Mortgages and Separation
Getting a Mortgage During Divorce or Separation
Separating is hard enough without worrying about the house. Whether you want to keep the family home, buy your ex out, or start again somewhere new, we will look at what you can afford on your own and find a lender that fits your situation.
★★★★★ Helping people across Scotland find their next step after separation. Rated 5 stars by 235+ clients on Google.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
"We remortgaged with Tony and as always it was a simple smooth process! He explains everything well and is very knowledgeable, honestly wouldn't go anywhere else for mortgage advice! Thanks again ☺️"
Remortgage Customer
"We got recommended Tony from a friend and from start to finish he has made myself and my husband feel at ease with the whole process. Nothing was too much for him or Katie and no question was too silly either. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for any help."
Mortgage Customer
"I cannot recommend Tony and Katie highly enough. The service has been impeccable, making a potentially stressful and daunting process, seamless. Communication was effective and efficient, which is key in dealing with such a daunting process. You have a lifelong customer here."
Mortgage Customer
Where You Stand
Your Joint Mortgage Does Not End When the Relationship Does
Until the mortgage is changed or paid off, you are both responsible for the whole balance, not just your half. Missed payments can affect both your credit files, so it pays to plan early.
- ✓Joint responsibility: the lender can ask either of you for the full payment
- ✓Credit links: a joint mortgage links your credit files until it is closed
- ✓Lender consent: removing a name needs the lender to agree the remaining person can afford it alone
- ✓Legal agreement: lenders usually want to see a signed separation agreement before they lend
How We Help
How We Help You Move Forward
Five steps from separation to your own mortgage.
Get Legal Advice Early
A family law solicitor will help you agree who keeps what. In Scotland this is often set out in a Minute of Agreement.
Check Sole Affordability
We work out what you can borrow on your own income, including any formal maintenance you receive.
Choose Your Route
Keep the home, buy your ex out, sell and split, or buy somewhere new. Each one needs a different plan.
Find the Right Lender
Some lenders are more flexible with maintenance income, recent changes in circumstances or using equity for a buy out.
Keep Things Moving
We work with your solicitor so the mortgage lines up with your agreement and the timing works.
Your Options
What Can You Do With the House?
There is no one right answer. It depends on your finances and what you want next.
Keep the Home
Take the mortgage into your sole name. The lender will need to see you can afford it on your own.
Check My Options →Buy Your Ex Out
Remortgage to release their share of the equity. Sometimes called a transfer of equity.
Talk It Through →Sell and Split
Sell the property, clear the mortgage and share what is left as agreed. Then each of you starts fresh.
Get Straight Advice →Buy Somewhere New
Moving on? We can look at a new mortgage for you, even if you are still named on the old one.
Book a Chat →Maintenance as Income
Some lenders will count child or spousal maintenance if it is formally agreed and you have proof it is being paid.
Ask a Question →Credit Clean Up
Close joint accounts and remove financial links once things are settled so their credit does not affect yours.
Talk It Through →Common Questions
Divorce and Separation Mortgage Questions, Answered
The things people ask us most when a relationship ends.
Can I get a mortgage while going through a divorce?
Yes, but most lenders want to see a signed separation agreement first, so they know what you are taking on and what you are leaving behind.
Can I take my ex off the mortgage?
Only with the lender's agreement. They will check you can afford the full mortgage on your own. Your solicitor handles the change to the title deeds.
Can I keep my current mortgage rate?
Sometimes. If you stay with the same lender and they agree to the change, you may keep your existing deal. If not, you may need to remortgage, which could mean early repayment charges.
Will maintenance count towards my income?
Some lenders will use it if it is formally agreed, for example through a court order, Minute of Agreement or the Child Maintenance Service, and you can show it is being paid.
Can I buy a new house if I am still on the old mortgage?
Possibly. Lenders will factor in the existing mortgage, so it depends on your income and your share of the payments. We can check this for you.
Will my ex's credit affect my new mortgage?
It can while you are financially linked. Once joint accounts are closed you can ask the credit reference agencies to remove the link.
Related guides
- How much can I borrow?
- Mortgage declined after an agreement in principle
- How much to offer on a house in Scotland
- All mortgage questions answered
Written by Tony Flynn, mortgage broker at Tony Flynn Mortgages, helping homebuyers across Lanarkshire and Scotland. This page is general information, not personal advice. Speak to Tony about your own circumstances.
Get in Touch
Talk to Us About Your Next Step
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