Remortgaging made easy

• Decide what you want from the remortgage - do you want lower monthly payments, the security of a fixed rate, a capital sum for a holiday or home improvements, flexibility, or debt consolidation? An independent financial adviser or broker can help you choose the right deal

• Find out any fees charged by lenders or brokers, and if they can be added to the loan

• Provide proof of ID, residence and income. You will also be asked for one year's mortgage statement, between one and three months' payslips, and between one and three months' bank statements

• If you increase the size of the mortgage you may have to increase the size of your life cover and change the terms of your investment vehicle, but you should not have to extend an endowment - you can have a part repayment loan. You may also need to check buildings insurance

• Complete your mortgage at the right time in the month - some lenders charge interest to the end of the month regardless of when you complete so you could end up paying two lenders for the same period

• Once you have completed the loan, check that your bank has acted on your new instructions