WHY CAN’T YOU PORT YOUR MORTGAGE?

Many homeowners assume that if they already have a mortgage, porting it to a new property will be simple. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Porting requires a full re-approval — including income, credit, property, policy, and underwriting review — and most borrowers do not end up qualifying.

See why only a small percentage of mortgages actually qualify for porting today. 👇

Lender policies evolve constantly, and what was acceptable when you first qualified may no longer meet current guidelines when you attempt to port.

1️⃣ Timing Rules and Closing Dates

Every lender has strict timelines for porting.

✔️ some allow only a few weeks

✔️ others require very specific closing windows

✔️ delays can void porting eligibility

If your purchase and sale dates don’t align exactly, porting becomes impossible.

2️⃣ Amortization Restrictions

Porting means keeping the same amortization.

✔️ shorter remaining amortization increases payments

✔️ higher payments reduce affordability

✔️ may prevent qualification on the new property

If you’re upsizing, the payment jump can be disqualifying.

3️⃣ Loan Amount Variance Limits

Most lenders allow only a small increase or decrease.

✔️ often around 10% flexibility

✔️ exceeding the limit triggers penalties

✔️ may force you into a new product anyway

If the new loan amount doesn’t fit within policy limits, porting stops.

4️⃣ Changes in Credit Score

Your credit must still meet current standards.

✔️ lower score reduces eligibility

✔️ more debt affects ratios

✔️ missed payments can disqualify you

A weakened credit profile can revoke porting privileges.

5️⃣ Income or Employment Changes

Income must remain stable and provable.

✔️ new job or industry change

✔️ reduced hours or variable income

✔️ business-for-self changes

Any shift in income type or amount can block approval.

6️⃣ Property Type Restrictions

Lenders often change what properties they accept.

✔️ some lend only on single-family homes

✔️ some limit mixed-use or commercial components

✔️ some no longer accept private sales

A property that doesn’t meet current lending criteria disqualifies the port.

7️⃣ Rate and Policy Conflicts

Switching from insured to uninsured (or vice versa) changes everything.

✔️ different rate rules

✔️ different qualification standards

✔️ mismatched policies between programs

Rate changes alone can prevent porting eligibility.

8️⃣ The Original Product No Longer Exists

Lenders discontinue or replace products regularly.

✔️ older programs phased out

✔️ updated rules may not match your profile

✔️ porting becomes unsupported

If the product is gone — the port goes with it.

9️⃣ Inspection or Condition Issues

The lender must approve the property after inspection.

✔️ deficiencies can void approval

✔️ zoning or strata issues cause declines

✔️ lender may require improvements first

If the lender doesn’t like the inspection results, the port ends immediately.

1️⃣0️⃣ Bridge Financing Complications

Buying before selling adds more requirements.

✔️ lender must approve timing and loan amount

✔️ bridge fees may be high

✔️ some lenders don’t offer bridge loans at all

If the lender doesn’t support the structure, you cannot port.

💬 Final Thought

Porting sounds simple — but in reality, very few mortgages qualify once the full underwriting review begins. Policies, dates, income, property type, and lender programs must all align perfectly, which is why fewer than 3% of mortgages successfully port.

If you’d like us to review your current mortgage and calculate whether porting or switching is the better option, send The Frontline Mortgage Group a message anytime.