How Soon Can You Remortgage? Find Out the Real Timeline

Every month you keep the same mortgage, you could be paying extra interest. Knowing when you can remortgage saves cash and stress. The short answer: you can start the process as soon as your current deal ends, but there are a few steps that can stretch the clock.

What decides how fast you can remortgage?

First, look at your existing mortgage contract. Most deals have an early‑repayment charge (ERC) if you pull out before the agreed term. The ERC can be a flat fee or a percentage of the remaining balance, and it usually drops after the first two years. If you’re still in the penalty period, waiting until it ends is often cheaper than paying the charge.

Second, consider the lender’s processing time. Some banks can approve a new loan in a week, while others take a month. The speed depends on how quickly you provide the needed documents – proof of income, ID, and a recent valuation of your property.

Third, your credit score plays a big role. A higher score means fewer checks and faster approval. If you’ve recently missed a payment or taken on a new credit line, the lender may ask for extra proof of affordability, which adds days.

Tips to speed up the process

Gather all paperwork before you contact a new lender. Salary slips, tax returns, and a recent mortgage statement are the basics. Having them ready eliminates back‑and‑forth emails.

Ask your current lender for a “mortgage payoff figure.” This is the exact amount needed to clear your existing loan, including any early‑repayment charge. Knowing that number helps the new lender calculate your loan‑to‑value ratio right away.

Consider using a mortgage broker. Brokers have direct lines to many lenders and can push your application through faster than you might on your own.

Shop around for the best rate early. Even if you don’t switch today, you’ll know whether the market is moving in your favor. Some lenders offer a “rate lock” for a few weeks while you sort out the paperwork.

Finally, don’t skip the valuation. A quick online valuation can give you a ballpark figure. If the estimate is close to the lender’s target, the formal survey can be scheduled quickly, shaving off a week or two.

In most cases, if you’re out of the early‑repayment charge period and have a good credit score, you can complete a remortgage in 2‑4 weeks. If you’re still within the penalty window or your credit is shaky, expect 6‑8 weeks.

Bottom line: the sooner you know your current deal’s exit costs and have your documents ready, the faster you can lock in a better rate and stop over‑paying.

Ready to start? Pull your mortgage statement, check the early‑repayment charge, and line up your paperwork. The clock starts ticking the moment you decide to switch, so act fast and watch the savings add up.