Mortgages
⏱ 3 min read
📅 Updated Apr 2026
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 remortgage | After remortgage |
|---|
| Property value | £350,000 | £380,000 (estimated post-improvement) | | Mortgage balance | £200,000 | £240,000 | | LTV | 57% | 63% | | Cash released | — | £40,000 for extension | | Monthly payment (at 4.2%) | £1,050 | £1,260 |
Which home improvements add the most value?| Improvement | Typical value added | Average cost |
|---|
| Loft conversion | 10 to 20% of property value | £25,000 to £60,000 | | Kitchen extension | 5 to 15% | £20,000 to £50,000 | | New kitchen (no extension) | 3 to 5% | £8,000 to £25,000 | | Bathroom renovation | 2 to 4% | £4,000 to £12,000 | | New boiler / heating | 1 to 2% | £2,500 to £5,000 | | Garden landscaping | 1 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 questionsDo 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. |
Part of our complete guide: UK Mortgage Rates April 2026 - Current Rates & Guide → Find a whole-of-market mortgage broker →
Editorial Disclaimer
The content on Kaeltripton.com is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal or regulatory advice. Kaeltripton.com is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is not a financial adviser, mortgage broker, insurance intermediary or investment firm. Nothing on this site should be construed as a personal recommendation. Rates, figures and product details are indicative only, subject to change without notice, and should always be verified directly with the relevant provider, HMRC, the FCA register, the Bank of England, Ofgem or other appropriate authority before any financial decision is made. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. If you require regulated financial advice, please consult a qualified adviser authorised by the FCA.
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Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com
Chandraketu (CK) Tripathi, founder and lead editor of Kael Tripton. 22 years in finance and marketing across 23 markets. Writes on UK personal finance, tax, mortgages, insurance, energy, and investing. Sources: HMRC, FCA, Ofgem, BoE, ONS.
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