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Home mortgages Remortgage for Home Improvements UK: How It Works 2026
mortgages

Remortgage for Home Improvements UK: How It Works 2026

CT
Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor, Kaeltripton
Published 7 Apr 2026
Last reviewed 7 Apr 2026
✓ Fact-checked
Remortgage for Home Improvements UK: How It Works 2026

Can you remortgage to fund home improvements?

Yes. Remortgaging to release equity for home improvements is one of the most common reasons homeowners remortgage in the UK. You borrow more than your current outstanding mortgage amount, use the extra to fund renovations, and repay the larger loan over your remaining mortgage term.

Remortgaging for home improvements makes most sense when your property has equity, your current fixed rate is ending, and the improvements are likely to add value equal to or greater than the borrowing cost.

How does remortgaging for home improvements work?

  • Your property is revalued to establish current equity
  • You apply for a new mortgage for a larger amount — your outstanding balance plus the improvement budget
  • The new mortgage pays off the old one; the surplus is paid to you as cash
  • You repay the new, larger mortgage over the term at the new rate

Example: remortgaging to fund an extension

Before remortgageAfter remortgage
Property value£350,000£380,000 (estimated post-improvement)
Mortgage balance£200,000£240,000
LTV57%63%
Cash released£40,000 for extension
Monthly payment (at 4.2%)£1,050£1,260

Which home improvements add the most value?

ImprovementTypical value addedAverage cost
Loft conversion10 to 20% of property value£25,000 to £60,000
Kitchen extension5 to 15%£20,000 to £50,000
New kitchen (no extension)3 to 5%£8,000 to £25,000
Bathroom renovation2 to 4%£4,000 to £12,000
New boiler / heating1 to 2%£2,500 to £5,000
Garden landscaping1 to 3%£3,000 to £15,000

Alternatives to remortgaging for home improvements

  • Further advance — borrow more from your existing lender without a full remortgage; simpler but may be at a different rate
  • Secured loan (second charge) — a separate loan secured against your home; useful if your current mortgage has high ERCs
  • Personal loan — unsecured; no home at risk but higher rates and limited to around £25,000
  • 0% credit card — suitable for smaller improvements; must clear within the 0% period

What are the costs of remortgaging for home improvements?

  • Early repayment charge — if you are in a fixed term, typically 1 to 5% of outstanding balance
  • Arrangement fee — typically £999 to £1,999 on the new mortgage
  • Valuation fee — often free with remortgage products
  • Legal fees — often included free with remortgage deals
Verdict
Strong option if you have equity and your fixed rate is ending
Remortgaging for home improvements is cost-effective when timed with a deal expiry to avoid ERCs. Compare total borrowing cost over the term — not just the monthly payment — against alternatives like a further advance or secured loan.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission before remortgaging for an extension?
Planning permission is a separate matter from your mortgage. Lenders do not typically require planning permission before releasing funds for improvements, but you should have it in place before starting work.
Will home improvements increase my mortgage rate?
Not directly. Your rate depends on your LTV — if borrowing more increases your LTV into a higher band, your rate may increase. Model the LTV impact before deciding how much to borrow.
Can I remortgage to pay for a new kitchen or bathroom?
Yes. Lenders do not restrict what home improvements you fund with a remortgage — as long as you can demonstrate affordability for the larger loan.
Is a further advance better than remortgaging for improvements?
A further advance is simpler and avoids conveyancing costs, but your existing lender may charge a higher rate than the wider market. A full remortgage lets you access the best available deals. Compare both with a broker.
CT
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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