When Can You Remortgage? Key Timing Factors
The timing of a remortgage can have a significant impact on your monthly repayments, interest rates, and overall financial health. Acting too soon or too late can mean higher costs or missed savings opportunities. Understanding the right time to remortgage can help you secure a better deal and avoid unnecessary fees.
How Soon Can You Remortgage After Buying a Home?
Most lenders require a minimum of six months before you can remortgage after purchasing a property. This means that if you have recently taken out a mortgage, you may need to wait at least half a year before applying for a new deal.
However, the exact timeframe depends on the lender’s policies and the type of mortgage you currently have. Some lenders may allow earlier remortgaging, particularly for those with special circumstances, such as homeowners looking to remove a name from a joint mortgage after a separation.
In some cases, remortgaging within the first year may come with early repayment charges (ERCs), making it financially unwise unless the savings from a new deal outweigh the penalties. It is essential to check your existing mortgage agreement and speak to a solicitor before making any decisions.
How Early Can You Start Looking Before Your Fixed Rate Ends?
If you are on a fixed-rate mortgage, it is usually best to start exploring remortgage options three to six months before your deal ends. This allows time to compare lenders, check your eligibility, and secure a better rate before moving onto the Standard Variable Rate (SVR).
Many lenders offer a mortgage offer validity period, which means you can apply for a remortgage in advance and have it take effect once your current deal ends. By securing a new mortgage ahead of time, you can ensure a seamless transition without unnecessary increases in repayments.
Failing to prepare early may result in being placed on the lender’s SVR, which is often much higher than fixed or tracker rates. This can increase your mortgage costs significantly and make remortgaging more urgent.
Key Factors That Determine When You Should Remortgage
Several factors influence the right time to remortgage. These include the end of a fixed term, equity growth, interest rate trends, and personal financial circumstances.
1. End of a Fixed-Term Deal
One of the most common reasons for remortgaging is to avoid moving onto the lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR). When your fixed-rate or tracker mortgage expires, most lenders automatically switch borrowers to their SVR.
SVR rates are typically much higher than fixed or discounted rates, meaning your monthly repayments could increase significantly if you do not remortgage in time. The best strategy is to lock in a new deal before your current one ends, ensuring financial stability and avoiding unexpected rises in payments.
2. Building Equity – A Lower Loan-to-Value (LTV) Can Unlock Better Rates
Your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio plays a crucial role in determining your mortgage rates. LTV is the percentage of your property’s value that is covered by your mortgage.
- If your property value has increased or you have paid down a significant portion of your loan, your LTV will be lower.
- A lower LTV means better interest rates, as lenders see you as a lower-risk borrower.
For example, moving from a 90% LTV mortgage to an 80% LTV mortgage could open the door to lower interest rates and reduced monthly repayments. If you believe your property has increased in value, obtaining a new valuation before remortgaging could help you secure a better deal.
3. Falling Interest Rates – Finding a More Competitive Deal
Mortgage rates fluctuate based on economic conditions, lender competition, and central bank policies. If interest rates have dropped since you took out your mortgage, you may be able to switch to a lower rate and reduce your monthly repayments.
Even if you are still within a fixed-term deal, it may be worth calculating whether early repayment charges (ERCs) are lower than the savings you would gain from remortgaging.
However, predicting interest rate movements can be challenging. Seeking expert legal and financial advice before making a decision can help ensure you are making the right move at the right time.
4. Personal Circumstances – Job Changes, Credit Score Improvements, or Financial Difficulties
Your personal and financial situation can impact the best time to remortgage.
- Improved credit score – If your credit rating has improved since you took out your mortgage, you may now qualify for better interest rates.
- Job change or increased income – A higher, more stable income could make you eligible for more competitive mortgage deals.
- Financial difficulties – If you are struggling with repayments, remortgaging could help by extending your mortgage term, reducing monthly payments, or consolidating debts. However, this needs careful legal and financial planning to avoid long-term risks.