When to start remortgaging before your deal ends
Remortgaging is a calendar problem first, a lender choice second. UK mortgage offers are typically valid for around six months — a new product can be lined up well in advance and completed on the day the current deal ends.
Why this matters
If the existing deal ends before a new one completes, the loan sits on the lender's standard variable rate until the new product takes effect. Each month on SVR is a known, avoidable extra cost.
The six-month offer window means starting early carries no penalty — but starting late often forces a product transfer over a wider-market remortgage simply for lack of runway.
What to check before you start a remortgage
Date of current deal end
Confirm the precise end date of the existing fixed or tracker product. This is the target completion date for the new deal.
Decide route: product transfer or remortgage
Product transfer is simpler and avoids a full affordability assessment. A remortgage to a new lender opens the wider market but takes longer.
Six-month offer window
A mortgage offer in the UK is typically valid for six months. That allows a new deal to be agreed early and held until completion.
Paperwork list
Income evidence (payslips or accounts), ID, bank statements, mortgage statement. Have these ready before applying.
Conveyancing lead time
Even a like-for-like remortgage uses a conveyancer. Allow several weeks for legal work between offer and completion.
Timing window
When to act
Three-to-six months before the deal end is the practical start window. That keeps both routes open and lets the new product complete on the day the old one ends, avoiding any time on SVR.
Sources
- FCA — Mortgages Conduct of Business sourcebook (MCOB).
- Bank of England — Mortgage statistics on remortgaging activity.
- MoneyHelper — Remortgaging.