Answers · UK 2025/26
When should I remortgage in the UK?
Start shopping for a new mortgage 6 months before your fixed deal ends. You can lock in a new rate up to 6 months ahead. Remortgaging is worth it when: switching to a lower rate, you need to release equity, or you want to change the term — but watch for early-repayment charges (ERCs).
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A typical UK fixed-rate mortgage lasts 2, 3, 5 or 10 years. When it ends, you revert to the lender's Standard Variable Rate (SVR) — usually 2–4% higher than fixed deals. Start comparing remortgages 6 months before your deal ends; most lenders let you lock in a new rate up to 6 months in advance. When to remortgage: (1) coming off a fixed deal — almost always worth it; (2) rates fall below your fixed rate by 1%+ AND you have less than 1 year to go (calculate ERC vs interest saving); (3) you need to release equity (extra borrowing for renovations, debt consolidation, helping family); (4) you want to change the term (extend to reduce payments, shorten to clear faster); (5) you want a different product (e.g. offset, interest-only, BTL). Watch out for: Early Repayment Charges (typically 1–5% of balance), valuation/legal fees (£200–£800 if not free), product fees (£0–£2,000). Use our Remortgage calculator to model the break-even.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.