The MOVE Act: Could Homeowners Take Their Mortgage Rate With Them?

A new bill could change the way Americans buy and sell homes—but it is very early days.

If you’ve been holding onto your home because you have a great mortgage rate, you’re not alone. The newly introduced Making Ownership Viable for Everyone (MOVE) Act could eventually give homeowners another option: taking their existing mortgage rate, loan term, and remaining balance with them when they move to a new home.

The bill, introduced in the U.S. House on August 3, 2026, would direct Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase and securitize qualifying portable mortgages. Under the proposed legislation, the existing mortgage could potentially be transferred to a new property within 90 days of selling the original home.

Why This Could Be a Big Deal

Imagine you bought your home when mortgage rates were around 3%. Today, moving could mean giving up that rate and taking on a significantly higher payment. Mortgage portability could help remove that obstacle.

For buyers: A portable mortgage could make moving more affordable because you may be able to carry a lower rate into your next home rather than starting over with a new mortgage.

For sellers: It could encourage homeowners who have been “locked in” by their low mortgage rate to finally put their homes on the market. That could mean more inventory and more opportunities for future buyers.

But There Are Some Important Downsides

This isn’t a magic solution—and it isn’t available yet.

The proposed legislation is just at the beginning of the legislative process. It has been introduced in the House and referred to the Financial Services Committee. It still has to move through Congress, potentially be amended, pass both chambers, and be signed into law before it could take effect.

There are also practical questions that would need to be worked out, including eligibility, underwriting, how the mortgage would work when buying a more expensive or less expensive home, and how lenders would handle the transfer.

Most importantly: there is no guarantee this bill will become law. And even if it does, implementation could take months or potentially years.

Should Sellers Wait?

I wouldn’t recommend putting your plans on hold solely because of the MOVE Act. If you need to sell, have a life change, want to move, or have found the right next home, today’s market should still be evaluated based on your individual situation—not on the assumption that this legislation will pass quickly.

That said, if mortgage portability eventually becomes reality, it could be a significant opportunity for future homeowners and sellers.

For now, consider the MOVE Act an interesting development—not a promise.

Thinking about selling but worried about giving up your current mortgage rate? Let’s talk through your options and what the numbers look like today. You don’t have to wait for Congress to make a decision before making the right decision for your family… Book a consultation today!