Act now to avoid a remortgage nightmare before Christmas 

If your mortgage deal ends soon and you don’t remortgage onto a new deal, you could end up paying hundreds of pounds a year more on your lender’s standard variable rate. Here’s what you need to know.
Act now to avoid a remortgage nightmare before Christmas 
  • Mortgage rates may be rising, but homeowners whose fixed mortgage deal ends in the next few months could face higher monthly repayments if they move onto their lender’s standard variable rate rather than switching to a new deal.
  • Those homeowners coming off a cheap 5 year fixed deal are likely to see the most painful increases, as the average 5 year fixed rate mortgage today is 5.95%, compared to the average 5 year fixed mortgage rate in October 2021 of 2.55%, Moneyfacts figures show.
  • However, it’s still worth exploring your mortgage options before your current deal ends because moving onto your lender’s standard variable rate could mean paying even more.

Coming off a cheap 5 year fixed deal example

These are example costs when borrowing £200,000 over 25 years, not including any fees:

Average rateMonthly paymentDifference compared to 2021/ monthDifference compared to 2021/ year
Average 5 year fix in Oct 2021: 2.55%£902  
Average 5 year fix today: 5.95%£1,282£380£4,560
Average SVR today: 7.13%£1,430£528£6,336
Figures correct as of 29 September 2026.
  • In this example, moving onto the average SVR rather than the average 5 year fixed rate today would cost an extra £148 each month, or £1,776 per year. Actual costs will depend on the mortgage available to you and any fees or charges.

If your deal is ending soon, see Should I remortgage now? for the main things to consider before switching.

But it’s not just those coming off a cheap deal who could face repayments rising sharply if they go onto their lender’s SVR instead of taking out a new mortgage deal.

The average 2 year fixed rate mortgage in October 2024 was 5.40%, compared to today’s 2 year average fixed rate of 5.94%.

Homeowners could still face paying hundreds of pounds more per year in some cases if they roll onto their lender’s SVR instead of taking out a new deal.

Coming off a 2 year fixed deal example.

These are example costs when borrowing £200,000 over 25 years, not including any fees:

Average RateMonthly paymentDifference compared to 2024 / monthDifference compared to 2024 / year
Average 2 year fix in Oct 2024: 5.40%£1,216  
Average 2 year fix today: 5.94%£1,281£65£780
Average SVR today: 7.13%£1,430£214£2,568
Figures correct as of 29 September 2026.

In this example, moving onto the average SVR rather than the average 2 year fixed rate today would cost an extra £149 each month, or £1,788 per year. Actual costs will depend on the mortgage available to you and any fees or charges.

These examples are based on fixed mortgage rates but the most suitable mortgage will depend on your individual circumstances.

Get fee-free mortgage advice from the award-winning expert advisers at Mortgage Advice Bureau. Compare deals or speak to an adviser today.

Need mortgage advice?

Get fee-free mortgage advice from the award-winning expert advisers at Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Get mortgage advice now

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Please note some branches of Mortgage Advice Bureau may charge a fee for mortgage advice if you go direct. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed. So make sure you use this site, this form or phone number for fee-free advice.

How can I make my remortgage go smoothly?

If your current mortgage deal expires in the next 6 months, it’s a good idea to start exploring your remortgage options now. That way you could lock in a mortgage rate and keep it under review in case a better deal comes up before you need to switch. See our latest guide on Mortgage rate predictions 2026 for experts’ views on what could happen to rates next.

When you’re comparing your remortgage options, remember to consider the overall cost, including the rate and any fees that may apply.

If you’re thinking of switching before your current deal ends, see Can you remortgage early? to understand when early repayment charges may apply.

If you’re using a fee-free mortgage broker, they can help you compare suitable mortgage options and their overall costs.

Act now to avoid a nightmare before Christmas

Our Mortgage Expert Sarah Tucker says:

“Households are busy in the run up to Christmas and organising your new mortgage deal can slip to the bottom of the to-do list. But if you don’t act promptly, there’s also a risk you slip onto your lender’s SVR. This could cost you hundreds of pounds more at what is already a very expensive time of year – and that really would be ‘a nightmare before Christmas’ So check your deal and speak to a broker today.”

What is a standard variable rate mortgage?

  • The standard variable rate is the interest rate you’ll be charged after the initial term of your fixed, tracker or discount mortgage ends unless you remortgage onto a new deal.
  • Lenders decide how much interest to charge on standard variable rate mortgages and these mortgages can be very expensive. Read more in our guide on Standard Variable Rates.

How can I find out what my mortgage’s standard variable rate is?

  • You should find this on paperwork from your mortgage lender but if you can’t find it, contact them and they’ll tell you what the current SVR is.

The best mortgage depends on your personal circumstances. The award-winning expert advisers at Mortgage Advice Bureau will find the right mortgage for you.

Need mortgage advice?

Get fee-free mortgage advice from the award-winning expert advisers at Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Get mortgage advice now
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