How does remortgaging work?

Remortgaging can be a useful way to get a new mortgage deal by moving your mortgage to a different lender.
Find out more about how remortgaging works.

 

What is remortgaging?

Remortgaging is when you take out a new mortgage on your current property with a different lender. This new mortgage deal will then replace your old one.

Your new deal could have a different rate, different monthly repayments and new terms and conditions.

Is remortgaging right for me?

Remortgaging is a bit different to transferring or porting your mortgage.

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Remortgage

Means taking out a new deal with a different lender.

Product transfer

Switch your mortgage deal but stay with your current lender.

Move your existing mortgage deal to a new home with the same lender.

Reasons to remortgage

Save money

You could save money by finding a better interest rate and reducing your monthly payment.

Switch your mortgage

A different mortgage type could better suit your needs, for example a fixed or tracker rate.

Change the length of your mortgage

When you remortgage to a new lender, you can apply for a new term. You might want more time, or a shorter term to clear it sooner.

Release equity from your home

You can use this money for a range of things, from home improvements to consolidating debt.

Planning to remortgage

Learn how long the remortgage process could take, and when you can do this.

How long does remortgaging take?

Remortgaging your home usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. But it might take longer in some circumstances. During this time, lenders might run their own credit checks to see if you’re suitable for the new mortgage deal.

You can help speed up the process by getting your details ready. This might include proof of your:

  • income and outgoings from the last three months
  • identity – such as your passport or driving licence
  • address – utilities or credit card bills.

Can you remortgage early?

You can usually remortgage your home at any time. But leaving your current mortgage deal early might mean you pay an early repayment charge.

You may want to wait and remortgage when your current deal ends. Though you might be able to secure a new deal before this. Check with your existing mortgage lender to find out when you can remortgage.

If you don’t take out a new deal before your current one ends, your mortgage may be moved onto a standard variable rate (SVR) set by your lender.

How to remortgage

There are lots of steps involved in remortgaging, but we’ll help you every step of the way.

1. Research your remortgage options

Check your finances to work out how much you could afford to repay each month. This might be more or less than what you pay at the moment.

Then a remortgage calculator can help you compare your mortgage options. See how much you could borrow and what your monthly repayments might be.

2. Consider the costs

There are likely to be fees involved when remortgaging. This could be for a conveyancer or any early repayment charges you might need to pay on your existing mortgage.

Find out more about remortgaging costs.

3. Apply for an agreement in principle

The next step is to apply for an agreement in principle (AIP). This will let you know how much you could borrow before you apply.

You can then apply online if you don’t need advice or book an appointment with one of our mortgage and protection advisers.

4. Contact a conveyancer

You’ll need a conveyancer to move your mortgage to a new lender. They’ll help complete the necessary legal work, such as drawing up the mortgage deed and transferring the money.

If you choose to use one of our conveyancers, we'll cover your basic legal fees.

5. Get a valuation and offer

Your new lender may also want to arrange a valuation of your property to check it’s suitable for a mortgage.

Once this is approved, you’ll receive a formal mortgage offer.

6. Complete your new mortgage

After all the legal work is done and your new mortgage is arranged, your conveyancer will arrange money to be transferred.

Your new deal will then start.

Thinking of remortgaging to Lloyds?

 
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Remortgage Calculator

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  • Work out what your new monthly repayments could be.
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You could lose your home if you don’t keep up your mortgage repayments

Let’s look at the details

  • If you’re switching between providers, you’ll probably need to use a solicitor or conveyancer.

    Mortgage providers often offer a solicitor or conveyancing as part of the new deal or for a fee. Alternatively, you can source your own.

  • There are some potential costs to be aware of when you mortgage, including:

    • early repayment charges
    • valuation fees
    • legal fees.

    Your new lender might cover some of these costs, so it’s worth checking before you remortgage. For example, at Lloyds, we can help cover your basic legal fees and won’t charge you a valuation fee when remortgaging to us.

    Learn more about how much it costs to remortgage.

  • As with any financial decision, there could be risks that mean remortgaging is not the right choice for you. Some of the risks to consider might include:

    • interest rates - your current mortgage may already have the best rate you can get, so you might not save by remortgaging
    • early repayment payment periods - if you’re ending your current mortgage deal early, you might have to pay an early repayment charge
    • negative equity - if you owe more on your mortgage than your house is worth, you’re in negative equity. Homeowners with negative or low equity might find it harder to remortgage.
  • Moving your mortgage deal to another lender is just one type of remortgaging. Other types might include:

    • remortgaging to change ownership – this involves changing the names on your mortgage and title deeds
    • An unencumbered remortgage – this might be an option if you’re mortgage-free but want to access some of the equity in your home.

    Terms and conditions apply to both types of remortgaging.

  • Lenders usually check your affordability when you remortgage. This can help them decide whether to lend to you. They might also carry out a valuation of your property to check if the property is suitable for a mortgage.

  • Some lenders run a hard credit check when you remortgage. This could temporarily affect your credit score. It’s best to check with your lender before applying to find out what type of credit check they carry out.

  • Yes, your house may get revalued when your remortgage. This is to check you’re suitable for a mortgage lender’s products. They will need to check the current market value of your property and your loan to value ratio.

    If you’re switching to a new deal with the same lender, they might want to revalue your property if you want to borrow more.

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Help and guidance

Use our mortgages hub to discover everything you need to know about applying for a mortgage, moving house or remortgaging. 

Mortgage help

Help and guidance

Use our mortgages hub to discover everything you need to know about applying for a mortgage, moving house or remortgaging. 

Mortgage help