| When to start | Up to around six months before your deal ends |
|---|---|
| Typical deal lengths | 2, 3, 5 or 10-year fixed; trackers |
| Options | New lender remortgage or product transfer |
| Equity release | Possible, subject to affordability and LTV |
| Common costs | Product fee, valuation, legal fees (often covered) |
| Watch for | Early repayment charges on your current deal |
Who is this for?
- Homeowners whose fixed or tracker deal ends in the next six months
- Borrowers on a lender's standard variable rate
- Owners raising money for home improvements or a family gift
- Anyone changing term, removing a borrower or switching to repayment
When should I remortgage?
Start reviewing around six months before your current deal ends. Many lenders let you secure a new rate that far ahead, and you can often switch to a better deal if rates fall before completion. This helps you avoid rolling onto the standard variable rate, which is usually higher.
Remortgaging early, while your current deal still runs, may trigger an early repayment charge. Our guide on when to remortgage covers timing in more detail.
Set a reminder for your deal end date. Your lender may write to you a few months before, but it pays to start your own review earlier.
Is a product transfer better than remortgaging to a new lender?
A product transfer is a new deal with your current lender. It is often quick and may need no new affordability checks or legal work. A remortgage to a new lender can offer a wider choice, but usually involves a valuation, full underwriting and a solicitor.
Neither route is always better. We compare your lender's switch offer against the wider market, factoring in fees, so you can make an informed choice. If staying put is the best option, we will say so.
A product transfer can also be useful if your income has fallen or your credit has changed, because many lenders do not reassess affordability when you are not borrowing more.
Can I release equity when I remortgage?
Yes, if your home has risen in value or you have paid down your mortgage, you may be able to borrow more. Lenders will ask what the money is for and reassess affordability. Common reasons include home improvements, helping family with a deposit or buying another property.
Using a remortgage to consolidate debts can lower monthly payments, but spreading short-term debt over a long mortgage term can cost more in total interest. The debt also becomes secured on your home. We will discuss this carefully before any recommendation.
What does it cost to remortgage?
Costs vary by lender. Many remortgage products include a free valuation and free standard legal work, but may carry a product fee. You should also weigh any early repayment charge on your existing mortgage and any broker fee.
- Lender product or arrangement fee
- Early repayment charge on your current deal, if leaving early
- Valuation and legal fees, often covered by the new lender
- Broker fee, which we confirm upfront
Adding a fee to the loan avoids paying it upfront, but you will pay interest on it over the term.
Can I change my mortgage term or repayment type when I remortgage?
Yes. A remortgage is a natural time to review the structure of your loan, not just the rate. You might shorten the term to pay less interest overall, or lengthen it to reduce monthly payments. Lengthening the term usually increases the total you repay.
You can also switch from interest-only to repayment, or to part and part. If you are on interest-only, lenders will review your repayment plan. Our interest-only guide explains what they look for.
Some deals allow overpayments, often up to 10% a year without charge. If you expect a bonus or inheritance, flexible overpayment terms may matter more than a slightly lower rate. We factor these features into our recommendation.
Can I remortgage if my circumstances have changed?
Often, yes. A change of job, becoming self-employed, a drop in income or a recent credit problem can affect which lenders will help. A product transfer with your current lender may be an option, as many do not reassess affordability if you are not borrowing more.
If you are separating, you may want to remortgage to take a former partner off the mortgage. The remaining borrower will need to pass affordability on their own income.
Run the numbersMonthly payments, total interest and a +1% rate-rise check.
Mortgage repayment calculatorHow we arrange it
- Free 15-minute review of your current deal
- Whole-of-market comparison, including your lender's offer
- Rate secured ahead of your deal end date
- Application, valuation and legal work managed
- New deal starts as your old one ends
Example cases
Illustrative examples based on the type of case we arrange. Not specific clients; every case is different.
£780,000 remortgage in Wandsworth timed to avoid an early repayment charge
£310,000 remortgage in Leeds raising funds for a loft extension
£410,000 remortgage in St Albans to buy out a former partner
From the blogRemortgaging in late 2026: what to do six months before your fix ends
Read the articleFrequently asked questions
How early can I remortgage?
Many lenders let you secure a new deal up to around six months before your current one ends. Some allow slightly longer. Applying early protects you against rate rises, and you can often switch to a cheaper product if rates fall before completion. Leaving earlier than your deal end date may mean paying an early repayment charge.
Will I pay an early repayment charge if I remortgage?
If you leave during your fixed or discounted period, you will usually pay an early repayment charge, often a percentage of the balance. If you time your remortgage to complete when the deal ends, there is normally no charge. Your mortgage statement or offer shows the exact amount and dates.
What happens if I do nothing when my deal ends?
Your mortgage normally moves onto the lender's standard variable rate. This is usually higher than fixed or tracker deals, so monthly payments can rise. You can usually leave the SVR at any time without early repayment charges, so it is never too late to review.
Can I remortgage to pay off debts?
Some lenders allow debt consolidation as part of a remortgage. It can reduce monthly outgoings, but spreading debts over a long mortgage term may cost more overall. The debt also becomes secured on your home, which could be at risk if you cannot keep up repayments. We look at all options first.
Do I need a solicitor to remortgage?
If you move to a new lender, yes, a solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal work. Many lenders offer a free standard legal package. A product transfer with your current lender usually needs no solicitor because the mortgage stays with the same lender.
Can I remortgage with bad credit?
It may be possible. Mainstream lenders look at the severity and age of any missed payments, defaults or CCJs. Specialist lenders may help where mainstream lenders cannot, usually at a higher cost. A product transfer with your current lender can also be an option if you are not borrowing more.
Can I remortgage to remove someone from the mortgage?
Yes, this is called a transfer of equity. The remaining borrower must usually show they can afford the mortgage alone. Some lenders will do this with your existing deal; others need a full remortgage. Legal work is needed to change ownership of the property.
Does remortgaging affect my credit score?
A full application involves a hard credit search, which shows on your file. One search has a small, temporary effect for most people. Multiple applications in a short time can concern lenders, so we check criteria carefully before applying. A product transfer often involves no hard search.
Can I remortgage an interest-only mortgage?
Yes, but lenders will want to see a credible plan to repay the loan at the end of the term, such as investments, pension lump sums or sale of other property. Some will only offer interest-only below certain LTVs or above income thresholds. Switching all or part to repayment is another option.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice: up to 1% of the loan, typically £500.