What is a remortgage?
A remortgage means replacing your current mortgage with a new one, usually to get a better deal, borrow more or raise money against your home. This guide explains how it works and what to expect.
144 guides
Guides to remortgaging with adverse credit
Clear, practical explanations of how remortgaging works, how credit files work and how lenders tend to view different credit issues, so you understand your options before you apply.
Remortgaging basics
How remortgaging works, what it costs, how long it takes and the choices along the way.
How long does a remortgage take?
A straightforward remortgage often completes within a matter of weeks, though timing depends on your lender, the legal work and your own circumstances. This guide sets out a realistic timeline and what can slow it down.
Can you remortgage early?
You can usually remortgage before your current deal ends, but leaving early can mean an early repayment charge. This guide explains when remortgaging early makes sense and how to check the cost first.
How much does it cost to remortgage?
Remortgaging can involve several possible costs, including a valuation fee, a product or arrangement fee, legal fees and sometimes a broker fee. This guide explains each one and what typically applies.
When should you remortgage?
Many people start looking at a new deal a few months before their current one ends, though other life changes can also be good reasons to remortgage. This guide explains the main timing considerations.
Do you need a solicitor to remortgage?
Most remortgages involve some legal work, often provided free through your lender's panel solicitor. This guide explains what a solicitor does in a remortgage and when you might need your own.
Credit history
CCJs, defaults, credit scores and your credit file: what they mean and how to fix problems.
What is a CCJ?
A county court judgment (CCJ) is a court order confirming you owe a debt, made when a creditor takes court action and you don’t pay or respond. Here’s how you get one, where it’s recorded, and what it means for your credit file and a remortgage.
What credit score do you need for a mortgage?
There isn’t one minimum score. Each credit reference agency uses its own scale, and mortgage lenders apply their own scoring to your full credit report, not the number shown in an app.
How long does a default stay on your credit file?
A default stays on your credit file for 6 years from the default date, whether you pay it or not. Here is how that date is set and what can and can't change it.
How to check if you have a CCJ
You can check for a CCJ in two ways: through your free statutory credit report, or with a direct search of the judgments register. Here’s how each works and what to do if you find one you didn’t expect.
How to remove a CCJ
A CCJ can only come off your file early by paying in full within one month of the judgment or having it set aside by a court. Otherwise it stays for 6 years, whether or not it’s paid. Here’s how each route works.
What is adverse credit?
Adverse credit means negative entries on your credit file, such as missed payments, defaults or CCJs. This guide explains the main types, how lenders tend to view them and how to check your own file.
Debt and borrowing
Debt management plans, IVAs, bankruptcy and consolidating debts, explained plainly.
What is a debt management plan?
A debt management plan (DMP) is an informal arrangement where you make one reduced, affordable payment each month, shared out between your unsecured creditors. It isn't a legal insolvency and can be stopped at any time.
Should I remortgage to pay off debt?
Remortgaging to pay off debt can make monthly payments easier to manage for some people, but it secures the debts on your home and can cost more in total. This guide helps you weigh up whether it fits your situation.
Can you remortgage to consolidate debt?
You can remortgage to pay off other debts, but the debts become secured on your home and a longer term can mean paying more in total. This guide sets out how it works, the risks and the alternatives.
DMP or IVA: what's the difference?
A debt management plan (DMP) is an informal arrangement that any creditor can refuse or leave, while an IVA is a formal insolvency procedure that legally binds creditors once approved, usually writing off unpaid debt at the end.
What is an IVA?
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal, legally binding agreement, arranged through an insolvency practitioner, to repay part of your unsecured debt over a set period, usually 5 to 6 years, after which any remaining balance is written off.
Debt solutions compared: DMP, IVA, bankruptcy and DRO
Debt management plans, IVAs, bankruptcy and debt relief orders each work differently, with different effects on your home and credit file. This guide compares them side by side, without recommending any one option.
Your situation
Arrears, affordability, documents and preparing for a remortgage with adverse credit.
Can you remortgage with mortgage arrears?
Remortgaging with mortgage arrears can be difficult, particularly if the arrears are current. This guide explains how lenders view arrears, the options with your existing lender and where to get free help.
How many months of mortgage arrears before repossession?
There is no fixed number of months of arrears that leads to repossession. This guide explains the pre-action steps lenders must follow, what happens if a case reaches court, and where to get free help.
How to prepare for a bad credit remortgage
Preparing well before you apply, rather than at the point of application, tends to give homeowners with adverse credit more realistic options and fewer surprises.
How to clear mortgage arrears
This guide sets out the main ways to clear mortgage arrears, from payment arrangements and capitalising to lump sums and selling, plus what each means for a future remortgage.
What will a mortgage adviser ask you?
A first conversation with a mortgage adviser usually covers your current mortgage, income, credit history and reasons for remortgaging, so you can prepare answers in advance.
Can you sell your house with mortgage arrears?
Selling with mortgage arrears is usually possible, since the sale proceeds repay what you owe. This guide explains redemption statements, shortfalls and negative equity, and when remortgaging might be an alternative.
By credit issue
Detailed pages for your situation
Each page covers how that type of adverse credit may affect a remortgage and what an adviser is likely to ask.
About our guides
Who writes these guides?
Our guides are written to explain how UK credit files and remortgages generally work, in plain English. They are general information, not personal advice. Lenders’ criteria vary and change, so speak to an authorised adviser about your own circumstances.
How often are the guides updated?
Each guide shows the date it was last reviewed. We update them when rules, credit reference practice or common lender approaches change.
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Check your remortgage options
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.