When you first took out your mortgage, the “end date” probably felt like a lifetime away. But as that date approaches in 2026, your strategy for switching deals is what will determine your financial headspace for the next few years.
The Myth of the 3-Month Window
Most banks and building societies will contact you about three months before your fixed rate ends. While this gives you enough time to do a simple “product switch” with them, it often doesn’t give you enough time to properly survey the wider market, especially if you want to move to a different lender for a better deal.
We advise our clients to be “Re-Mortgage Ready” at the 7-month mark.
Why 7 Months?
Securing an offer early doesn’t mean you have to start paying the new rate immediately. It simply means you have a “placeholder.” If interest rates rise during those final six months of your current deal, you are protected. If rates happen to drop even further, we can often re-evaluate and switch you to an even better deal before your current one actually expires. It is a “win-win” for the homeowner.
Lessons from 2026
Economic stability can be fragile. We entered this year with a positive outlook on mortgage rates, but global events, particularly the recent escalations in the Middle East, proved how quickly “market sentiment” can change.
We recently assisted a client who received their lender’s renewal offer 12 weeks before their expiry. Because they waited, they missed a window of lower rates that had been available just a few months prior. In a volatile world, time is your best hedge against rising costs.
Is a Product Switch better for you?
Sometimes, staying with your current lender is the right move especially if your personal circumstances (like your credit score or employment status) have changed since you last applied. However, you won’t know if you’re getting a fair deal unless you compare it against the whole market.
Taking the Heavy Lifting Off Your Shoulders
Re-mortgaging can feel like a second job, but it doesn’t have to be. By contacting Custom Mortgages and Finance early, you give us the time to:
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Assess your current equity and financial position.
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Compare your existing lender’s “loyalty” offers against the rest of the market.
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Secure a rate that protects you from future global uncertainty.
Start the conversation today. Don’t wait for the market to move before you do.Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
