Remortgage demand jumps

New analysis from Stonebridge suggests remortgage activity surged during the opening months of 2026 as borrowers reached the end of ultra-low fixed rate mortgage products arranged during the pandemic.

Sharp rise in applications

Stonebridge data shows that remortgage applications increased by 45.8% during Q1 2026. The rise comes as many homeowners are reaching the end of fixed rate products arranged when borrowing costs were significantly lower.

Many fixed rate mortgages expired during 2025, with a further 1.8 million expected to end this year. As borrowers move onto higher rates, many are reviewing their options to secure a more suitable mortgage arrangement and avoid reverting onto significantly higher standard variable rates.

The increase in activity suggests many households are taking a more proactive approach to managing their mortgage costs as financial pressures continue.

Borrowers reassessing options

The mortgage market has changed considerably since the pandemic era, with interest rates remaining much higher than the record lows seen several years ago. This means many households are facing noticeably higher monthly repayments when their current fixed rate term ends.

As a result, more borrowers are actively comparing products and seeking advice before their existing arrangements expire. For some homeowners, even relatively small increases in mortgage rates could significantly affect monthly budgets and wider household finances.

The Stonebridge data also showed growing interest in shorter mortgage terms, with two-year fixed products increasing in popularity. This suggests some borrowers may prefer shorter-term flexibility while monitoring future interest rate movements and potential changes to borrowing costs.

At the same time, some homeowners are reassessing how long they wish to borrow for, particularly as affordability pressures remain a key concern across the market.

Why early planning matters

Reviewing your mortgage options before your current fixed rate expires could help you avoid unnecessary increases in monthly repayments. It may also provide an opportunity to reassess your wider financial arrangements and borrowing needs.

Many lenders allow borrowers to secure a new mortgage product several months before their existing fixed rate ends, giving homeowners more time to plan ahead. Seeking advice early may also increase the range of products available and reduce the risk of rushed financial decisions closer to expiry dates.

Speak to us today

We can help you find a mortgage product suited to your circumstances.

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay and early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

Source: https://stonebridgegroup.co.uk/news/mortgage-market-index-46-rise-in-remortgages-in-q1-as-ultralow-pandemic-deals-end/