What Happens to Your Mortgage When You Divorce?

See if you pre-qualify for a mortgage

Enquire about a mortgage with our pre-qualifying affordability form. No imprint on your credit score.

Will not affect credit score

Divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership is never easy, and when a jointly owned home is involved, things can feel even more overwhelming. At Clever Mortgages, we understand that this is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about your future, your stability, and your family.

We’re here to offer clear guidance, compassionate support, and practical mortgage solutions to help you make the right decision during this difficult time.

First Steps: Inform Your Lender

Once you’ve decided to separate, it’s important to let your mortgage lender know. Some lenders may even offer short payment breaks during divorce proceedings.

Your Options with a Joint Mortgage

When you and your partner separate, you’ll need to decide what happens with your home. Options include:

  • Sell the property and split the proceeds

  • One partner stays, one moves out, keeping the mortgage in both names

  • Buyout, where one partner buys the other’s share

  • Retain a stake, where one leaves but keeps an interest in the property for when it’s sold

If direct discussions are difficult, we can act as an intermediary to help you explore your options calmly and clearly.

Important Considerations

  • If you’re named on the mortgage but not the deeds, you may still have rights. You can register your matrimonial rights with the Land Registry.

  • Mortgage payments must continue even if you leave the home, or both credit scores will suffer.

  • If one partner stays, the lender must agree that they can afford the repayments alone before transferring the mortgage.

  • To buy your partner out, you’ll need to prove affordability and may need to remortgage or consider a guarantor option.

  • If the property is in negative equity, any shortfall from a sale will usually be shared between you.

How Clever Mortgages Can Help

We know that divorce and mortgages don’t come with a handbook. That’s why our team offers practical, sensitive advice tailored to your situation. Whether you need to:

  • Transfer your mortgage

  • Remortgage to buy out your partner

  • Start fresh with a new mortgage on your own

…we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

We also offer flexible appointments via video call, phone, or email, so you can talk to us at a time that works for you, from the comfort of your own home.

👉 Contact Clever Mortgages today for empathetic, expert support through your next chapter.

Skip to content