If you have 20% equity in your property or a 20% deposit to put down on a new home, you will potentially be able to access the best mortgage rates in the market subject to affordability and your credit record.
This is because according to latest research* 36% of UK homeowners are sitting on their lender Standard Variable Rate (SVR).
When you took out your mortgage there was a good chance that you were given an initial fixed term deal over 2,3 or 5 years.
At the end of the initial fixed term you will usually have been switched automatically to the lender’s Standard variable Rate (SVR) of interest. The current average lender SVR is 4.40%.
If this is you there is a good chance your monthly mortgage payments are a lot higher than they need to be.
You are not alone. 4 million UK homeowners are in the same boat.
Buy to let mortgage rates have fallen significantly in the last few years so if you are a landlord looking to maximise your bottom line you should consider reviewing the cost of finance.
With recent tax changes to btl landlords ensuring you are not paying over the odds for your mortgage funding should be a priority.
Remortgaging your buy to let(s) is relatively straightforward depending on your circumstances - it makes a lot of sense to review the cost of borrowing to maximise your profit.
For latest buy to let mortgage deals from UK lenders click here »
Historically for older borrowers (aged 60+) flexible options for homeowners looking to raise capital or simply remortgage to get a better rate or to switch to an interest only basis were limited.
The good news is that this has changed - in the last 12 months a number of lenders have been launching mortgages in retirement products which are designed to help borrowers stay in their homes without being pressurised to downsize. More information can be found here on retirement mortgages »
Whether it will be a good idea for you to remortgage depends on a number of factors, including your goals and your personal circumstances.
However, in general, if interest rates are lower than you are currently paying on your mortgage, it may be a good time to remortgage.
If interest rate are higher than you are currently paying, it may be better to look at other options, such as a second mortgage or a personal loan (if you aim is to borrow more).
If you are not sure whether now is the right time to remortgage, it is a good idea to speak to an independent mortgage broker who will be able to offer impartial advice.