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How to Remortgage: A Comprehensive Guide

Our expert guide simplifies remortgaging for you. We'll explain the reasons, timing, and costs of refinancing. With a step-by-step guide covering every stage of the process, whether you're switching lenders or starting anew, we provide a comprehensive overview of all you need to know.
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In this guide
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    How Does A Remortgage Work?

    Remortgaging is the process of switching your current mortgage to a new one. This could be with your existing lender or a different one. It’s a crucial financial decision, as your mortgage is likely your most significant financial commitment. There are numerous options to choose from, and you’ll be tied in for several years, so it’s essential to understand what remortgaging entails and what you need to consider.

    “As a mortgage advisor at YesCanDo Money, I often tell my clients that remortgaging offers them the perfect chance to assess and make adjustments that could potentially save thousands over the life of their mortgage. Remortgage shouldn’t just mean finding lower interest rates; rather, it should help your current and future goals align with each mortgage offered on the market – every decision must be informed as making the wrong remortgage can seriously compromise financial health.” – Grant Humphires (Mortgage Adviser at YesCanDo Money)

    remortgage advisor

    Why Do People Remortgage?

    Understanding why people remortgage provides insight into a wide array of financial strategies and personal considerations, which could yield substantial advantages to homeowners. Understanding this will allow you to assess whether or not remortgaging is right for you.

    Below are 7 common reasons why people remortgage:

    1. Avoiding Standard Variable Rate (SVR)

    As your current mortgage term ends, remortgaging can prevent you from being transitioned onto your lender’s more expensive Standard Variable Rate (SVR), saving money with lower interest rates. With the current average SVR in 2024 veing around 7%, switching can save you a lot of money!

    2. Raising Funds

    Remortgaging can help fund major expenses such as home improvements, consolidating debt, or investing in another property by unlocking equity from your home to release funds that provide enough for these large expenses.

    3. Lower Monthly Repayments

    One of the primary incentives of refinancing is the opportunity to lower your monthly payments. By choosing a mortgage deal with lower interest rates, you can decrease outgoings and ease your financial strain.

    4. Overpayment Flexibility

    A change in your financial circumstances might allow you to overpay on your mortgage, speeding up its payoff timeframe and cutting interest costs. Remortgaging could provide more favorable terms that accommodate and even encourage overpayment.

    5. Responding to Base Rate Changes

    Should the Bank of England’s base rate fluctuate, this may have an impactful ripple-through to your variable-rate mortgage contract. Remortgaging could offer protection from potential interest rate increases by switching into a fixed-rate loan contract instead.

    6. Capitalising on Property Value Increase

    If the value of your home has increased, taking advantage of that increase might qualify you for more competitive mortgage rates and monthly payments. Remortgaging could reduce your loan-to-value ratio and possibly bring lower interest rates and monthly payments if remortgaged at this time.

    7. Switching to Fixed Rate

    For those expecting changes in their financial circumstances or interest rates, remortgaging can provide stability and predictability when planning their finances.

    These motivations underscore the strategic considerations behind the decision to remortgage. Whether it’s to save money, relieve financial stress, or tap into the equity of your home, remortgaging can offer numerous advantages tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Understanding the reasons why remortgaging might make sense is crucial to making an informed decision that supports your long-term financial wellbeing.

    How To Remortgage: What are the steps to remortgaging?

    Remortgaging may seem complex, but breaking it down into steps can make the process more manageable. Here is a detailed guide that can help guide your journey:

    If you’re on an introductory deal, your lender will contact you well in advance of its expiry date. This is your cue to start considering remortgaging options.

    Ask your lender for a redemption statement. This document outlines the amount needed to pay off your remaining mortgage loan, including fees. This is the amount you’d need to borrow if you decide to remortgage.

    A mortgage broker can help you find the best deal for your circumstances. They can search the whole market and often have access to exclusive deals.

    Choose between a repayment or interest-only mortgage. Interest-only mortgages have lower monthly repayments, but you’ll need a plan to repay the loan at the end of the term.

    If you’re changing lenders, you’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects, such as drawing up and signing the mortgage deed and transferring the property title.

    Gather documents like bank statements, payslips, utility bills, credit card statements, ID, records of regular outgoings, proof of bonuses or commission, and your P60. Having these ready can speed up the process.

    If the lender is satisfied with your documents, they’ll issue a Mortgage in Principle (MIP). This is a non-binding indication of how much they might be willing to lend.

    The lender will arrange a valuation to confirm the house is worth the amount you’re asking to borrow. This is usually paid for by the customer, although some deals include it.

