Property UK
⏱ 3 min read min read
📅 Updated Apr 2026
How to Remortgage UK 2026: Step-by-Step Complete Guide
How to remortgage UK 2026 — best rates, step-by-step process, costs and when to act.
⚡ Editor's Verdict — Act 3–6 Months Before Your Deal Ends
Start looking 3–6 months before your current deal ends. A whole-of-market broker finds deals not available directly. Current best 5-year fix rates are around 4.09% — significantly better than the Standard Variable Rate (7–8%) you'll revert to if you do nothing. |
Remortgaging is the process of switching your mortgage to a new deal — either with your existing lender or a new one. The most important time to remortgage is when your current fixed-rate deal is ending, to avoid reverting to your lender's expensive Standard Variable Rate. How to Remortgage UK — Step by Step- Step 1 — Check your current deal: Find your mortgage statement or call your lender. Note when your fixed rate ends and whether Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) apply if you leave early.
- Step 2 — Get your property value: Use Zoopla, Rightmove, or a free estate agent valuation to estimate current value. This determines your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.
- Step 3 — Calculate your LTV: Divide your remaining mortgage balance by your property value. Lower LTV = better rates.
- Step 4 — Compare deals: Use a whole-of-market broker (L&C, Trussle, Habito) — they access exclusive deals unavailable directly.
- Step 5 — Apply 3–6 months early: You can lock in a rate 6 months before your current deal ends. This protects against rate rises.
- Step 6 — Complete legal work: Switching lenders needs a conveyancer (often free with remortgage deals). Staying with your lender (product transfer) requires no legal work.
Best Remortgage Rates UK April 2026| Type | Rate | Fee | LTV | Lender |
|---|
| 5-year fix | 4.09% | £999 | 60% | Barclays | | 5-year fix | 4.14% | £995 | 75% | Halifax | | 2-year fix | 4.19% | £999 | 60% | Nationwide | | 2-year fix | 4.24% | £999 | 75% | HSBC | | Tracker | 4.74% | £0 | 75% | Santander |
Remortgage Costs to Budget For| Cost | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Arrangement fee | £0–£1,499 | Often added to mortgage — increases total interest | | Valuation fee | £0–£500 | Usually free for remortgage | | Legal/conveyancing fees | £300–£700 | Only if switching lender — often free with deal | | Early repayment charge | 1–5% of balance | Only if exiting current deal before term ends | | Broker fee | £0–£500 | Many brokers are fee-free |
When should I remortgage?Start the process 3–6 months before your fixed rate ends. You can lock in a new rate up to 6 months ahead, protecting you against rate rises. If you wait until your deal expires, you'll be placed on the Standard Variable Rate (typically 7–8%) which is significantly more expensive. Should I use a mortgage broker to remortgage?Yes — a whole-of-market broker accesses deals not available directly to consumers, compares hundreds of products, and can advise on the best deal for your circumstances. L&C Mortgages, Trussle, and Habito are popular fee-free broker options. How long does a remortgage take?Switching lenders typically takes 4–8 weeks. A product transfer with your existing lender can complete in days. Allow at least 3 months from starting the process to completion to avoid any gap in fixed-rate cover. What is a product transfer remortgage?A product transfer means switching to a new deal with your existing lender without a full remortgage. It is faster (completes in days), requires no legal work, and avoids valuation fees. The downside is you only see your current lender's deals — a broker can check if switching lenders offers better rates. Sources: Bank of England base rate April 2026 · Moneyfacts mortgage tracker April 2026 · L&C Mortgages · Barclays remortgage rates · HSBC remortgage products |
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Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com
22 years in global marketing and finance publishing. Specialist in UK personal finance, insurance, tax and consumer money guides.
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