will having no mortgage affect my credit status?

[zookeeper]

My mortgage is low ; about £13k. I need to get my ex released from it asap by either remortgaging in my name for the same amount or paying it off in some other way as the bank will not simply release him from the existing mortgage.

I had hoped to be able to wait for a couple of years as I intend to sell my house (which hasalready been transferred to my name) but I need to get his name off now.

Given that I may well be getting a larger mortgage in my own name in a couple of years when I sell the house I am anxious that if I repay the mortgage now out of funds I have I will adversely affect my credit rating by not having a mortgage at all for the next couple of years.

I hope this makes sense

No, paying off your mortgage should have no affect on your credit rating. Paying off loans give you a more positive rating than someone who misses payments.
Some people dont like to completely pay off a mortgage because of the fees that can be imposed to "close" the account. You would need to check the small print for this.
hth

Remortgaging could be your best option if you don't want to deplete your savings but set up an independent relationship with a lender with a view to increasing the amount borrowed in a few years' time. If it's a low loan to value ratio you'll probably be offered very good rates. Even if you were to pay off the mortgage tomorrow, you can maintain a healthy credit history simply by using a credit card responsibly. Worth running off a credit report and seeing what kind of things are included.

thank you