The remortgage timeline: avoid waking up on the wrong rate

Six months before the end date

Check when your current fixed rate or tracker deal ends, whether there are early repayment charges and what your current balance is. This is the point where you want the date out of your head and into a system that reminds you.

Four to five months before

Start comparing likely options. You may not choose a product immediately, but you will understand whether your payment is likely to rise and what paperwork you may need. If your income, credit file or property value has changed, give yourself more time.

Two to three months before

This is when the admin becomes practical: documents, payslips, accounts, insurance details and any property information a lender or broker needs. If you leave it late, you may still get a deal, but you give yourself less room to fix problems.

The week after completion

Do the boring bit immediately: record the new product end date, lender, mortgage balance, payment amount and reminder window. Future you will be grateful.