Remortgaging is the process of switching an existing mortgage deal with a new one at the end of your fixed term.
Most people often choose to remortgage their property for Better rates and many other reasons. Some people choose to stay with the same lender, but some fail to remortgage on time, resulting in a lot more in monthly mortgage payments.
Not knowing where to start and what documents are needed for a remortgage leads people to go on a standard variable rate, resulting in more spent on monthly mortgage payments.
We will look at: what documents are required for a remortgage? What is the remortgage process, how long does a remortgage application take, and how to avoid higher interest rates? Most importantly when you should start the remortgage process.
What is a Remortgage and Why Should You Consider It?
Remortgaging is the process of switching an existing mortgage deal with a new one at the end of the fixed term. Most borrowers remortgage their properties for better interest rates with the same lender or with a new lender.
But many choose to remortgage at the end of the fixed term, in order to pay off existing debts, raise money for BTL investments, or do home improvements.
Whatever reason for your remortgage, always compare the remortgage rates to find the better remortgage deal and save more money.
The Benefits of Remortgaging?
The primary driver for most homeowners is saving money. When your initial fixed-rate or tracker deal ends, your lender will typically move you onto their Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is almost always higher. By remortgaging, you can access more competitive rates and achieve several key benefits:
Lower Monthly Payments:
Securing a lower interest rate is the most direct way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments, which can save you on your disposable income.
Secure a Fixed Rate:
In times of economic uncertainty, locking in a fixed rate for 2,or 5 years provides stability and peace of mind, as your payments won’t change for the fixed term.
Raising Money:
You can borrow more money against the value of your property. This sum can be used for many reasons like home improvements, deposit for purchase, consolidating debts.
When is the Right Time to Remortgage?
While you can remortgage at any point, the most strategic times are:
1. Your Current Deal is Ending:
Start looking for a new deal 3-6 months before your current fixed or discount period ends. This gives you ample time to complete the process and avoid falling onto the higher SVR.
2. Your Property Value Has Increased:
If your home’s value has risen significantly, your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio will have decreased, which can make you eligible for much better interest rates but be mindful of the early repayment charges.
3. You Want to Borrow More:
If you need to raise capital for a specific purpose, remortgaging is often seen as a better way of releasing money from property.
Documents required to remortgage.
At the end of your fixed term you will have two options for your remortgage.
First one is to stay with the same lender, which is called a rate switch or product transfer.
Second one is changing your current lender and go to a new lender.
A Rate switch or product transfer is a simple process that requires less paperwork compared to a remortgage to a different lender. Should you remortgage with the same lender or a new one?
Contact us to find out what works best for you.
Some of the key documents you would need for remortgaging your property with different lender.
Mortgage statement
You will need your current mortgage details when you are remortgaging. A Mortgage statement will have important information like outstanding loans, your current mortgage rate and any charges if you pay off your mortgage early, known as early repayment charges.
If you are working with a mortgage broker, then they can help you to go through these details with you.
Income proof
When applying for a remortgage, your new lender will look at your income proof to make sure your mortgage is affordable. If you have an employed income, then the minimum documents required are 3 months’ of pay slips (if you are paid monthly) and your P60.
If you are a sole trader or a limited company, then you will need an SA302 and Tax Overview for the last 2 years. Sometimes your lender may ask for an accountant certificate or full audited accounts.
Address and Id Proof
A Copy of your latest utility bill with council tax and water bill is required along with your proof of identity such as a passport copy or driving license.
Bank Statements
You are required to provide all of the details of your personal commitment like personal loans, car loans or a credit card that you may have which can be evidence from your bank statement. Your lender will also cross check the declared income from your bank statements.
These are some of the basic documents needed to start the remortgage process. Depending on your personal circumstances your lender may ask for more information.
Working with Fee free mortgage advisors will make things quicker and easy as your mortgage broker can prepare all the documents beforehand.
A step by step guide to the remortgage process.
1. Lender Communication
Your bank or building society will write to you in advance to let you know that it is time to remortgage and the options you may have.
