Last Updated: February 2nd, 2024 at 6:32 pm
Welcome to our Remortgage FAQ hub. Below you will find some of the most commonly asked questions we get from clients and those seeking mortgage advice. If you have a question we haven’t answered, be sure to get in touch via our online form, or give us a call!
Remortgaging is when you switch your current mortgage to a new deal, either with the same lender or a different one. It’s often done to save money with a lower interest rate, adjust the mortgage term, or release equity from your home.
People often remortgage to reduce their interest rate and monthly payments, release equity for large expenses, or find a mortgage that better suits their current financial situation. It can be a strategic move to improve financial flexibility or manage debts more effectively.
Remortgaging may involve several fees, such as valuation fees, legal fees, and possibly an early repayment charge if you complete during your existing deal period. It’s important to factor in these costs to understand the financial benefit of remortgaging. Be sure to get a clear picture before proceeding with any remortgage.
You can remortgage with your current lender (known as a product transfer) or switch to a new lender. The best choice depends on the deals available from your current lender compared to what’s on the market. As your mortgage broker, we will weigh up all available options and advise the best course of action for you.
When you apply to remortgage, lenders will perform a credit check, which appears on your credit report. While one application typically has a minor effect, multiple applications within a short period can raise red flags for lenders, as it may suggest financial stress. This can temporarily impact your credit score. It’s advisable to space out credit applications and ensure you have a strong likelihood of approval before applying. Maintaining a good credit history and limiting the number of applications can help mitigate any negative impact on your score.
Deciding to remortgage when interest rates have increased can be a nuanced decision. Even if rates are higher than when you first secured your mortgage, it’s important to consider remortgaging, especially if your current deal is ending. Typically, at the end of a mortgage deal, you would be moved onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is often significantly higher than both your original rate and many current remortgage deals available in the market. Therefore, while remortgaging might not secure you a rate as low as your initial one, it could still be more cost-effective than moving to the SVR. It’s crucial to compare the available remortgage options against the SVR to assess which option is more financially beneficial in the longer term. Consulting with a mortgage advisor can help you navigate this decision effectively, taking into account the broader financial landscape and your personal circumstances.
Remortgaging to consolidate debts can be beneficial by combining various high-interest debts into one lower-rate mortgage payment. This can simplify your finances and potentially lower your monthly outgoings. However, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications. Extending short-term debts over the longer term of a mortgage can mean you pay more interest overall. Also, securing previously unsecured debts against your home adds risk—if you can’t keep up with mortgage payments, your home could be at risk. Careful financial planning and advice are key to deciding whether this is the right strategy for you.
Altering the mortgage term during remortgaging can significantly impact your financial situation. If you extend the term, your monthly repayments will decrease, making them more manageable in the short term. However, this also means you’ll be paying interest over a longer period, which can increase the total cost of your mortgage. Conversely, shortening the mortgage term results in higher monthly payments but reduces the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan. This can be financially beneficial in the long run but requires a higher monthly budget. It’s important to balance your immediate financial needs with your long-term financial goals. Using a mortgage calculator can help illustrate how different term lengths impact your monthly payments and total interest paid. It’s also advisable to consult with a financial advisor to ensure the new mortgage term aligns with your overall financial planning, including considerations like retirement and investment goals.
Changes in the housing market can significantly affect your remortgaging options, mainly through their impact on your property’s value. A rise in property value can increase your equity, potentially giving you access to more favourable remortgage deals, as a higher equity typically leads to a lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. A lower LTV ratio can qualify you for lower interest rates and better terms, as it reduces the risk for the lender. Conversely, if the market dips and your property’s value decreases, your LTV ratio may increase, limiting your remortgage options and possibly resulting in higher interest rates. In extreme cases, if your mortgage balance becomes higher than your property’s value (negative equity), remortgaging can be particularly challenging. Keeping an eye on market trends and understanding the current value of your property is crucial when considering remortgaging. It’s often beneficial to seek advice from a mortgage broker who can provide insights into how market changes may affect your specific circumstances and options.
A day-one remortgage refers to the process of remortgaging a property immediately after purchasing it, typically on the same day or soon after completion. This is often considered by property investors or buyers who have purchased a property at a significantly lower value, possibly due to buying at auction or acquiring a property that requires renovation. The key advantage of a day-one remortgage is the potential to secure a mortgage based on the property’s post-improvement value, which can be higher than the purchase price, thereby releasing more equity. This strategy is particularly appealing for investors looking to quickly reinvest in other properties or recover funds used for the initial purchase and renovation. However, day-one remortgages can be complex and are not offered by all lenders, as they involve specific valuation considerations and risk assessments. It requires careful planning and a clear understanding of both the property’s potential value post-renovation and the lender’s criteria for such mortgages. Consulting with a mortgage broker experienced in day-one remortgages is crucial to navigate this process successfully.
