Understanding What Does Remortgage Mean UK and Its Benefits

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A remortgage in the UK is a process of replacing your current mortgage with a new one, often to take advantage of better interest rates or to release equity from your property.

You can remortgage with your current lender or switch to a new one, giving you more flexibility and options.

Remortgaging can be a great way to save money on your mortgage payments by switching to a lower interest rate, which can be a huge relief for your finances.

By remortgaging, you can also release some of the equity in your property to use for other expenses or investments.

What is Remortgaging?

Remortgaging is a simple process that allows you to take out a new mortgage on your existing property. In most cases, you won't need to put down a deposit.

The key focus is on the equity in your property, which is the difference between the value of the property and the amount left on your mortgage balance. Your property's value and mortgage balance determine your equity.

For example, if your £100,000 property has a mortgage balance of £78,000, you have £22,000 equity in your property. This means you can borrow against that equity to save money on your monthly mortgage repayments.

Benefits of Remortgaging

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Remortgaging can be a smart financial move, and here are some of the benefits you can expect.

You can save money on your monthly repayments by remortgaging to a better deal. This is especially true if your current lender is about to transfer you to their Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is often higher than their introductory rates.

By remortgaging, you can also raise more money to help with major outgoings, such as home improvements or your child's university costs. This can save you from needing a separate loan.

Remortgaging can also give you more mortgage options, with better interest rates, if your property's value has increased since you first bought it. For example, if your property is now worth £110,000, and you've paid off a portion of your mortgage, you'll have a lower loan to value, making you eligible for better rates.

You can also use remortgaging to reduce your monthly payments or pay off your mortgage sooner. This is because you can choose to keep the same monthly payments, but opt for a shorter mortgage term, paying back less interest overall.

Here are some of the benefits of remortgaging at a glance:

  • Save money on your monthly repayments
  • Raise more money for major outgoings
  • Get better interest rates with a lower loan to value
  • Reduce your monthly payments or pay off your mortgage sooner

How It Works

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Remortgaging is a relatively straightforward process, but it's good to know what to expect. You contact your current lender for a redemption statement, which shows how much is outstanding on your mortgage and any fees associated with repaying it.

Your personal mortgage adviser searches around the market to find the best deal for you. They'll present your current situation to the new lender for a Decision in Principle (DIP) if you're happy to proceed.

To apply for a new mortgage, your adviser will go through the proposed mortgage illustration with you and submit the application on your behalf. You'll need to supply relevant documentation, such as passports, pay slips, tax calculations, bank statements, and proof of address.

Your new lender will request a valuation report for your property, and your appointed solicitor will request title deeds, any lease that may be present, and answer any extra questions that need answering.

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The final step is completion, where the solicitor draws the new money down from the new lender and uses it to clear the balance with your current lender. Any money left over is paid to you.

Here are the key steps in the remortgaging process:

  1. Contact your current lender for a redemption statement
  2. Find the best deal with your personal mortgage adviser
  3. Get a Decision in Principle (DIP) from the new lender
  4. Apply for the new mortgage and supply documentation
  5. Get a valuation report for your property
  6. Clear the balance with your current lender and receive any leftover money

Even though remortgaging involves some legal work, it's not as complicated as buying a new property. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer will manage the paperwork and transfer of funds, ensuring everything is in order.

Remortgaging Options

Remortgaging can be a complex process, but understanding your options can make it more manageable. You can compare remortgage rates on our website for free to get a better idea of which product suits you best.

There are several reasons to remortgage, including saving money on your monthly repayments or raising funds for home improvements. Remortgaging can help you save money if your fixed rate or deal is about to end, and you can change lenders to take out a new deal with a better rate.

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You may also want to consider remortgaging to raise money for major outgoings, such as home improvements or your child's university costs. This can be achieved by releasing equity from your property or taking out a further advance or second charge mortgage.

If you have developed some credit problems, it may be more difficult to obtain a remortgage. However, if you have a good repayment history on your mortgage, a lender may be willing to trust you with a remortgage. In this case, it's best to speak to a mortgage broker to see what options you might have.

To choose the right remortgage deal, you should look at all the current deals on offer and consider the relative advantages they present to your circumstances. Deals will vary, and what's best for someone else might not suit you - and vice-versa.

Here are some popular types of mortgages available when you remortgage:

  • Fixed-rate mortgages
  • Variable-rate mortgages
  • Tracker mortgages
  • Offset mortgages
  • Remortgage with bad credit

A product transfer mortgage is a type of remortgage that involves moving from your existing mortgage deal to a new one with the same lender. This can be a popular choice for homeowners who are on or heading onto their lender's standard variable rate and want to switch to a fixed-rate instead.

Considerations

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Remortgaging can be a complex process, but understanding the considerations involved can help you make an informed decision. It's essential to consider the costs associated with remortgaging, including booking or completion fees, conveyancing costs, property valuation costs, and early repayment charges (ERC) or exit fees charged by your current lender.

You'll need to calculate your new mortgage repayments to see if the benefits of remortgaging outweigh these costs. This will help you determine if it's financially worthwhile to switch lenders.

Some lenders may charge you a pretty penny for leaving, so it's crucial to check the fine print and get a handle on any potential exit fees or early repayment charges. This will ensure you're not surprised by unexpected costs.

Here are some key costs to consider:

  • Booking or completion fees charged by a new lender
  • Conveyancing costs
  • Property valuation costs
  • Early repayment charges (ERC) or exit fees charged by your current lender

By understanding these costs and considering your options, you can make an informed decision about whether remortgaging is right for you.

Why Your House?

Remortgaging your house can seem daunting, but it's a great opportunity to save money. In today's competitive market, many borrowers switch their mortgage every few years to take advantage of new rates.

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You could be losing out on significant monthly payment reductions by staying on your lender's Standard Variable Rate (SVR) after your initial product ended. This is because you're not taking advantage of lower rates that are available.

Remortgaging can help you reduce your monthly payments, which can make a big difference in your budget. For example, you could save a significant margin in your monthly payments by switching to a lower rate.

It's worth considering the benefits of remortgaging, especially if you're on a SVR. By switching to a new rate, you could end up saving money in the long run.

Advice

If you're considering remortgaging your home, it's essential to think carefully about your financial situation and goals. Remortgaging can be a convenient way to raise funds for home improvements, but it's not always the best option.

You should consider your credit score and history, as some lenders may be hesitant to offer a remortgage with bad credit. However, if you have a good repayment history, you may be able to remortgage with a lender you already qualify for.

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To remortgage successfully, you'll need to demonstrate that you can keep up with your repayments. This means consistently meeting your current mortgage repayments, as well as other monthly bills and credit commitments.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating your ability to remortgage:

  • Reduce gratuitous spending
  • Meet monthly bills

By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of being accepted by lenders with the best deals. Don't be afraid to seek advice from a mortgage broker or expert, as they can help you navigate the process and find the right remortgage for your needs.

Remember, remortgaging can be a complex process, and it's essential to understand the potential costs involved. These can include early repayment charges, lender's booking and arrangement fees, and broker fees. However, with careful planning and research, you can minimize these costs and maximize your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you remortgage your house?

When you remortgage your house, your new mortgage replaces your old one, allowing you to switch to a new lender and potentially secure a better deal. This can be a great opportunity to save money or improve your mortgage terms.

Mike Kiehn

Senior Writer

Mike Kiehn is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in the financial sector, Mike has established himself as a knowledgeable authority on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), particularly in the UK market. Mike's expertise extends to providing in-depth analysis and insights on REITs, helping readers make informed decisions in the world of real estate investment.

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