Gap in Address History / Changing Flat 8-12 Months Before Buying

msf9876543

I'm seeking advice regarding my current situation. My landlord has decided to sell the flat I'm renting, so I might need to find new accommodation approximately 10-12 months before I intend to buy a property. 

To save money, I'm considering terminating the lease before my planned trip abroad, which will last for at least 4-6 weeks, during which I won't need to rent. After my return, I'll be staying with friends or family for a few weeks while I search for a new place to live. The potential address gap might be 1.5-2 months.

I'm concerned about how this address change and the potential short gap in residency might affect my credit application. Would it be wise not to mention the gap and make my residential history appear continuous of I would be asked for it? Especially if I don't immediately deregister from the electoral roll at my previous address (considering the likelihood that no one will register at the new address in the first month or two)?

Lastly, what would it look like for a lender if I changed my address few times in last 5/6 years and relatively short before applying for a mortgage? I moved to the UK over five years ago, and I moved three times already. (the longest I stayed at one place (my current flat) has been over 3 years.

Would this matter at all for future lenders?

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.

MorningcoffeeIV

Lenders expect people to move home. 

Don't be tempted to lie about addresses. Especially where financial correspondence in concerned.

msf9876543

Thanks, what should I do for the gap than? Should I put in a friend temporary address? Should I just say I was away for most od this time? I would like to do what is best for me, but I’m worried banks will judge me and look at me bad compared to other people with continues history

amanda1024

I'd imagine you'd need an address anyway, so you can make sure any mail is forwarded, and tell your bank etc what your new address is? I think it would make sense to use the address of whichever friend or family you'll stay with when you're back

msf9876543

Yes I expect to have a temporary address - for example friends one for the time where I am away. Would it be ok to on my file? Would short term address like this for up to two months don’t impact my file?

msf9876543

Sorry I wanted to clarify that I want to rent new flat as soon as I am back from the trip abroad - the gap where I’m on temporary address should be very short, like up to 2 months.

when I apply I should be already well settled on the new rent - months before I apply for a mortgage 

steven141

There is the option of paying for a mail redirection to your friends house starting from the date that you move out and then just change your address when you find somewhere. You can change it to your friends house if you want too.