Get Remortgage Ready: The Great Remortgaging Checklist

Why a remortgage checklist matters

Remortgaging can be a useful way to review your mortgage terms when your current deal is ending, or when your circumstances have changed. The process is often straightforward, but it does require preparation—especially around the information lenders will use to assess your application.

This checklist breaks remortgaging preparation into seven clear steps, so you can gather what you need before you start comparing options.

1) Get your property valued (realistically)

Before you can understand what remortgaging could mean for you, you need a sensible view of your property’s current value.

• Aim for a realistic valuation, not an optimistic guess.
• Remember that lenders typically arrange their own valuation as part of the remortgage process.
• If your property has had improvements since you took out your current mortgage (for example, extensions, loft conversions, major renovations), make a note of what was done and when.

2) Check your current mortgage details

Your existing mortgage will influence what options are available and what costs may apply.

Gather the key details:

• Current balance and remaining term
• Your current product type and deal end date
• Monthly payment and any changes you’ve already made
• Whether your mortgage agreement includes early repayment charges if you remortgage before the end of the term

If you’re unsure about fees, the most reliable source is your mortgage paperwork or statements.

3) Check your credit reports are accurate (and do it early)

Your credit file is used to assess how you’ve managed credit and repayments.

Even if you’ve already had a mortgage before, it’s worth checking because errors can happen and new information may appear.

Practical steps:

• Review your credit file for incorrect addresses, accounts you don’t recognise, or payment history errors.
• If you need to correct anything, allow time for amendments before you submit a remortgage application.

Also consider whether any recent changes could affect your file, such as new credit accounts, missed payments, or changes in your circumstances.

4) Know your exact income details

Lenders will want clear evidence of your income and how it’s likely to continue.

To prepare:

• Separate basic salary from bonus, commission, overtime, or allowances.
• If you’re self-employed, be ready to provide information that supports your income over relevant periods.
• If your income varies, keep records that help explain the pattern (for example, commission statements or accounts).

Having your income information organised early can reduce delays later.

5) Work out your regular outgoings and debts

Affordability assessments rely on your day-to-day financial commitments.

Create a list of:

• Any existing loan repayments
• Credit card balances (especially where balances are not cleared monthly)
• Other regular payments (for example, childcare costs, maintenance payments, pension contributions, or protection premiums)

Be as accurate as possible. If you’re unsure how certain commitments should be treated, note them down so they can be reviewed during the application process.

6) Sort your paperwork

Mortgage applications often require supporting documents. Some lenders may not accept every format, so it’s helpful to have the right versions ready.

Common documents include:

• Bank statements (often covering a recent period)
• Payslips (for employed applicants)
• For self-employed applicants: accounts and/or tax documentation
• Proof of identity and proof of address
• Evidence of additional income where applicable

If you’ve moved to paperless banking, check whether you can obtain statements in the format the lender requires. Planning ahead can help avoid last-minute issues.

7) Consider your future plans

A remortgage isn’t only about what’s happening today—it’s also about what might change between now and the end of the new deal.

Before you proceed, consider:

• Any planned move house
• Home improvements you intend to fund
• Changes to your income (for example, job changes, reduced hours, or maternity/paternity)
• Changes to your household (for example, new dependants)

Being clear about future plans can help you choose a remortgage structure and term that fits your likely timeline.

A quick pre-application checklist

If you want a simple final check before you start comparing remortgage options, confirm you have:

• A realistic view of your property value
• Your current mortgage balance, term, and deal end date
• Any potential early repayment charges information
• Credit files checked for accuracy, with time to correct issues
• Clear income details (including variable income)
• A complete list of outgoings and debts
• The right documents ready to provide
• A plan for how your future circumstances might affect the mortgage

Important note

Remortgaging involves using your home as security. It’s important to ensure the new mortgage payments are affordable and that you understand any costs or charges that may apply.