Spot the red flags early — and save thousands before rates move again

Many landlords delay remortgaging because they’re “waiting to see what happens with interest rates.” While understandable, this hesitation can be costly. A remortgage isn’t just about chasing a lower rate — it’s about protecting your cash flow, unlocking equity, and future-proofing your portfolio.

If it’s been a few years since you reviewed your mortgage, there’s a good chance you’re overdue. Here are the ten biggest signs that it’s time to take a fresh look — and why acting now, even with the potential for future rate reductions, can be the smartest move you make this year.

1. Your Fixed Rate Is Due to End Soon

When your current deal expires, your lender automatically switches you to a Standard Variable Rate (SVR) — often 2–4% higher than fixed deals. Even a few months on an SVR can cost thousands in unnecessary interest.

Remortgaging 3–6 months before your deal ends allows you to secure a new rate in advance — and lock it in while rates are still competitive.

2. You Haven’t Reviewed Your Mortgage in Over Two Years

Mortgage products evolve constantly. What was competitive two years ago may now be overpriced. A review can reveal opportunities to:

• Lower your monthly payments.

• Access better loan-to-value (LTV) brackets.

• Switch to a more flexible product with lower fees.

Even if you don’t switch immediately, knowing your options puts you in control.

3. You’ve Built Up Significant Equity

If your property value has risen — or you’ve paid down your mortgage — your loan-to-value ratio may have dropped.

Example:

• Original property value: £200,000

• Mortgage balance: £160,000 → 80% LTV

• Current property value: £250,000 → 64% LTV

This lower LTV could qualify you for better rates or enable you to release equity for your next purchase.

4. You Want to Expand Your Portfolio

Equity release via remortgaging is one of the most effective ways to fund new investments. By refinancing, you can free up cash for deposits while your original property continues generating income.

This strategy compounds growth — turning one successful property into two or three.

5. Your Mortgage Is with a High-Street Bank

Traditional banks can be rigid with criteria, slow with approvals, and limited in their product range. Specialist lenders — available through brokers like NetRent — often offer:

• More flexible stress tests.

• Better options for portfolio or company landlords.

• Tailored products for HMOs and multi-unit properties.

If your current mortgage came from a high street lender, there’s likely a more suitable product waiting for you elsewhere.

6. Your Rental Income Has Increased

If your rental income has risen since your last mortgage, you may qualify for higher borrowing limits.

This could allow you to:

• Borrow more when refinancing.

• Improve cash flow by switching to interest-only terms.

• Reinvest additional capital into other properties.

Your portfolio should evolve with your income — not remain tied to outdated assessments.

7. You’ve Switched to a Limited Company Structure

Many landlords have incorporated for tax efficiency, but not all have updated their mortgage arrangements to match.

If you’ve recently moved your portfolio into a limited company, a specialist broker can help you:

• Restructure mortgages under your company.

• Access lenders offering favourable limited company terms.

• Avoid compliance or tax complications in the future.

8. You Want to Improve Cash Flow

If rising costs — from insurance to maintenance — are squeezing your margins, a remortgage can be the simplest fix.

Options include:

• Extending your mortgage term to lower monthly payments.

• Switching to an interest-only structure.

• Consolidating borrowing across multiple properties.

A small rate improvement can often add up to a big monthly saving.

9. You Need to Finance Property Improvements

Energy performance regulations (EPC) are tightening, and properties rated below “C” could soon face restrictions.

Remortgaging can provide funds to upgrade insulation, heating, or glazing — future-proofing your property, keeping tenants happy, and maintaining access to green mortgage products.

10. You’re Hearing About Rate Reductions and Unsure Whether to Wait

Many landlords wonder: “Should I remortgage now, or wait for rates to fall?”

It’s a fair question — but here’s the reality:

Why Remortgaging Now Still Makes Sense

1. You Can Lock in Today’s Rate — and Still Switch Later:
   Most remortgage offers are valid for up to six months, allowing you to secure a deal now but complete later. If rates drop, your broker can reapply for a better product before completion.

2. Rates Are Already Stabilising:
   The biggest rate drops usually happen early in a downward cycle. Waiting too long could mean missing the most competitive window — especially if lender demand surges.

3. Avoiding SVR Costs Outweighs Waiting:
   The interest you’d pay while waiting for a marginal rate improvement often exceeds any future saving.

4. Portfolio Planning Needs Certainty:
   Knowing your costs allows you to plan strategically — for equity release, refurbishment, or expansion.

In short: waiting rarely pays off. Smart landlords act when they can secure stability and flexibility — not when the market feels “perfect.”

Case Study: The Landlord Who Saved £6,500 by Acting Early

Example:
Claire’s fixed rate was ending in February 2026. She considered waiting until 2025’s rate cuts had fully materialised — but after speaking to NetRent, she decided to lock in a 5-year fixed deal in October 2025.

Her new lender’s offer was valid for six months, giving her flexibility to switch if better rates appeared.

By avoiding three months on her lender’s 8% SVR, Claire saved £6,500 — and when a slightly lower rate appeared in December, her broker simply swapped her to the cheaper product before completion.

Final Thoughts

Remortgaging isn’t just about chasing lower rates — it’s about strategy, timing, and control. Whether you’re looking to save money, release equity, or future-proof your portfolio, the right remortgage can make a huge difference to your financial position.

At NetRent, we track lender rates daily, negotiate with specialist providers, and secure deals months in advance — giving landlords the confidence to act decisively, not reactively.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment — make it happen now.

📞 Telephone: 01352 721300
📧 Email: mortgages@netrent.co.uk