Your deal is ending. The next move is worth hundreds a month.
When a fixed rate finishes, your lender quietly moves you onto their standard variable rate, often several percent higher. Debbie's job is to make sure that never happens to you. Here's how remortgaging works, when to start, and what it really costs.
What the SVR actually costs you
The standard variable rate is the lender's default tariff, the price you pay for doing nothing. It's typically well above the rates available to switchers, it can move whenever the lender likes, and on a £200,000 balance the difference between an SVR and a competitive fixed deal is routinely several hundred pounds a month.
Remortgaging simply means moving your loan to a better deal when the current one ends, either with a new lender, or sometimes by taking a new rate with your existing one (a product transfer). Debbie compares both routes every time, because either can win depending on the month, your balance and your circumstances.
"People assume staying put is the lazy-but-safe option. It's just the lazy option. I've seen clients lose £3,000 to a few months of SVR drift simply because nobody told them the clock was running. Tell me your rate-end date and I'll do the watching for you."
Start six months out, here's the timeline that protects you
6 months before your rate ends
Debbie reviews the market and locks in a new deal. Mortgage offers usually stay valid for around six months, so securing one early costs nothing and caps your downside.
While you wait
If rates fall after you've secured a deal, Debbie can usually rebroke you onto the cheaper rate before completion. If they rise, you're already protected. Heads you win, tails you don't lose.
Completion day, zero gap
The new deal starts the day the old one ends. No SVR month, no payment shock, nothing for you to remember, Debbie and the solicitors time it.
Already on the SVR? Don't wait for a neat date, switching is usually worth doing immediately. When should I start my remortgage?
The remortgage process, lighter than you remember
If buying your home felt like a marathon, relax: remortgaging is a fraction of the work. There's no chain, no estate agent and usually no survey beyond a basic valuation (often done remotely). You'll need ID, proof of income and your latest mortgage statement, Debbie handles the rest, including the lender-chasing.
Most remortgages with a new lender come with free standard legal work and a free valuation. The typical end-to-end time is four to eight weeks, which is exactly why starting six months early makes the whole thing pressure-free.
Costs, and the savings that dwarf them
| Item | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early repayment charge | 1 to 5% of balance | Only if you leave your current deal before it ends. Usually the deciding factor on timing, Debbie does the break-even maths. |
| New lender arrangement fee | £0, £1,099 | Fee-free deals often beat low-rate-plus-fee deals on smaller balances. Compared on every recommendation. |
| Legal & valuation | Usually free | Most remortgage products include both as standard incentives. |
| Broker fee | Typically £499 | Payable on application, never more than £999, quoted exactly before you commit. |
| Typical saving vs SVR | £150, £400+ /month | Depends on balance and rates on the day, run your own numbers here. |
Remortgage FAQs
Should I fix for 2 or 5 years?
The eternal question, and it genuinely depends on your plans, moving soon, growing family, rate outlook. Debbie's framework for deciding.
Is a product transfer easier than a full remortgage?
Easier, yes, less paperwork, no legal work. Cheaper? Only sometimes. Loyalty isn't always rewarded, which is why Debbie prices both routes side by side.
I've had some missed payments since my last deal. Will anyone take me?
Usually, yes, the market for less-than-perfect credit is bigger than people think. Mortgages after missed payments.
My house has gone up in value. Does that help?
Quite possibly a lot, a lower loan-to-value unlocks cheaper rate bands. Debbie checks your current LTV as the first step of every remortgage review.
Can I remortgage if I'm now self-employed?
Yes, with the right lender. One year of accounts can be enough, it's a Debbie specialty. Self-employed mortgages.
What do you need from me to get started?
Your current rate, balance and end date, a mortgage statement covers all three. From there Debbie can usually show you options within a day or two.
When does your rate end?
Tell Debbie the date and she'll take it from there, market watched, deal locked, switch timed to the day. No SVR surprises.
Booked your call? Save time by registering on our secure client portal and completing the mini fact find first, so Debbie has your background before you speak.