Why start six months before your deal ends?
Starting six months early gives you time to secure a deal, gather documents and avoid rolling onto your lender's standard variable rate (SVR). The SVR is usually higher than fixed or tracker deals. Even a short spell on it can cost more than you expect.
Many mortgage offers last around six months. Securing one early protects you if rates rise. If rates fall before your new deal starts, your broker can often look again and switch you to a cheaper option. Our when to remortgage guide covers timing in more detail.
Month 6: find your key dates and figures
Find your current deal's end date, outstanding balance and any early repayment charge (ERC). Your annual mortgage statement or online account should show these. An ERC applies if you leave before your deal ends, and can be a percentage of the balance.
- Note the exact date your fixed or tracker rate ends.
- Check whether your deal allows a switch shortly before that date without an ERC.
- Get a rough idea of your property's value from recent local sales.
- Divide your balance by the value to estimate your loan-to-value (LTV).
Moving into a lower LTV band, such as from 80% to 75% or 60%, may open up a wider choice of deals.
If your income, job or household has changed since you last borrowed, note this too. A new baby, a pay rise, a move to self-employment or a separation can all affect which route suits you. It is better to know now than discover it halfway through an application.
Month 5: decide what you want from the next deal
Decide your priorities before you compare products. Some borrowers want payment certainty. Others want flexibility to overpay or move home. Your plans for the next few years matter as much as the rate.
- Fix length: two, three, five or ten years, or a tracker.
- Overpayments: most lenders allow around 10% a year without a charge, but check.
- Portability: can you take the deal with you if you move?
- Term: extending the term lowers payments but usually costs more interest overall.
- Equity release: do you need to borrow more for works or other plans?
Month 4: compare a product transfer with a new lender
A product transfer is a new deal with your current lender. It is often quick and may not need a fresh affordability check. A remortgage to a new lender involves a full application, but can offer a better rate or features. Comparing both is the only way to know which suits you.
Product transfers can suit borrowers whose income has fallen, who have become self-employed or whose credit has changed. A new lender may be better if you want to borrow more, change who is on the mortgage or move to interest-only. OMB checks your lender's own offer alongside the wider market.
Look at the total cost of each option over the deal period, including product fees, rather than the rate alone. A lower rate with a large fee may not be cheaper on a smaller loan.
Month 3: gather your documents
If you are moving lender, have your documents ready before you apply. Most lenders ask for photo ID, proof of address, recent payslips or tax documents, bank statements and your latest mortgage statement. Self-employed borrowers usually need tax calculations and tax year overviews.
Check your credit file with the main agencies and correct any errors. Avoid taking on new credit while you remortgage, as it can affect affordability. Our mortgage documents checklist has the full list.
Months 2 to 1: secure, review and complete
Once you have a mortgage offer, your new lender's solicitor usually handles the legal work. Many remortgage deals include free legal work and a free valuation, though fees vary. Completion is timed for the day after your current deal ends where possible, to avoid an ERC.
Keep an eye on rates until completion. If a better deal appears, it may be possible to switch. Also review your life insurance and other cover, especially if you are borrowing more. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What could affect remortgaging in late 2026?
Rates change with the Bank of England base rate, market expectations and lender competition. The Autumn Budget is due on 28 October 2026, and announcements can move market sentiment. No one can predict rates reliably, so focus on what you can control: timing, LTV and a clear plan.
If your deal ends in early or mid 2027, now is a sensible time to start the conversation. See our remortgage page for how OMB compares the market for you.
Remortgage adviceSwitch to a new deal, release equity or change terms when your current mortgage deal ends.
Explore remortgageFrequently asked questions
How early can I remortgage before my fixed rate ends?
Many lenders let you secure a new deal around six months before your current one ends, and some allow slightly earlier. The new deal starts when your old one finishes, so you avoid early repayment charges. Product transfers with your current lender often become available a few months before the end date.
Is a product transfer better than remortgaging?
Not always. A product transfer is often quicker and may skip a full affordability check, which can help if your circumstances have changed. A new lender may offer a lower rate, more borrowing or different features. Comparing both options side by side is the best way to decide.
What happens if I do nothing when my fix ends?
Your mortgage usually moves onto the lender's standard variable rate (SVR). The SVR is typically higher than fixed or tracker deals, so your monthly payments may rise. You can usually leave the SVR at any time without an early repayment charge, so it is never too late to review.
Can I remortgage to borrow more money?
Yes, you can apply to borrow more when you remortgage, subject to affordability, your loan-to-value and the lender's criteria. Common reasons include home improvements and buying out a former partner. Adding debt to your mortgage can cost more overall, because you repay it over a longer term.
Will remortgaging affect my credit score?
A full application to a new lender involves a hard credit search, which shows on your file. A single search rarely has a large effect. Several applications in a short period may concern some lenders, which is one reason to choose the right lender first time.
Do I pay fees to remortgage?
You may pay a lender product fee, a valuation fee and legal fees, though many remortgage deals include free valuation and legal work. A broker fee may also apply. Compare the total cost of each deal over its term, not just the headline rate.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal advice. Rules, rates and lender criteria change; speak to an adviser about your circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.