The seller still having a mortgage does not prevent the purchase, but the charge must be cancelled properly. We explain how to protect yourself.
Buying & Selling · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
It is very common to buy a home that still has the seller's mortgage. It is not a problem if handled well: the key is that the property ends up free of encumbrances in your name.
The most common route is cancellation with the price itself: at the notary, part of the payment is used to settle the seller's outstanding mortgage (often by a banker's cheque to the bank), and the seller receives the rest.
A certificate of outstanding debt from the bank on the signing day and a provision for the registry cancellation. We coordinate the notary, bank and agency so you buy safely.
Yes. The usual approach is to cancel the seller's mortgage with part of the price at the notary itself, so the property ends up free of encumbrances in your name.
No. Paying the debt is the economic cancellation, but you must also process the registry cancellation to remove it from the Land Registry. It is worth setting aside a provision for it.
Yes, if the cancellation is coordinated at signing: part of the price is used to settle the debt with the bank and the registry cancellation is ensured. Never buy without that control.
Sometimes it is worthwhile: you keep their loan and terms, with the bank's agreement. Other times a new mortgage is better. We compare both options.
It is removing the charge from the Registry once paid. Even if the debt is settled, if it is not cancelled at the Registry it still appears. Plan for its cost and processing in the purchase.
We coordinate the cancellation of the charge so you buy free of encumbrances and without surprises.
