Nationwide Early Repayment Charge New Build Delayed

ruthdk87

I am hoping you may be able to provide me with some advice.

My husband and I are currently purchasing a new build house through Persimmon Builders.

Our query is that when selling our old house we were in a fixed term mortgage, for 5 years so are porting our mortgage across to the new property.

We sold our property on 12th June 2020 and were advised we have 180 days to complete on our new property to ensure we don't get charged an early repayment charge. In our case is it approx £8k. 

Originally our build was due to complete Sept-Nov 2020. However due to delays due to Covid (materials being unavailable) we are now being advised it will be ready est. 18th December.

Our early redemption fee would be payable 9th December, just 9 days before we are being advised the house will be ready.

After many calls to our mortgage provider (Nationwide) we are still awaiting further information on whether there is any grace period.

Existing mortgage offers have been extended by 14 days due to Covid and the affects it has had on the industry, however there is no guidance on the ERC which is part of the same process.

Nationwide have advised they don't want to put their customers in financial jeopardy due to Covid however we cannot get any information on how this could be avoided.

Is there any guidance on this at all? 

Appreciate any assistance, or way forward, just trying to explore all avenues for a resolution