a mortgage. There are several additional costs that should be factored into your budget early on, including:
- Solicitors’ fees – covering conveyancing, searches, legal documentation and Land Registry registration
- Estate agent fees – typically charged as a percentage of your sale price, with some agents offering additional marketing services
- Stamp Duty – payable on property purchases where applicable, depending on price and buyer status
- Removal costs – which vary based on distance, property size and whether you use professional movers
There are also other costs that are often overlooked, such as:
- Surveys – ranging from basic valuations to more detailed inspections
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) – a legal requirement when selling a property
- Utilities and services – including connection or transfer fees for gas, electricity, water and broadband
- Repairs or renovations – any immediate work needed to make your new home comfortable
Providing financial advice in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas, we help clients plan realistically, ensuring their move is financially comfortable rather than stretched.
Finding the right home for your needs
Finding a new home is about balancing needs, wants and budget. Defining your essential requirements early, such as location and number of bedrooms, helps focus your search, while noting desirable features allows flexibility.
It’s also important to think ahead. Future family plans, working from home and long-term lifestyle needs should all be considered when choosing your next property.
Researching the area thoroughly can prevent surprises later. Visiting at different times of day, checking local amenities and understanding council tax and running costs all help build a clearer picture.
When viewing properties, taking notes and asking the right questions is key. Understanding why the seller is moving, what fixtures are included and whether any major work has been carried out can inform your decision.
Making an offer with confidence
Once you’ve found the right property, being prepared financially allows you to act decisively. Understanding local market values and having a mortgage agreement in principle already in place strengthens your position.
This is where our experience in mortgages in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas supports clients, ensuring offers are backed by solid financial foundations and realistic expectations.
What to do once you’ve moved in
The moving process doesn’t end on completion day. Once you’ve moved in, there are several practical steps that help you settle smoothly.
Updating your address with banks, lenders, insurers and other organisations is essential, as is transferring or setting up utilities and services. Taking initial meter readings ensures accurate billing from the start.
It’s also wise to review your buildings and contents insurance to reflect your new home and consider updating security, such as changing locks or installing alarms.
Taking time to familiarise yourself with the area, register with local services and plan any maintenance or improvements helps turn your new house into a home.
Advice that looks at the whole picture
At Gordon Anthony Mortgages, we see moving home as more than a transaction. It’s a significant life event that deserves careful thought and joined-up advice.
“Moving home involves a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to focus on just one element. Our role is to help clients look at the bigger picture, so their mortgage, protection and finances all work together throughout the move and beyond.”
Jack Cunningham
Business Principal, Mortgage & Protection Advisor
Providing mortgage advice in the North West, and working closely with estate agents locally, gives us a clear understanding of what’s involved from start to finish.
A smoother move starts with preparation
Whether you’re buying, selling or doing both, early planning and professional advice can remove much of the stress from moving home. Understanding your mortgage options, budgeting realistically and knowing what to expect at each stage puts you in control of the process. If you’re planning a move and want clear, supportive mortgage advice in Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and surrounding areas, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way. Contact the team today – we’re ready to help you get moving.
Important information
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain.




