Most homeowners can start looking at remortgage options around six months before their current fixed rate ends. You do not normally need to wait until the final few weeks of your deal to begin the process.

Starting earlier can give you more time to compare your options, secure a new mortgage and avoid automatically moving onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate when the fixed period finishes.

For homeowners considering a remortgage in Sunderland, the important distinction is between arranging a new deal early and leaving your existing mortgage early.

They are not necessarily the same thing.

Can I Arrange a Remortgage Six Months Early?

Yes, it can be possible to arrange your next mortgage several months before your existing deal ends.

Some mortgage offers remain valid for a number of months, which means a new deal can potentially be secured in advance and timed to begin once your current fixed rate finishes.

This gives you time to consider the new mortgage without having to rush as the end date approaches.

When we speak to homeowners about mortgage advice in Sunderland, six months before the end of a fixed rate is often a useful point to start reviewing what is available.

Will I Pay an Early Repayment Charge?

You could pay an Early Repayment Charge if your existing mortgage is repaid before the end of the deal period.

Fixed rate mortgages commonly include an Early Repayment Charge during the fixed term. The amount and the date it stops applying will be set out in your mortgage agreement.

This does not mean you have to wait until the charge disappears before exploring a remortgage.

A new mortgage can sometimes be arranged in advance, with completion taking place after the Early Repayment Charge period has ended.

If you are considering completing the remortgage earlier, the cost of the charge needs to be weighed against any potential benefit of switching sooner.

What Happens if I Leave It Until My Fixed Rate Ends?

If you do nothing when your fixed rate expires, you will normally move onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate.

The Standard Variable Rate can be higher than the rate you were previously paying and can change at the lender’s discretion, so your monthly mortgage payment may increase.

Leaving your remortgage until the last minute can also give you less time to deal with affordability checks, valuations or additional documents requested by a new lender.

Starting the process earlier gives you more room to deal with these before your existing deal ends.

Should I Remortgage or Stay With My Current Lender?

Moving to another lender is not always the best option.

Your existing lender may offer you a new deal through a product transfer, which can sometimes involve a simpler process than a full remortgage.

On the other hand, another lender may offer a mortgage that is more suitable for your current circumstances.

Changes to your income, property value, mortgage balance or future plans can all affect which route works best.

As a mortgage broker in Sunderland, we can compare remortgage options alongside deals available from your existing lender rather than assuming that switching is automatically the better choice.

When Should I Start Looking at My Remortgage Options?

Around six months before your fixed rate ends is a sensible time to start reviewing your mortgage.

This gives you the opportunity to understand what your property may now be worth, how much you still owe and what rates or mortgage products may be available.

It also means that if circumstances have changed since you took out your current mortgage, there is more time to consider the effect this may have on your next deal.

You do not have to commit to the first option you see.

Starting early simply gives you more time to prepare for the end of your fixed rate rather than dealing with it once the deadline is already close.

Date Last Edited: 10/09/2026