2. Speak to a no-fee Mortgage Broker
Working with a fee free mortgage advisor like MariannaFS will not only save you money on broker fees but ensures you are not left out with a better mortgage deal.
3. Submit the Mortgage Application
After discussing your mortgage needs and preference, your mortgage broker will submit the mortgage application . It can be a mortgage application with the same lender or a new lender.
4. Mortgage Valuation
Your lender will instruct the valuation of your property to know the value it is worth for a remortgage. Most lenders offer a free valuation for remortgage.
5. Mortgage Offer
After a satisfactory valuation and an income affordability assessment, your lender will issue a mortgage offer.
6. Solicitors Work
Most lenders offer free legal advice for a remortgage or offer cash back for using their own solicitors. The legal process is quicker compared to the property purchase.
Your solicitors will prepare the completion statement and necessary paperwork to transfer the property deed to new lender.
Some of the FAQs with Remortgages
When should I start the remortgage process?
Remortgage process can be start as early as 3 months. Depending on personal circumstances remortgage can be done early. Speak to MariannaFS about your remortgage start date.
How long does it take to remortgage?
Remortgaging with new lender, it will take 4-8 weeks to complete the remortgage process. From The day you start the remortgage application, your mortgage will be offered in 1-4 weeks. Your remortgage legal work takes around 3-4 weeks.
A product transfer or product switch can be very quick and involve no legal work. A Product transfer takes 1-2 weeks
Do I need a solicitor for a remortgage?
If you are changing to a new lender, this requires a solicitor to do the legal work of transferring the property called Conveyancing. The work involved is a lot less compared to purchasing a property. But a remortgage to the same lender does not need a solicitor.
Do I need a mortgage broker to remortgage?
Mortgage advisors are experienced professionals who can compare the right mortgages for you. A Mortgage broker can help you to decide if you remortgage with the same lender or change to a new lender. Not all mortgage brokers charge fees MariannaFS offers fee free remortgage advice.
Should I remortgage with the same lender or a new one?
This is dependent on your personal circumstances but talking to mortgage advisors will help you to decide to remortgage to new lender or stay with same.
Remortgaging with MariannaFS
Finding the “best” remortgage deal is not just about finding the lowest interest rate; it’s about finding the right product for your current circumstances. The true cost of a mortgage includes both the rate and any associated cost like product fees and cash back amount.
A deal with a slightly higher rate but no arrangement fee might work out cheaper overall. This is where our expertise is crucial.
At Marianna Financial Services, we simplify the complex process of how to remortgage your house. Our experienced, fee-free mortgage advisors provide whole-of-market access, ensuring we find a deal that is perfectly tailored to your needs. We manage the application from start to finish, giving you the confidence and peace of mind.
Get in touch with our mortgage experts at Marianna FS. We are proud of our 435 Five Star Reviews.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid While Remortgaging
Going onto the SVR:
Forgetting to remortgage in time can cost you thousands per year. Solution: Set a calendar reminder 6 months before your deal ends.
Ignoring Fees:
Don’t look for low headline rate. Always check for fees like arrangement, valuation or legal fees. Solution: Ask your broker to calculate the total to pay over the fixed period.
Damaging Your Credit Score:
Applying for credit application like car loans or credit cards just before a remortgage application can damage your credit score affecting your chances of approval. Solution: Avoid any new credit applications in the 3-6 months leading up to remortgaging.
Conclusion: Your Next Step to a Better Mortgage Deal
In summary, understanding the remortgage process is the first and most crucial step toward taking control of your financial future. As we’ve covered, knowing the right time to act, what documents you’ll need, and the steps involved can save you from lapsing onto a costly Standard Variable Rate and unlock the potential for significant savings.
While the process is straightforward, navigating the mortgage maze to find the best remortgage deal and avoiding common pitfalls is where expert guidance makes all the difference. With careful planning and the right support, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free remortgage .
Ready to find out how much you could save? Our team of experienced, fee-free mortgage advisors at MariannaFS is here to guide you.
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