Navigating the Move to a Forever Home

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

A fee of up to £495 per mortgage may be charged depending on individual circumstances.

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

17th February 2026

Gabby and Muriel were motivated by their two primary school aged children. They wanted a home in a nicer location with a large garden and a private drive where the kids could play safely and freely. They found exactly that, though the property was a real project that required a complete overhaul.

While the prospect of replacing everything from the electrics to the plumbing can be daunting, Gabby is quite handy with power tools. The couple felt confident in their ability to manage the renovations themselves. To support this, they made a strategic financial decision to keep some of the equity from the sale of their previous home as a dedicated renovation fund rather than putting it all toward the new deposit.

In a renovation scenario, the mortgage strategy is often different from a standard move. We decided on a two year fixed rate for several specific reasons.

The primary goal was to provide budget certainty while the most intensive works, such as the new kitchen, bathroom, and essential services, were completed. Gabby and Muriel expect the property to be worth significantly more once these initial renovations are finished. By choosing a shorter two year term, they have the flexibility to remortgage in the near future. At that point, the increased property value should result in a lower Loan to Value (LTV) ratio, potentially giving them access to even lower interest rates.

Energy efficiency was another key consideration during our market review. Currently, the property has an EPC rating of D, which meant it was not yet eligible for some of the specialist energy efficient mortgage products. However, the couple has big plans for the future.

As part of their long term vision, they are looking into installing a heat pump and solar panels. These upgrades will not only reduce their monthly utility bills but will also improve the property's EPC rating. When we review their mortgage in two years, these improvements may open up new doors to green mortgage products that reward energy efficient homes with better rates.

The application process was straightforward thanks to their clean credit files and simple salaried incomes. Because they were part of a small property chain, there was no undue pressure, allowing the legal and mortgage processes to align perfectly.

The outcome is a wonderful result for the whole family. Gabby and Muriel have secured a market leading rate and a home that provides their children with a large garden to explore. They have the peace of mind that their payments are fixed for the next two years, giving them the breathing room to turn their Victorian project into the home of their dreams.

If you are searching for your forever home or considering a property that needs a little work to reach its full potential, I would love to help. Navigating the mortgage market for a project house requires a balance of short term budgeting and long term planning.

Whether you are looking to release capital for renovations or want to find the best rate for your specific circumstances, please get in touch. I can guide you through the application process and help you secure the right foundation for your future.