How Long Does It Take to Remortgage?

Time is money in the property world, and if you’re asking how long does it take to remortgage, you’re already making a smart move by planning ahead. Remortgaging your property can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly you provide documents, how complex your case is, and how efficient your lender and solicitor are.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process, explaining how long remortgaging takes, and outline ways you can speed things up to avoid common delays.

What is remortgaging and why do people do it?

Remortgaging means switching your existing mortgage to a new deal, often with a different lender, usually to take advantage of lower interest rates or better terms. If you switch deals with the same lender, this is typically called a product transfer instead.

Many homeowners choose to remortgage before their initial fixed-rate deal ends to avoid falling onto their lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) – which is usually higher. To keep things running smoothly, it’s smart to start the process at least six months in advance.

How long does remortgaging take?

If you’re wondering how long does remortgaging take, the answer varies. On average, a remortgage takes 4–8 weeks, but this depends on several factors, including your paperwork, lender response times, and whether any legal work is required.

We break the full process down below.

Step 1: Organise your mortgage documents early

Start by gathering everything related to your current mortgage:

• Mortgage statement
• Remaining term and balance
• Early repayment charge information

Having this ready helps you make quicker comparisons and prevents delays during application.

Step 2: Search for the best remortgage deals

With around 3–6 months left on your current deal, start comparing new mortgage options. Your existing lender might contact you with an offer, but it’s wise to shop around.

Consider approaching:

• Mortgage brokers
• Direct lenders
• Online mortgage comparison tools

Also, look into remortgaging fees; staying with your current lender may save you money in the long run if you avoid legal fees and valuation charges.

Step 3: Get an Agreement in Principle (AIP)

Once you’ve found a suitable mortgage deal, secure an agreement in principle (AIP). This tells you how much you can borrow, but it’s not a formal offer.

You’ll need:

• Income proof (e.g., payslips or accounts if self-employed)
• Credit information
• Personal details

This step can take just minutes if you apply online, and it’s a good indication of the lender’s willingness to lend.

Step 4: Submit a full remortgage application

The next step in answering how long to remortgage is the application stage. Submitting your full remortgage application involves providing:

• Three months’ payslips
• Recent utility bills
• Proof of address
• Bank statements

Since this is a new mortgage application, even if you’ve already had an AIP, the lender will reassess your affordability and may ask for further details. Any delays in providing documentation can extend the remortgage timeline.

Step 5: Undergo a Property Valuation

Lenders want to ensure your property’s value aligns with your mortgage amount. A online valuation may be used, or a surveyor might visit the property.

If the valuation is lower than expected, it can reduce the amount you’re able to borrow or even change the mortgage product offered.

This process usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the method used.

Step 6: Await the formal mortgage offer

After reviewing your application and property valuation, your lender will make a formal mortgage offer if everything is in order.

This stage can take from a few days to over a week. If your application is referred for further checks, it might take longer.

Once approved, lenders typically offer a 7-day cooling-off period to allow you to review and accept the offer.

Step 7: Legal work and conveyancing

Conveyancing is the process of updating legal ownership and charges, which usually occurs when you change lenders.

Conveyancing can take 2 to 4 weeks and is often the most time-consuming part of the process. Some lenders offer free legal services for remortgaging; otherwise, you’ll need to hire a conveyancer yourself.

Expect legal checks on:

• Title deeds
• Mortgage redemption
• Registration of the new lender’s interest

Delays here are frequently caused by document queries or backlogs, so respond quickly to avoid hold-ups.

How can you speed up the remortgage process?

If you want to speed things up, here are a few top tips:

• Prepare paperwork in advance
• Use a broker to chase updates and keep things moving
• Be responsive to questions from your solicitor or lender
• Choose lenders with digital processes for faster turnaround
• Start early — ideally 3 to 6 months before your current deal ends

Being proactive can mean the difference between completing in 4 weeks versus dragging it out to 8 or more.

Should you remortgage or consider selling instead?

If remortgaging does not work for you right now, selling may be a better option, especially if you need cash quickly or are having trouble making your payments.

At Sell House Fast, we help homeowners sell their property quickly and for cash, no matter the condition or location. There are no agent fees, no delays, and no complications.

FAQs: How Long Does It Take to Remortgage?

Thinking about your next steps?

Should remortgaging not be something you are considering, you might instead be looking to sell. Why not speak to us? Our team at Sell House Fast ensures speedy house sales for all properties in the UK. We buy homes for cash, regardless of location, condition, or type, meaning that you’ll always get a sale. Call our fast sale experts today to find out more.