Bank Rate is currently 3.75%
The Bank of England held Bank Rate at 3.75% on 30 April 2026, with the next decision due on 18 June 2026. That does not set every mortgage rate directly, but it remains the clearest public benchmark for the market.
Remortgage 2026
Plan your remortgage before the current deal expires
Keep the main remortgage checks together: the current Bank Rate backdrop, when to start comparing deals, how fees change the maths and what support is available if the next payment looks too high.
Bank Rate contextFees and total costMortgage Charter support
Bank Rate
Bank Rate was held at 3.75% on 30 April 2026, with the next decision due on 18 June 2026.
Start Window
Around six months before expiry is usually a sensible point to begin comparing the next deal.
Support
Borrowers who are up to date with payments may be able to lock in early or ask about temporary payment support.
Current Context
What matters most for remortgagers in 2026
Before comparing products, it helps to pin down the current rate backdrop, what happens at expiry and how early you can act.
Doing nothing can move you onto an SVR
Many borrowers revert to the lender's standard variable rate when a fixed or discounted deal ends if they take no further action. That is usually the first risk to keep in view.
You do not have to wait until the final month
You can usually start talking to your lender around six months before the deal ends. That gives you time to compare like-for-like products and spot fee traps instead of rushing the decision.
Mortgage Charter options may be available
The Mortgage Charter says eligible borrowers with signatory lenders can lock in a deal up to six months early and ask about temporary options such as a six-month switch to interest-only or a term extension.
Six-Month Plan
A practical order for handling a remortgage
The aim is to keep timing, total cost and payment support in the right order.
- 1
Six months out: confirm your end date and speak to your lender
Start with the date your current fixed or discounted deal ends. Around six months out usually gives you enough time to compare options without drifting onto the lender's standard variable rate by mistake.
- 2
Compare total cost, not just the headline rate
MoneyHelper's mortgage cost guidance highlights arrangement or product fees, early repayment charges and other moving costs. Look at the full deal cost over the period you expect to keep it, especially if a cheaper rate comes with a large upfront fee.
- 3
Apply early enough for the new offer to land before expiry
A new offer often takes a few weeks after application. That means you need enough runway for underwriting, valuation and legal work rather than waiting until the old deal is nearly over.
- 4
If the payment jump is a problem, ask for support before you miss one
Borrowers who are up to date with payments may be able to ask signatory lenders about locking in a new deal early or using temporary options such as a six-month switch to interest-only or a term extension. Asking about that support should not damage your credit score on its own.
Cost Control
Fees and trade-offs that can make a 'cheap' deal expensive
Headline rate tables are not enough. The real comparison is the total cost of the deal once fees and charges are included.
Fees can cancel out a lower headline rate
Arrangement fees and other product costs can change the value of a lower headline rate. A slightly cheaper rate is not automatically the better deal if the upfront fee is large.
Moving lender can bring extra legal and admin costs
If the new lender does not cover them, you may have legal, valuation and administration costs to pay. If you are moving early, check exit fees and early repayment charges as well.
Early repayment charges can be the real blocker
An early repayment charge can make a switch unattractive even when the new rate looks better on paper. That is why the current deal terms still matter right up to expiry.
Ask how advice is paid for before you commit
Mortgage advisers might charge a fee, receive commission, or use both. Before you commit, make sure you are told how the advice will be paid for and what the total cost is likely to be.
Support Options
If the new payment feels unaffordable, act before the payment date
If the next payment looks difficult, deal with the support conversation before the due date rather than after it.
What the Mortgage Charter says
- Eligible residential borrowers can lock in a new deal up to six months before the old fixed rate ends.
- Borrowers who are up to date can ask to switch to interest-only for six months or extend their term temporarily.
- The Charter says asking for this support should not affect your credit score.
What to check before taking advice
- Use the FCA Firm Checker or Financial Services Register before paying anyone for regulated mortgage advice.
- Make sure the trading name, permissions and contact details match what the FCA shows.
- If you are offered a payment-relief route, ask whether it changes the total interest paid or the planned mortgage end date.
Next Tools
Next tools to use before you speak to a lender or broker
Once the timing, fee questions and support options are clear, these tools help you pressure-test the numbers.
Remortgage Calculator
Compare your current rate with a new deal and see the payment gap before and after switching.
Mortgage Calculator
Stress-test the monthly payment at different rates and terms before you commit to a product.
Fees Calculator
Add arrangement, legal and moving costs so you can compare the whole deal cost.
Remortgaging Guide
Read the longer guide for deeper detail on switching, fees and adviser checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start remortgaging if my deal ends in 2026?
A useful starting point is around six months before the current deal ends. That gives you time to compare your lender's retention products with the wider market.
What happens if I do nothing when my fixed rate ends?
Many borrowers move onto their lender's standard variable rate when the fixed or discounted period ends if they take no action.
How long does a remortgage offer take?
A straightforward case often takes a few weeks after a full application, though individual cases can take longer if there are valuation, legal or affordability issues to resolve.
What if I cannot afford the new payment?
If the new payment looks difficult, speak to the lender before the payment date. Borrowers who are up to date with payments may be able to ask about temporary support under the Mortgage Charter.
How do I check whether a mortgage adviser is properly regulated?
Use the FCA Firm Checker or the Financial Services Register before paying for regulated mortgage advice or brokerage.