How to remortgage in the UK: a step-by-step guide

Remortgaging is the process of switching your existing mortgage deal—either by moving to a new deal with your current lender or by taking out a new mortgage with a different lender. People typically remortgage to secure a more suitable interest rate, change their monthly payments, or adjust the mortgage term to better match their plans.

Because remortgaging involves deadlines, paperwork and lender checks, it helps to understand the stages in advance. Planning early can reduce the risk of your current deal ending and you being moved onto your lender’s standard or default rate.

This guide walks through the remortgage process step by step. For a broader look at whether and when to remortgage, and what it costs, see:

• Remortgaging explained

Key points to know before you start

• Timing matters. If your current deal ends, you may move onto your lender’s standard or default rate. Starting the process early (six months before the end) can give you more options.
• You’ll need accurate figures. A redemption statement confirms what it costs to repay your existing mortgage, including any relevant fees.
• Affordability checks are part of the process. Lenders will review your income, outgoings and credit history.
• Legal work is usually required when switching lenders. A solicitor or conveyancer typically handles the legal transfer of the mortgage and supports completion.

Step-by-step guide to remortgaging in the UK

Step 1: Review your current mortgage deal

Start by checking:

• When your current deal ends (and what rate you’ll move onto afterwards)
• Whether you’re on a fixed, discounted or tracker deal
• Any changes that may affect your payments once the deal period finishes

This gives you a practical timeline for when to begin arranging your remortgage.

Step 2: Work out the cost to redeem your existing mortgage

To remortgage, you can obtain a redemption statement from your current lender. This shows:

• The outstanding balance
• Any fees that apply to repaying the mortgage

If you’re leaving your deal early, there may be early repayment charges. Understanding these costs helps you judge whether remortgaging now is likely to be worthwhile.

You can also check your mortgage statement to get the balance, or your credit report.

Step 3: Get advice on the remortgage route

There are two common routes:

• Remortgaging with your existing lender (often simpler, but still subject to checks)
• Switching to a new lender (usually involves a full application and legal transfer)

In either case, consider what you want to achieve—such as lowering monthly payments, reducing the overall term, or securing a different type of interest rate.

It's not a matter of choosing a route in a generic sense but choosing the best route for your needs and requirements.

Step 4: Decide on the mortgage structure

Before you apply, you’ll need to consider the product features that affect both cost and risk:

• Interest rate type: fixed vs variable
• Repayment method: repayment vs interest-only
• Mortgage term: shorter terms can reduce interest paid overall, while longer terms can reduce monthly payments

The “best” choice depends on your circumstances and how comfortable you are with payment changes over time.

Step 5: Prepare for lender affordability checks

Lenders will assess whether you can afford the new mortgage. Expect to provide information about:

• Your income and employment details
• Regular outgoings and existing financial commitments
• Credit history

Having relevant documents to hand can help prevent delays when the lender requests further information.

Step 6: Consider whether you need legal support

If you’re changing mortgage lenders, a solicitor or conveyancer is typically involved to manage the legal side of transferring the mortgage.

They will handle tasks such as:

• Preparing and submitting legal paperwork
• Coordinating with the lender(s)
• Supporting completion and ensuring the mortgage is put in place correctly

If you’re staying with the same lender, the process may be less complex, but there can still be administrative steps.

If you are remortgaging to a new lender, it may include "free legals" as such a conveyancer will be appointed. You may choose your own conveyancer or get a recommendation from your mortgage adviser.

Step 7: Go through the initial lending stage

Many applications start with initial checks and may include an indicative decision based on the information provided. This helps confirm whether the lender is likely to proceed.

Remember, an indicative decision is not the same as a final, binding offer.

Step 8: Arrange the valuation (and understand what it means)

You don't need to instruct a valuation yourself. A lender will usually arrange a valuation of your property. This helps the lender confirm:

• The property’s value
• The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio

A valuation may be:

• a desktop valuation (based on available information)
• a surveyor-led valuation (more detailed)

If the valuation comes in lower than expected, it can affect the loan amount or the terms of the mortgage offer. In some cases, you may need further discussion or a revised application.

A valuation is for the lender’s risk assessment. If you want a deeper view of the property’s condition, you may choose to arrange a separate survey.

Step 9: Submit the full application

Once the initial stage is complete and the valuation is underway (where required), the lender will progress to the full application.

At this point, the lender may request additional documents or clarifications. Responding promptly can help keep the process moving.

Step 10: Review the formal mortgage offer

If the lender approves the application, you’ll receive a formal mortgage offer. This sets out key details such as:

• The loan amount
• The interest rate and any product conditions
• Fees and other relevant terms

Read the offer carefully and ensure it matches what you agreed to before proceeding.

Step 11: Sign the mortgage deed

Once the legal documents are ready and any conditions are satisfied, you’ll be asked to sign the mortgage deed. This is a key step because it confirms your agreement to the mortgage terms.

You can sign in different ways, depending on the legal process being used.

Step 12: Completion—repaying the old mortgage and starting the new one

After you accept the mortgage offer, the legal process moves towards completion.

Typically, completion involves:

• The new lender providing funds
• Those funds being used to repay the existing mortgage
• The new mortgage terms taking effect

Completion dates can be affected by how quickly paperwork is processed, so it’s helpful to keep an eye on timelines.

Your conveyancer does this step for you but will require your signature and authorisation.

Step 13: Register the new mortgage with the Land Registry

Once the mortgage has completed, the final legal step is usually registering the new mortgage with the Land Registry.

Once registration is complete, the remortgaging process is complete.

Your conveyancer does this step for you but will require your signature and authorisation.

Conclusion

Remortgaging in the UK is a structured process: you start by understanding your current deal and timing, then gather the figures needed to redeem your mortgage, go through affordability and valuation checks, and finally complete the legal steps to put the new mortgage in place.

Planning ahead—especially around deal end dates, redemption costs and documentation—can make the process smoother and help you make decisions with confidence.

Frequently asked questions