THE SUN: X things anyone with a fixed mortgage MUST do now as XX deals are set to end

Speak to a Broker, not directly to your lender - A Mortgage Broker is ideally placed to check what your current lender will offer you, and the rest of the market. Your lenders deal may be a lot more expensive, and they won't offer advice.

Make sure you have all your documents to hand - Make sure you are using online banking and can find where you can download statements.

Be accurate with your income - don't generalise about what you earn. Be specific about your salary, overtime, commission, etc.

Property Value - Get a realistic idea of what your home is worth, that will influence what products you qualify for. Don't be too generous, check on Rightmove for similar properties in your area.

Speed - with rates moving all the time, don't leave it too late to act. You can potentially reserve a deal up to 6 months in advance, and if rates improve, you may be able re-negotiate a further deal to save even more money.

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If your circumstancesnces have changed find out what you can afford, as you may have to stay with your current lender. Find out what's on offer, both fixed rates but also variable. Interest rates are likely to fall now and you down want to be fixed with higher repayments. It's likely your repayments will increase, so do a budget. Look through your other bills and see if you can switch providers, negotiate a lower payment or cancel some subscriptions if you aren't using them. Don't panic! Speak to your current lender and a good whole of market adviser as early as possible so you can get good advice in advance of needing to make a decision.

Review Your Mortgage: Understand your current mortgage terms, including the end date of your fixed rate. This helps you plan ahead and avoid reverting to a potentially higher standard variable rate (SVR).
Research the Market: Compare current mortgage deals. Rates fluctuate, and there may be a better deal available. Use online comparison tools or better yet consult a broker.
Check Your Property Value: An increase in property value could move you into a lower loan-to-value (LTV) bracket, enabling access to better rates.
Consider Remortgaging: If you find a better deal, remortgaging could save you money. Start this process around six months before your fixed rate ends to ensure a smooth transition.
Seek Professional Advice: A mortgage broker can provide personalised advice based on your circumstances. They have access to deals not available directly from lenders.
Remember, each situation is unique. Always consider your financial situation and future plans.

Begin the Process Early: It's typically wise to begin evaluating your options approximately six months before your mortgage deal expires.
Anticipate Higher Repayments: If your mortgage deal was struck in the last few years and is now ending, it's probable that your payments will increase. If you haven't started yet, it's time to plan your budget to accommodate this likely adjustment.
Explore Beyond Your Existing Lender: While your current lender may provide a convenient route to switch to a different deal, it's important to investigate other possibilities within the wider mortgage market.
Changes in Circumstances May Not Prevent a New Deal: A common misconception is that altered personal circumstances would inhibit one's eligibility for a new mortgage deal. However, this is not always the case, and you might still qualify for a new deal with your current or a different lender. Engage a Mortgage Broker: If you require guidance, enlisting the help of a mortgage broker might be beneficial

1)Make sure you start the mortgage-switching process 4-6 months before your current deal ends and do everything possible to avoid your lender's super high SVR.
2)Assess the market before locking into a product transfer. Most lenders allow customers to secure a new deal well before their current mortgage ends. It is a simple process if you are not changing the term or borrowing more. Beware, many lenders do not offer existing customers flexible or offset deals.
3)Work out if you need a two-year deal or a three/five-year fix. More of our clients are taking two-year trackers and two-year fixes as they do expect rates to come down. This is a real change as everyone wanted a five-year fix up until recently. 4)Check the early repayment charges on a new deal so you know how much it will cost to get out of. 5) Work out how much your new repayments will be and if they are going to be too expensive, consider temporarily putting some of the mortgage on interest only or extending the term.

1. Check your LTV - if you're within touching distance of the next loan-to-value (LTV) bracket, it may be worth making an overpayment at the same time as you remortgage in order to secure a better rate.

2. Consider your future plans - if you're likely to be moving then this may mean a tracker or shorter-term fix is more appropriate than a longer-term deal.

3. Review your budget - your new rate is likely to be higher so your monthly payments will go up. You may be able to extend the term of the mortgage to help bring the payments back down.

4. Research the options - don't assume your current lender will give you the best deal.

5. Speak to a broker - a whole-of-market mortgage broker can help work out your best course of action and secure your new deal efficiently, with minimal fuss or stress.