Whether your fixed rate is ending, you’re looking for a better deal, or you want to raise funds for home improvements, understanding the remortgage timeline helps you plan the process properly. Most remortgages take 4–8 weeks, but timescales can vary depending on the lender, valuation, legal work and how quickly documents are provided.
This guide gives you a clear step-by-step breakdown of everything involved — from comparison to completion — along with key tips to avoid delays.
How Long Does a Remortgage Take?
Average remortgage time: 4 to 8 weeks
Simple product transfers (staying with the same lender) can take just a few days. Full remortgages where you switch lender typically take longer due to additional checks.
If you’re unsure whether switching or staying is better, see our comparison: Product Transfer vs Remortgage.
Stage 1 — Reviewing Your Current Mortgage (1–3 Days)
You should ideally start reviewing options around 3–6 months before your fixed rate ends. This prevents you from being moved onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which is usually much higher.
Key things to consider:
- When does your current fixed rate end?
- Are there Early Repayment Charges (ERCs)?
- Do you want to switch lender or stay with your current one?
- Are you looking to borrow more for home improvements?
Stage 2 — Affordability & Soft Credit Checks (1–5 Days)
The next step is assessing affordability. Lenders will check your income, outgoings, and overall profile — similar to a standard mortgage, but often faster.
You may need to provide:
- Recent payslips or SA302s
- Bank statements
- ID and proof of address
Your Loan-to-Value (LTV) is also an important factor. If your property has risen in value, your LTV may be lower — unlocking cheaper rates. For a full explanation of LTV, see our LTV Guide.
Stage 3 — Mortgage Illustration & Providing Documents (1–7 Days)
Once the right deal is identified, you receive a Mortgage Illustration summarising the product details, including:
- Interest rate
- Monthly payments
- Fees
- Term
You then provide supporting documents so the lender can move ahead with the application.
Stage 4 — Full Mortgage Application (1 Day)
Submitting the application formally begins the remortgage process. Most lenders respond quickly at this stage, especially for simple cases.
Stage 5 — Valuation (3–14 Days)
For most remortgages, lenders use:
- Automated valuation (AVM)
- Desktop valuation
- Physical valuation (less common unless complex case)
If you’re borrowing more or making changes to the mortgage, valuation may take longer. For raising funds, see our Home Improvements Remortgage Guide.
Stage 6 — Underwriting & Final Checks (3–10 Days)
The underwriter will verify:
- Income
- Credit file
- Bank statements
- Property valuation
If anything is missing or unclear, the lender may request extra documents. Responding promptly keeps the timeline smooth.
Stage 7 — Mortgage Offer Issued (1–5 Days)
Once approved, the lender issues the official mortgage offer. This includes all terms and conditions and is usually valid for 3–6 months.
Stage 8 — Legal Work (1–3 Weeks)
Most remortgages require basic legal work, including:
- Checking the title and property ownership
- Ensuring no outstanding issues with the deeds
- Handling funds transfer to the new lender
If you are staying with the same lender (product transfer), this step often takes no time at all because no legal work is required.
Stage 9 — Completion (1 Day)
On completion day:
- Your old mortgage is paid off
- Your new mortgage begins
- Any additional borrowing is released (if applicable)
This marks the end of the remortgage process.
Typical Remortgage Timelines
- Product transfer (same lender): 1–7 days
- Simple remortgage: 4–6 weeks
- Remortgage with additional borrowing: 6–8 weeks
- Complex cases (self-employed, adverse, title issues): 8–12 weeks
How to Speed Up Your Remortgage
- Prepare documents early
- Respond quickly to lender requests
- Check your credit file beforehand
- Avoid new borrowing during the process
- Start 3–6 months before your rate ends
If you want to calculate new payments and rate options, use our mortgage calculators.
When Should You Start Your Remortgage?
Most lenders allow you to secure a new rate up to six months before your existing deal ends. This gives you plenty of time to avoid moving onto your current lender’s SVR.
If you’re deciding between switching lender or staying put, see: Product Transfer vs Remortgage.
When Remortgaging May Not Be Suitable
- If Early Repayment Charges are too high
- Credit issues that recently occurred
- High LTV due to down valuation
- You plan to move home soon
Next Steps
If you’re preparing to remortgage, comparing rates or looking to borrow more for improvements, we can connect you with FCA-regulated advisers who can assess the best options based on your income, equity and goals.
You can also review related guides such as Home Improvements Remortgage or Product Transfer vs Remortgage.
All mortgage advice is provided by FCA-regulated advisers. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
FAQs
How early can I start a remortgage? Typically 6 months before your current rate expires.
Do I need a valuation? Often yes, but many lenders use automated valuations which are fast and free.
Can I borrow more when I remortgage? Yes — depending on affordability and LTV. See our Home Improvements guide for details.
Is remortgaging faster than a purchase? Usually yes — because there is no property chain.
Does remortgaging affect my credit score? Only through credit checks — it generally has minimal long-term impact.