    Provide information about your job, industry, income, spending habits, spending patterns, credit history and deposit size as part of your application for credit. The more evidence there is that shows you can be relied upon, the higher the likelihood that your application will be approved.

    If approved, the lender will send you and your solicitor a mortgage offer letter. This outlines the amount you can borrow and any conditions. Check it thoroughly and inform the lender if anything is incorrect or if your circumstances have changed.

    Your solicitor will request the money from the new lender and use it to pay off your old mortgage.

    Your solicitor will register the details of the new mortgage holder with the Land Registry and transfer title deeds if applicable to their new lender.

    Remember, each journey to refinancing can differ and the process will depend on both your circumstances and lender requirements.

    Unveiling the Costs of Remortgaging

    Remortgaging involves several costs, including early repayment charges, exit fees, new lender arrangement fees, legal fees, and valuation fees. It’s crucial to factor these into your decision-making process.

    If you are on a fixed rate or discounted mortgage deal, you’ll likely have to pay an early repayment charge to end that arrangement. These charges are usually calculated as a percentage of the balance still owing on the mortgage.

    Many lenders charge an exit fee for closing your mortgage account. These fees usually range between £50 – £300.

    Lenders can charge you for arranging the mortgage. These fees usually cost around £1000 but can be £1500 or more.

    The majority of legal fees on remortgages are usually covered by the lender themselves. If there is a charge, it will need to be paid upfront and can’t be added onto the new mortgage. Remortgage legal fees can cost from £300.

    These will depend on the value of the property and lenders will have their own fee scale. These can vary significantly from £100 up to £1500.

    When you engage a broker to assist you in the remortgaging process, they may charge a fee for their services. YesCanDo Money strives to make the remortgaging process as straightforward and cost-effective as possible, which is why we provide our fee-free service; lenders pay us directly once your mortgage completes and so there are no additional costs for us or you in most standard situations. That way you can benefit from expert advice without incurring additional financial strain.

    Exploring Different Scenarios for Remortgaging

    Remortgaging can be a strategic decision based on various scenarios. Whether you’re looking to extend your existing mortgage, invest in a Buy to Let property, or remortgage an existing Buy to Let property, it’s important to understand the implications and potential benefits.

    Remortgaging your existing home loan over a longer term can decrease monthly repayments but increase the overall cost.

    • Reduced monthly payments

    • Increased overall mortgage cost

    • Longer mortgage term

    Remortgaging your property can provide the capital necessary for investing in rental properties, but consider the additional debt.

    • Capital for investment

    • Increased potential income

    • Added mortgage debt

    Refinancing an existing Buy to Let property to a better deal can decrease your monthly expenses and increase profitability.

    • Lower monthly mortgage payments

    • Better interest rates

    • Increased profitability

    Remortgaging to consolidate unsecured debts into your mortgage can simplify finances but may increase the mortgage amount and term.

    • Consolidated debts into one payment

    • Simplified financial management

    • Increased mortgage amount and term

    Using remortgaging to fund home improvements can lead to improved living conditions, energy savings, and a potential increase in property value.

    • Fund for home improvements

    • Improved living conditions

    • Potential increase in property value

    Switching from an interest-only to a repayment mortgage can provide a clear repayment path but may increase monthly payments.

    • Transition from interest-only to repayment mortgage

    • A clear path to mortgage payoff

    • Likely an increase in monthly payments

    Remortgaging to a fixed-rate deal can offer protection against rising interest rates, ensuring consistent monthly payments.

    • Protection against rising rates

    • Fixed monthly payments

    • Stability despite changes in the base rate

    Remortgaging can potentially offer relief in financial difficulties by reducing monthly payments but it’s crucial to seek professional advice.

    • Possible reduction in monthly payments

    • Extension of the mortgage term

    • Need for professional financial advice

    Mortgage Advisor - Hannah

    Case Study: A Successful Remortgage

    Hannah (YesCanDo Mortgage Adviser)
    Hi, im Hannah one of the mortgage advisors at YesCanDo Money. Recently I helped my customers John and Sarah, a couple who were looking to to remortgage their home. They were coming to the end of their fixed-rate mortgage and were facing being moved onto their lender's standard variable rate which was significantly higher. They were looking to remortgage asap to avoid this change and after consulting us , they found an alternative lender with lower rates of interest that allowed them to reduce monthly payments by almost one half each month - saving thousands of pounds a year. This case study shows how remortgaging can be a financially advantageous decision when done correctly and in a timely manner with the help of an expert mortgage broker.

