If your mortgage deal is due to end this year, it is worth getting ahead of it now. Not because you need to panic, but because leaving it late can limit your choices and increase the chance of ending up on your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which can be higher and can change1.
A calm, organised approach usually leads to better outcomes than a last-minute scramble, and it starts with understanding two things: timing and credit.
What happens when your deal ends?
When a fixed, tracker or discounted period finishes, many mortgages revert to the lender’s SVR unless you switch to a new deal. At that point, most borrowers will either:
- Switch to a new product with their existing lender, or
- Move to a new lender, subject to eligibility, affordability checks and the lender’s criteria1.
The right route depends on your circumstances, your priorities, and the overall cost once fees are taken into account, not just the headline rate.
Timing: the easiest way to reduce stress
If your deal ends this year, the best move is to act early. Starting several months in advance gives you time to compare options properly, avoid unnecessary delays, and resolve any issues that might show up during checks1.
It also reduces the risk of slipping onto SVR while you are still gathering documents or waiting for underwriting.
Why your credit profile matters
Your credit profile plays a key role in the mortgage process. It helps lenders decide not only whether to lend but also which rates and terms they are prepared to offer. It is rarely the only factor, but it can influence the range of products available to you and how smooth the application process feels1.
One important point that is often missed: there is no single universal credit score. Different lenders interpret the information on your credit file in their own way. That is why the most reliable approach is to focus on the fundamentals that most lenders look for: stability, consistency, and sensible use of credit1.
The credit tidy-up that can make a real difference
You do not need gimmicks. Small, consistent actions can help, particularly in the months before applying.
1) Check your credit file early
One of the simplest and most effective steps is to check your credit report well before you start applying. Errors are more common than many people expect, ranging from outdated addresses to accounts that do not belong to you. Correcting inaccuracies can improve your profile, but updates may take time to filter through, which is why early checks matter.
In the UK, the main credit reference agencies are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, and the information can vary across them1.
2) Payment history matters most
Consistently paying bills on time is one of the strongest signals you can send to lenders. Missed or late payments, even on smaller commitments such as mobile contracts, can have a disproportionate impact. If you have any payments that regularly catch you out, setting up direct debits and reminders can reduce the risk of accidental oversights1.
3) Keep credit card balances sensible
How much of your available credit you use can matter as much as whether you repay it. High utilisation can signal financial strain, even if you always pay on time. Where possible, reducing balances and avoiding maxed-out limits can support your overall profile1.
4) Avoid sudden changes before applying
In the run-up to a mortgage application, stability is important. Taking out new credit, switching bank accounts frequently, or making multiple applications within a short period can raise red flags. If your deal is ending soon, it is often wise to avoid unnecessary new finance and keep your financial footprint steady1.
5) Be cautious about closing older accounts
Closing unused credit accounts can reduce your available credit and change your profile. It is not always a problem, but it is not always helpful either. If you are unsure, it may be better to pause before making changes, especially close to an application1.
6) Make sure you are on the electoral register
This can help with identity checks and can support your credit profile, particularly if you have moved recently1.
How long do improvements take?
Some changes can help quickly, while others take longer.
- Correcting errors or reducing balances may help within weeks.
- Rebuilding after missed payments typically takes longer, and consistency matters.
Even modest improvements can make the process smoother and may widen the choice of lenders and products available.
Do not forget protection as your deal ends
When people review their mortgage, it is also a sensible time to review the safety net around it. If your income stopped due to illness or an accident, or if the worst happened, would the mortgage and household bills still be manageable?
Many people set up life insurance and income protection years ago and then never look at it again. But circumstances change: your mortgage balance reduces, your family situation changes, your income changes, and cover that once felt right can become out of date. A quick review can help you check whether your cover still matches your needs and budget, and whether you are protected in the way you expect.
Look beyond the headline rate
It is tempting to fixate on the rate, but the overall cost matters more. When comparing deals, keep an eye on:
- Product fees and valuation fees
- Incentives and cashback offers
- Early repayment charges
- Flexibility, overpayment options and portability
- Whether the term still suits your plans
A slightly higher rate with lower fees can be better value for some borrowers, particularly on smaller balances or shorter fixes. Equally, a low rate can look attractive until fees are added back in.
The practical takeaway
If your mortgage deal ends this year, treat it like a diary date rather than a surprise. Start early, gather the basics, and keep your credit profile steady and well managed in the months leading up to any application.
References:
- MoneySavingExpert.com. (2026). Getting ready to remortgage. [online] Available at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/getting-ready-remortgage/ [Accessed 24 Feb. 2026].
Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.
All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 26th February 2026. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
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