Do I need a buy-to-let mortgage?

Q I am in the middle of a three-year fixed-rate deal at 6.05%, but am looking to remortgage on to something better. I am also saving to take a career break of six to 12 months. I would like to let my house while I am away. Do I need a buy-to-let mortgage even though this is my principle residence, which I have lived in for 10 years? BS A If you are halfway through a fixed-rate deal it is extremely likely you will face an early repayment charge if you were to remortgage before the deal comes to an end. However, it could still be worth doing financially, but I would check using a mortgage switching calculator . Whether you choose to remortgage or not, if you are planning to travel for a year or less it is unlikely you need to take out a buy-to-let mortgage. But you will have to tell your lender that you plan to let your home, albeit temporarily, and you will probably also have to pay a "consent to let" fee of anything between £100 and £1,000.