My ex wants his name taking off our mortgage (a buy to let mortgage on a house I rent out) but he says he cant afford it cos it will cost £400. Is it really this much? I thought it was around £175?

It is different with each lender. Some are a bit more greedy than others :-)

Get him off what ever the cost if he gets into debt its his asset that can get a charge against it!

Oh yeah I hadnt thought of that - Im with Northern rock if that helps?

It's not always as straight forward as getting their name removed. Some lenders insist on closing that mortgage and you applying for it again in your sole name, so you have to consider arrangment, booking, valuation and solicitor fees.

Mortgage lender should do it free of charge but if they do charge you it will be to cover the legal work ie change to mortgage account, deeds, land registry. That's what most will charge you for. It is likely to be treated as a new application & will be subject to new criteria, credit score, affordability etc & I must warn you as it is going from joint to sole they do have the right to refuse it! Hope that helps!

I may put my new partner on. My credit rating is rubbish so I doubt Id get it on my own anyway.

That would definitely help going joint to joint!