    Best Remortgage Rates

    As you browse the best buy remortgage rates table below, keep in mind that interest rates depend on average property prices and other factors. With access to over 90 lenders offering 14,000 mortgage products from different categories, finding your ideal rate may be difficult – for assistance and guidance through this complex world reach out to YesCanDo Money experts; they specialise in finding you the optimal loan product at an ideal rate!

    Potential Barriers to Remortgaging

    Several factors can hinder your ability to remortgage:

    1. Negative Equity: If you are in negative equity, it is very unlikely you will find a remortgage deal.

    2. Credit Rating Issues: If you have any issues with your credit rating, this can also affect your chances of a new mortgage.

    3. Self-Employment: If you are self-employed you may struggle to remortgage if you can’t provide adequate evidence of your income.

    4. Age Restrictions: Many of the bigger banks will lend into retirement but they will often have an upper age cap, with the majority asking for loans to be repaid before your 70th or 75th birthday.

    5. Income and Outgoings: Lenders also often demand higher salaries relative to loans than in previous years and take into account your outgoings as well as your income when deciding to offer you a mortgage.

    6. Property Type: If you live in a flat, your mortgage lender may ask to see the building’s EWS1 form.

    Choosing the Best Deal: Should You Stick with Your Existing Lender?

    A question we often get asked is should I remortgage with the same lender or switch? Before your current mortgage deal ends, you have two choices: stick with your existing product or shop around for better rates and deals. While it’s worth speaking to your existing mortgage lender about remortgaging, it’s also essential to shop around for the best rate. A fee-free broker can save money and help you compare mortgage deals from your current lender and other lenders.

    Should I remortgage with the same lender or switch?

    Staying with Your Existing Lender

    Choosing to stay with your current lender can offer a convenient path for remortgaging. They already have your details, understand your property, and this familiarity can significantly simplify the application process. When your existing deal ends, you transition seamlessly to the new deal and start making your new monthly payments.

    Pros:

    • Simplified process: Your lender already has your details, which can streamline the application process.

    • Cost savings: You can save on legal and admin fees as there’s no need to switch providers.

    • No credit check: Your current lender won’t need to check your credit file again.

    Cons:

    • Limited options: You’re restricted to the deals offered by your current lender.

    • Potential for higher rates: Your lender may not have the most competitive rates on the market.

    • Complacency risk: Staying with your current lender might mean missing out on better deals elsewhere.

    Switching to a New Lender

    Opting to switch to a new lender can open up a wider range of options. This process involves providing all your financial data to the new lender, including proof of earnings, bank statements, and your P60 tax form. Once your application is assessed and your credit history checked, the new lender, if approved, will pay off your old mortgage, and you’ll start making your new monthly payments to them.

    Pros:

    • Access to better deals: Switching lenders can give you access to more competitive rates and deals.

    • Potential for lower payments: A new lender might offer a lower interest rate, reducing your monthly payments.

    • Fresh financial assessment: A new lender might be more accommodating of changes in your financial circumstances.

    Cons:

    • More complex process: Switching lenders involves a more detailed application process.

    • Potential costs: You might face additional costs, such as valuation fees and legal fees.

    • Credit check: The new lender will check your credit history, which could impact your credit score.

    Assessing Your Remortgage Options: Affordability and Eligibility Criteria

    Before considering remortgaging, it’s essential to understand affordability and eligibility criteria. These factors play a critical role in determining if and under what terms a new mortgage deal can be secured.

    Affordability

    One of the primary criteria lenders use when reviewing your remortgage application is affordability. Lenders will assess your income, expenses, and any outstanding debts to determine whether you can afford your new mortgage payments within your budget. Therefore, it’s crucial that you gain an accurate picture of your finances prior to making this decision.

    Eligibility

    Remortgage eligibility criteria vary among lenders, and can include factors like your credit score, employment status, age, and equity in your home. Lenders also take into account factors like property type and condition before making their determination on approval for a remortgage loan application. Understanding these factors is the key to being approved for a refinancing loan.

    Remortgage Calculators: Estimating Potential Savings

    Navigating the process of refinancing can be complex, but our remortgage calculator can make it simpler. By simply entering details about your current mortgage into the tool, this user-friendly tool enables you to estimate possible increases in payments if remaining on an SVR with your lender.

    Once your discount, tracker, or fixed-rate mortgage ends, you’ll typically be moved onto your lender’s SVR, which can significantly increase your monthly payments. Our calculator can help you understand the potential cost implications of this switch.

