Headline rates dominate conversation; lenders still care about stress-tested affordability, employment history, and whether the product fee is added to the loan. Before you instruct a solicitor, gather the same pack a underwriter will request: payslips, bank statements, and proof of bonuses if they form part of income.
Product transfers with your current lender can be simpler, but they are not always cheaper once fees and early repayment charges are tallied. We compare like-for-like monthly costs over the fixed period, not just the initial rate badge.
Protection rarely feels urgent during a remortgage rush, yet lenders and families both care what happens if income stops. Life cover and income protection should be sized against the new repayment, not copied from an old policy that no longer matches the balance.
If your income is uneven — contracting, dividends, or dual employment — tell us early. Extra documentation slows files; surprise documentation slows them more.