Remortgage is a common term used in the UK to describe the process of switching to a new mortgage deal. The word is pronounced /riːˈmɔː(r)ɡɪdʒ/ (ree-MOR-gij) and is spelled using a combination of two different words: "re-" meaning "again" and "mortgage." The spelling of the word can be confusing, and many people mistakenly spell it with an "o" instead of an "e." Regardless of the spelling, remortgaging is an important consideration for homeowners looking to save money or reduce their monthly payments.
A remortgage refers to the process of replacing an existing mortgage on a property with a new mortgage from a different lender or by renegotiating the terms with the existing lender. It essentially involves the homeowner seeking a new loan on their property to pay off the existing borrowing.
Remortgaging can serve multiple purposes, including securing a better interest rate, consolidating debts, releasing equity, or changing the mortgage structure to suit different financial circumstances. The primary motivation for many homeowners to remortgage is to benefit from more favorable terms, such as a lower interest rate, which can result in reduced monthly repayments and potentially significant savings over the term of the loan.
When pursuing a remortgage, borrowers typically reassess their financial situation and consult various lenders to find the most suitable deal that fulfills their requirements. The application process involves a detailed evaluation of creditworthiness, property value, and income to determine the amount and terms of the new mortgage. Once approved, the remortgage process often involves the legal transfer of the mortgage deed and may include additional fees for solicitors, valuation, and arrangement.
Remortgaging offers homeowners the opportunity to manage their mortgage more effectively, take advantage of more favorable market conditions, or access additional funds. However, it is important to consider the associated costs and potential early repayment charges before deciding whether to remortgage.
The word "remortgage" is a combination of two words: "re" and "mortgage".
The prefix "re-" comes from Latin and means "again" or "back". It indicates repetition or returning to a previous state or action.
The term "mortgage" has its roots in Old French and Latin. In Old French, "mortgage" was spelled "morgage" and derived from the verb "morguer", which meant "to pledge". This Old French term was later influenced by the Latin word "mortuus", which means "dead".
In its earliest form, a mortgage referred to a conditional pledge of property as security for a loan. If the borrower failed to repay the loan, the property became "dead" or "deadened" in the sense that it was lost to the lender.