Jessica

I would suggest not swapping to Buy to let - just ask Abbey for permission to rent the house out.

They should say yes if you explain the situation - no job, stay in house. New job, but have to move.

That'll save you paying the redemption penalty with Abbey plus a BTL mortgage will probably be unavailbale at that loan to value anyway.

I would recommend seeing a mortgage broker when the time comes to buy the new house - you will be after a mortgage that the broker will be able to source pretty quickly.

Good luck

Adrian