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Divorce can change a lot about your daily life, and one of the biggest shifts often involves where you live and how it’s paid for.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to get mortgages for divorcees or those who have separated, the short answer is yes.
It might take a bit of planning, but lenders regularly work with people who are starting a new chapter.
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What happens if you have a joint mortgage and split up?
If your mortgage is in both names, you’re both tied to it. Even if only one of you plans to stay in the home, lenders see joint borrowers as equally responsible.
Payments still need to be made in full and on time, no matter who’s living there. There are a few ways this can be handled. Sometimes the property is sold and the mortgage is cleared from the proceeds.
In other cases, one of you may want to remain in the home and take over the mortgage on your own.
That process is known as a transfer of equity and would involve the lender assessing whether the remaining borrower can afford the mortgage without the other person’s income.
Taking Over the Mortgage Alone
If you’re the one planning to stay, the lender will usually look at your income, outgoings and credit history before agreeing to remove your ex-partner’s name.
This can be more complex if your ex has missed payments, as the mortgage account will still reflect their credit behaviour.
That’s something to bear in mind if you’re dealing with the impact of a mortgage with bad credit attached to it, even if you’ve always paid on time yourself.
Does being divorced affect getting a mortgage?
Divorce itself isn’t a barrier, but the financial changes that often come with it can play a big role.
If your income has dropped, or you now have additional outgoings such as childcare or maintenance, this could affect how much a lender is willing to offer.
On the other hand, if your finances are relatively stable and you’re no longer tied to your previous mortgage, you could be in a good position to apply.
Just bear in mind that if you’re still linked to your ex financially, their credit behaviour may be visible to lenders.
This might affect your options, especially if you’re applying for a mortgage with bad credit linked to someone else.
Is my partner entitled to half my house if it’s in my name?
Property ownership is rarely straightforward when relationships end. Even if the home is legally in your name, your ex may still have a financial interest in it.
That’s especially true if you were married, or if they contributed in other ways during your time together.
What this means for your mortgage will depend on what decisions are made about the property. If it’s to be sold, both parties would need to agree on how to split the proceeds.
If one person is keeping it, the mortgage may need to be changed to reflect the new ownership.
It’s best to speak to the right legal professionals about your specific rights, but from a mortgage perspective, any changes to ownership or borrowing responsibility will always involve your lender.
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Do I have any rights if my name is not on the mortgage?
If you’re not named on the mortgage, your rights may depend on your marital status and whether you’re on the title deeds.
Being married often gives you some protection under matrimonial home rights, which can prevent a property from being sold or mortgaged without your knowledge.
Staying in the Home
If you plan to stay in the home after separating, but your name isn’t on the mortgage, the lender may allow you to apply for a remortgage in your own name.
This is subject to their affordability checks, and your chances can be affected by income, existing debt and your credit history.
Where the mortgage has previously had missed payments, getting approved may take a little more preparation, especially if you’re applying for a mortgage with bad credit showing on the account.
Can my ex take my name off the mortgage?
No one can be removed from a mortgage without their agreement. Lenders will only approve a name being taken off if they’re satisfied that the person remaining can manage the mortgage on their own.
This usually involves a remortgage or a transfer of equity. Both require the lender to review the remaining person’s financial position.
If affordability is an issue, your name may have to stay on the mortgage for longer than you’d like, which can be frustrating, particularly if you’re hoping to apply for a second mortgage elsewhere.
Do I still have to pay the mortgage if I move out?
Yes. Moving out of the property doesn’t change your legal responsibility if your name is still on the mortgage.
Until the lender agrees to remove you, you’re equally liable for all repayments. This can be particularly tricky if you’re also renting or trying to get a new mortgage at the same time.
Looking to remove your name?
If you want to come off the mortgage, you’ll need to explore a few options.
These could include asking your ex to remortgage in their name only, applying to remove your name via a transfer of equity, or arranging to sell the property.
Lenders will look at affordability and creditworthiness in all cases, so it’s worth preparing in advance and getting remortgage advice if you’re unsure where you stand.
Can I get a second mortgage after divorce?
Yes, applying for a second mortgage after divorce is something many people do. This is often the case when someone has moved out of the family home and is looking to buy again.
Lenders will look at your income, your existing commitments and any financial ties to your previous mortgage.
Being linked to an ex-partner with bad credit can sometimes make things more difficult. Especially if you’re still financially connected.
As long as you can demonstrate affordability and have a strong application, there are lenders who are open to these types of scenarios.
How We Can Help After Divorce or Separation
Life after a divorce often means making some big decisions, and where you live is usually one of the most pressing.
Whether you’re hoping to stay in your home, remortgage in your own name, or apply for a second mortgage, these changes come with their own set of challenges.
At UK Moneyman, our team of mortgage advisors are here to support you through those next steps. We’ll help you explore your options, explain how the process works and speak to lenders on your behalf.
We have helped with plenty of mortgages for divorcees before and we know how important it is to feel both secure and settled during uncertain times.
It’s our job to make that happen and provide you with peace of mind when it comes to your future.
