Remortgaging has enough moving parts without adding appointments, paperwork and phone calls to the list. These days, most of the process can happen from your laptop or phone, from comparing deals and uploading documents to checking progress and speaking to your broker. If you remortgage to a new lender, legal work is usually needed to complete the switch.

The main difference isn't what happens to your mortgage. It's how much of the chasing, paperwork and back-and-forth you can do online. Here's how the process works, what you'll need to have ready and when you might prefer a bit more human contact.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

This article is for general information only and isn't personal financial advice.

What is remortgaging, and when do people do it?

Remortgaging usually means replacing your existing mortgage with a new mortgage from a different lender. If you stay with your current lender and switch to a new deal, that’s usually called a product transfer. Most homeowners remortgage when their current fixed rate is about to end, when they want to release equity, or when their circumstances change.

Here are some things to know:

  • SVR (standard variable rate) is the lender's default interest rate, which can change at any time. If your fixed deal ends and you don't act, you may roll onto the standard variable rate. If your mortgage is on a variable rate, your monthly payments could go up or down.
  • ERC ( An early repayment charge) is a fee some lenders charge if you repay your mortgage before your deal ends, so check the terms before you switch.
  • LTV (loan-to-value) is the percentage of your property's value that you borrow.

Remortgaging isn't the same as equity release, which is a specific product for homeowners over 55.

If you're weighing up debt consolidation as a reason to remortgage, there's an important risk to consider. Consolidating debts into your mortgage could mean you pay more overall and your home may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments.

If you want the fuller picture of how remortgaging works from start to finish, our main remortgaging guide covers it in more depth.

Can you apply for a remortgage online?

You can start and largely run a remortgage application online in the UK. Depending on the service you use, you can fill in forms, upload documents, track progress and message your broker online. A solicitor still handles the legal side, and the lender still does its own checks.

If you want a wider look, our guide on applying for a mortgage online in the UK walks you through the whole process.

Is an online remortgage application different from an in-person one?

The main stages are broadly similar, although the exact process can vary depending on the lender, broker and your circumstances.. What changes is how you interact with your broker or lender. A "digital-first" or online remortgage uses a dashboard and messaging rather than face-to-face meetings and posted paperwork. The lender's decisions, the legal work, and the funds transfer all happen in much the same way.

The online remortgage process, step by step

Here's what an online remortgage looks like from your side, from the moment you start comparing deals to the day your new mortgage starts.

  1. Compare deals and get rough quotes online. Run the numbers on a calculator to get a feel for what's out there, all from the comfort of your home.
  2. Speak to a broker (phone, chat, or dashboard message). Once you've had a look, you connect with a broker to talk through your options, no appointment or trip required.
  3. Upload your documents to a secure portal. Instead of posting copies, you scan or photograph your paperwork and upload it directly.
  4. Your broker submits the application. Your broker packages everything and sends it to the lender on your behalf, keeping you updated through your dashboard.
  5. The lender values your property. This may be done with a desktop valuation, so nobody needs to visit your home, although some properties will need an in-person valuation. To learn more about how valuations work, see our guide on valuation and equity.
  6. You receive your formal mortgage offer. Once the lender approves your application, you'll get the offer to review.
  7. A solicitor handles the legal transfer and your remortgage is completed. The legal work happens off-screen, though you can still track its progress online.

For more on when to make the switch, see our guide on when to remortgage.

Online vs traditional remortgage: what changes

Online or in person, most of the process is similar. But here's what actually changes:

Stage Online remortgage Traditional remortgage
Applying Online form, dashboard, and messaging, fits around work hours In-person appointment or phone call plus posted forms
Providing documents Upload directly to a secure portal Post or hand-deliver copies
Communicating with your broker Phone, chat, and dashboard updates Phone or in-person appointments
Valuation and underwriting Same for both, lender decides, sometimes automatically (desktop valuation) Same for both, lender decides, sometimes automatically
Legal work Same for both, a solicitor or conveyancer handles the transfer if you're switching lender Same for both

The biggest differences come down to how you apply and how you stay in touch with your broker. Everything else, including the lender's checks and the legal process, works the same whichever channel you choose..

What you'll need to remortgage online

Get your paperwork in order before you start and you won't be scrambling for a payslip halfway through the upload. Your broker or lender is likely to ask for:

  • Proof of ID (passport or driving licence)
  • Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
  • Last 3 months' payslips (or SA302s and tax year overviews if you're self-employed)
  • Last 3 months' bank statements
  • Details of your existing mortgage (balance, product end date, and early repayment chargess if any)
  • Details of any other debts and outgoings
  • Buildings insurance details (or confirmation these will be in place at completion)

Requirements vary by lender, so you might be asked for a bit more or a bit less depending on your circumstances.

Here's a fuller list of the documents you'll need.

When online remortgaging might not suit you

Online remortgaging can work well when your circumstances are fairly straightforward. It may suit you less if your case is complex:

  • Adverse credit or a patchy financial history: you may benefit from talking things through in more detail before applying.
  • Non-standard employment or income: if you're self-employed with complex accounts or have irregular earnings, a longer conversation can help package your application well.
  • Unusual property types: non-standard construction or unusual builds can need extra explanation and manual review, so the lender may come back with more questions.

None of these mean an online remortgage is off the table. Plenty of online brokers handle more complex cases too. If you're not sure where your situation falls, see our guide on whether remortgaging is difficult.

How to start remortgaging online with Habito

You can start online in a few minutes. Tell us a bit about your situation and current mortgage, and we'll match you with a Habito adviser who can look at deals from a wide range of lenders. You can chat by phone, message us through your dashboard, or upload documents whenever suits you.

From there, your adviser takes care of the application, keeping the ball rolling and posting updates through your dashboard. You can check where things stand whenever you like.

Want a rough idea of your options first? Try our remortgage calculator to get started.

Habito is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 714187).

Frequently asked questions

Got a question? We've covered some of the common ones for you.

Can I remortgage entirely online in the UK?

You can complete most of a UK remortgage online. That includes the application, document uploads and progress tracking. The lender's valuation and the final legal transfer are handled by third parties (a valuer and a solicitor), but you can track both through your online dashboard.

How long does an online remortgage take?

It takes several weeks, depending on your lender, solicitor and how complicated your case is. Doing the admin online can cut down on phone calls and posted paperwork, but the lender's valuation and legal work still take time.

For the full timeline, see our guide to how long a remortgage takes.

Can I get remortgage quotes online quickly?

You can get an indicative remortgage quote online in a few minutes using an online broker's calculator or getting-started form. The deals actually available to you will depend on the lender's affordability and eligibility checks and your circumstances.

What's the best site for remortgaging online in the UK?

There's no single best site. The right online remortgage service for you depends on how you like to work, whether you want a dedicated adviser, and how complex your case is. Look for an FCA-authorised firm, clear fee information, and a broker (not just a comparison site) if your circumstances aren't straightforward.

Do I need a solicitor to remortgage online?

If you're switching to a new lender, yes. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer handles the legal transfer of deeds, even for a fully digital application. If you're staying with your current lender (a product transfer), you usually don't need one.

Is an online remortgage safe?

When remortgaging online, check that the broker or lender is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority before sharing documents or personal information. You can look up the firm on the FCA Financial Services Register before you get started.

When you're ready to start

Whether remortgaging early is right for you will depend on factors like early repayment charges, fees, affordability checks, and the deals you qualify for.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.