Should you remortgage with the same lender or switch?
Remortgaging can give you a better interest rate, more flexible mortgage terms, and the chance to borrow more money if you need to.
Last updated on
Oct 25, 2023 14:09
As your initial period (the lower interest introductory offer you get when you start your mortgage) comes to an end, it’s always worth checking to see if you can hop to another introductory deal.
This new deal can still be with your current lender – that’s called a product transfer. Or it can be with a new lender. You’re under zero obligation to stay with your existing lender.
You don’t even have to remortgage at all, but one thing’s for sure – it’s always worth checking the deals available to see what makes the most financial sense.
When you stay with your lender, you usually don’t need to pay for legal paperwork and a new valuation. Note though that many remortgage deals with other lenders will pick up the tab for some of these legal and survey fees.
To remortgage with a new lender, you need to start looking into available options 3-4 months before your rate expires. But transfer to a new mortgage with your current lender, and you could be done with your switch a little quicker – usually in a matter of days.
Your current lender’s deals are only a tiny fraction of the overall remortgage market. As an existing customer, you might not even have access to their new customer deals either. There’s a whole world of deals out there – at least check! You might find not just lower rates, but more flexible terms out there. Try our remortgage calculator to see what you could save on a remortgage.
Lenders often throw freebies into their remortgage deals, like zero solicitor fees, cashback offers and free valuations. It can be hard to keep track of how these things affect the total costs you’ll be paying – we can help you take a look and decide if it’s worth switching early or waiting.
When is offsetting the best option? Here’s a clear, concise guide to help you choose the mortgage that makes sense for you.
How does remortgaging work, why should you remortgage, and what do you need to know before you do it? Here, we explain it all.
Habito specialises in helping you get the best mortgage or remortgage, all online, for free