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Remortgaging

Remortgaging is simply the act of switching your mortgage, often to a new lender, but not necessarily. In an attempt to coax borrowers away from other lenders, mortgage brokers will offer discounted interest rates wrapped in to their introductory offers.

In recent years the remortgaging market has boomed, as increasing numbers of people have become aware of the advantages of moving their home loan to a new lender, knocking thousands of in interest over the life of the loan. Though you may find some very good reasons for sticking with your current mortgage lender.

There are three main reasons for you to consider remortgaging:

1. The first reason to remortgage would be simply to release value that has built up in your property, perhaps as a result of rising house prices. In this instance you would take a new mortgage for the value of the property, not just the amount you owe your existing mortgage lender. This can be a good option for people who want to obtain a large amount of cash with interest charged at the mortgage rate.

2. Another reason to remortgage is to fix the rate you are paying on your loan (see fixed rate mortgage). While interest rates may still fall, it is more likely they will stay where they are and they may even begin to rise.

3. The third reason to remortgage is if your special offer period has ended and you are now paying a lender's standard variable rate (SVR) you could probably get a lower mortgage rate elsewhere. In fact, you have probably even seen your mortgage lender offering a better rate to new clients. By moving to a lower rate you will cut your monthly mortgage repayments.

If any of these reasons make sense to you the next step is to work out the cost to remortgage - and whether then it is still worth your while. Look over your current deal to find out if there are any redemption penalties. Also find out from your mortgage broker if you are in a negative equity position. In the unlikely event that you are, you should think twice about moving your loan because you will have to find this money before you can move.

The next thing to bear in mind is the cost of the new mortgage: alongside a possible arrangement fee for the loan, there may be legal fees to meet, the price of a new valuation and the cost of local authority searches. It all depends on your mortgage lender. You may choose a deal without an arrangement fee, which will save you money. If you have had a valuation done recently the new mortgage lender may be willing to accept its findings. Or you may find a lender willing to pick up the tab for the conveyancing and the survey.

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