    By calculating the difference between your current payments and potential new ones under the SVR, our calculator can give an approximate annual increase in payments you could face without refinancing. This feature is particularly helpful if your existing deal is coming to an end as this calculation takes into account all payments over a full year’s worth of payments.

    Our Remortgage Calculator can serve as an invaluable asset in making smart financial decisions. Use it to find out what staying with an SVR may cost and explore all your available options for making smart switches.

    Remortgage Calculator: Calculate how much you can save








    Please be aware that this calculator offers only an estimate based on your inputs, and should only be used as a guideline. For a more precise view of your potential savings and optimal remortgage options for your circumstances, it would be beneficial to speak to one of our mortgage advisors and receive fee-free advice.

    Mortgage Advisor - Claire

    An Experts Opinion on Remortgaging

    Claire Hurry, Senior Mortgage Advisor
    Remortgaging can be a strategic move for homeowners. It can help them capitalise on lower interest rates, reduce monthly payments, or free up cash for significant expenses. However, it's essential to consider the remortgage costs involved, including early repayment charges if applicable and exit fees. It's also worth speaking to your existing lender about remortgaging, but also essential to shop around for the best rate. Being an independent mortgage adviser working for a fee-free mortgage broker such as YesCanDo can provide valuable assistance in this process. As part of this process we do check with your current lender to make sure we give you access to all the best rates available to you.

    Conclusion

    Throughout this article, we’ve navigated the diverse landscape of remortgaging, exploring various scenarios where remortgaging can provide significant financial advantages. From extending your mortgage term, investing in a Buy to Let property, consolidating debt, to funding ambitious home improvements, remortgaging offers a multitude of solutions tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

    However, like any financial decision, remortgaging isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires careful consideration, strategic planning, and expert guidance. If you find yourself contemplating the path of remortgaging, remember, you don’t have to navigate these waters alone.

    Reach out to a dependable mortgage advisor who can offer tailored guidance based on your unique situation, or use our remortgage calculator for an estimated estimate of potential savings and costs involved.

    Remortgaging’s power lies in its strategic use. Be it to mitigate rising interest rates, alleviate financial strain or move towards greener and more energy-efficient homes – it could be exactly the tool you need to bring them all true!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    To qualify for a remortgage, it’s necessary to fulfil all the criteria set forth by your chosen lender. This typically includes having good credit scores, stable incomes, and sufficient equity in your home. Lenders also take into consideration factors like your age, property type, and income vs outgoings ratios when considering applicants.

    The difficulty of remortgaging depends on your individual circumstances; if you have an excellent credit score, reliable income, and enough equity in your home it should be straightforward. But self-employed borrowers or those in negative equity could find the process more complex; engaging a broker may make things simpler as they provide expert advice as well as navigate you through the application process to make remortgaging less daunting and more manageable.

    Yes, if you choose to remortgage for a higher amount than your existing mortgage (known as “equity release”), you can receive the difference in cash. This is often used for home improvements or other large expenses.

    Remortgaging involves switching your current mortgage to a new one. This could be with your existing lender or a different one. You’ll need to apply for a new mortgage, and if approved, your new lender will pay off your old mortgage, and you’ll start making repayments to them.

    Whenever you refinance, if your new mortgage loan exceeds what is owed on the existing one, the difference can be converted to cash – this process is known as “releasing equity”.

    No deposit is typically necessary when refinancing. Instead, your home equity serves as the deposit.

    To remortgage, start by reviewing your current mortgage and consulting a broker. Check with your current lender for any better deals, then apply for your new mortgage. If you’re switching lenders, you’ll need a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal aspects.

    Yes, this process is known as a cash-out refinancing or equity release. With it, you remortgage for an amount higher than your existing mortgage and receive any difference as cash payments.

    As part of the remortgage process, your lender will arrange a home valuation. This assessment helps them assess the current market value of your property to help determine how much loan money they’re willing to lend you.

    Remortgaging will have different impacts on mortgage payments depending on its terms. Remortgaging to a lower interest rate or lengthening the term could reduce payments, but releasing equity or switching to a higher rate could cause them to increase.

    FREE Remortgage Expert

    With dedicated support throughout, we have full-market access for the best remortgage rates & deals. We use mortgage calculators to find you the lowest interest rates in combination with the lowest arrangement fees making sure you have the lowest annual percentage rate over the term of your mortgage. We do everything for you, for free! So, whether you're employed or self-employed, looking to remortgage for equity release, or to benefit from more affordable mortgage payments, get in touch with our expert team today for further advice on how to remortgage onto a better deal.
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