Posted on: April 1, 2026
When to Contact Us – Your Local Mortgage Specialists
A mortgage is rarely a “set‑and‑forget” commitment. The most successful homeowners are the ones who stay in touch with their mortgage advisor at key moments—long before problems arise and well before opportunities are missed.
Why staying in touch matters?
A mortgage sits at the centre of someone’s financial life. Interest rates shift, lenders update criteria, and personal circumstances evolve. Regular communication ensures the mortgage continues to fit your goals, protects your home, and supports long‑term financial wellbeing. Many people assume they only need advice when buying or remortgaging, in reality, there are several moments where a quick conversation can save money, reduce risk, or open new options.
When should you get in touch?
When your current mortgage deal is ending
This is the most common—and most critical—trigger. As a fixed or tracker deal approaches its end, and you risk rolling onto the lender’s standard variable rate, which is often significantly higher. Getting in touch within 5-6 months before expiry gives enough time to:
- Review whether a product transfer or full remortgage is best.
- Compare rates across the market.
- Prepare documents early, especially if circumstances have changed.
- Lock in a rate ahead of potential market movements.
Early conversations reduce stress and give more control over the outcome.
When your income or employment changes
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither do lenders’ criteria. If your employment setup shifts, including:
- Becoming self‑employed — Lenders often require 1–3 years of accounts, so early planning is essential.
- Switching to contracting — Day‑rate calculations, contract lengths, and industry type can all affect affordability.
- Receiving bonuses, commissions, or overtime — Not all lenders treat variable income the same way.
- Changing jobs or employers — Even a probation period can influence mortgage options.
A quick review helps understand how these changes affect future borrowing power and ensures you’re prepared for future reviews.
When your personal circumstances shift
Major life events often reshape financial priorities.
- Marriage or moving in together — Combining finances or buying jointly may open new options.
- Divorce or separation — Understanding affordability, equity splits, and lender requirements becomes crucial.
- Growing their family — A larger home, increased expenses, or a desire for long‑term stability may prompt a review.
- Receiving inheritance or a lump sum — Overpayments, term reductions, or new investment plans may be worth exploring.
These conversations help align your mortgage with a new reality.
To review protection and insurance
Protection is often overlooked until it’s needed—but by then, it’s too late. You should reach out to review:
- Life insurance — Ensuring the mortgage is covered if the worst happens.
- Critical illness cover — Protecting lifestyle during serious illness.
- Income protection — Particularly important for self‑employed clients or those without strong employer benefits.
- Buildings and contents insurance — Making sure the home and belongings are adequately protected.
Protection needs evolve as families grow, incomes change, or debts reduce. Regular reviews ensure you remain properly covered.
When interest rates or the wider market shift
You may not always track economic changes, but can feel the impact. It may be worth checking in from time to time to understand how the mortgage market has changed since your last review.
- Rates rise or fall significantly.
- Lenders tighten or relax criteria.
- New products or incentives enter the market.
Even if no immediate action is needed, a conversation helps to stay informed and confident.
When you want to make changes to your mortgage
Reach out before making decisions such as:
- Overpaying or reducing their term.
- Borrowing more for home improvements.
- Adding or removing someone from the mortgage.
Each change has implications for affordability, lender criteria, and long‑term cost.
Stay proactive
A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments someone will ever make. Knowing when to reach out to gives confidence, clarity, and long‑term security.
Get in touch if you need to discuss any of the above or have any other questions
Craig Power craig.power@villagefs.co.uk or Luke.spires@villagefs.co.uk.
The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change 01.04.2026
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
