The Complete
Remortgage Guide
Scroll through our visual walkthrough — everything you need to know about switching your mortgage, beautifully explained.
By Matty Stevens, Senior Mortgage Advisor at The Mortgage Genie
Switching your mortgage to a better deal
Remortgaging means replacing your current mortgage with a new one — either from the same lender or a different one. Your property stays the same; it's only the agreement that changes.
6.5%
Typical SVR
3.8%
Best remortgage rate
Doing nothing could cost you £300+/month
When your fixed rate ends, you automatically move to your lender's Standard Variable Rate — typically 2–3% higher. On a £200,000 mortgage, that's over £300 extra every single month.
Start looking 3–6 months before your deal ends
Most lenders hold mortgage offers for 3–6 months. Start early to lock in the competitive rate before your current deal expires. A broker can secure rates months in advance — for free.
6 months
Start here ✓
3 months
Start here ✓
Deal ends
SVR kicks in
Too late ✗
8 simple steps to a better deal
From gathering documents to completion day, the entire remortgage process typically takes just 4–8 weeks. A broker handles most of the heavy lifting for you.
Many fees can be avoided entirely
The cheapest way to remortgage is a no-fee deal with free valuation and free legal work — many lenders offer all three. Always compare total cost, not just the rate.
Access the value locked in your home
If your property has risen in value, you can borrow against this equity for home improvements, helping children buy, debt consolidation, or buying a second property.
Current mortgage: £150k
Available equity: up to £120k
Home value: £300k
90+ lenders compared in minutes — for free
A Halifax calculator shows Halifax deals. A Nationwide calculator shows Nationwide products. A broker compares deals across a comprehensive panel of lenders simultaneously — including exclusive rates you can't find online.
Specialist lenders can still help
Even with missed payments, CCJs, defaults, or debt management plans — specialist lenders exist. A broker knows exactly which lenders accept which credit issues.
Missed payments
Lenders available
CCJs or defaults
Lenders available
Debt management
Lenders available
Low credit score
Lenders available
Related Guides & Tools
Ready to save?
Our Free Initial Advice service compares rates from 90+ lenders to find you the best remortgage deal. No cost, no obligation.
Before you apply, check your credit score for free — it helps your broker find the right lender first time.
Guide by Matty Stevens at The Mortgage Genie · Published April 2026 · Updated regularly