When can I start shopping around?

Branchini1979

Hi Guys,
I moved a few years ago and ported my mortgage across. I got a separate Mortgage to make the difference.
Unfortunately they both had different end dates on their fixed rate, with one end 1st Feb and the other 1st July.
I understood that if I wanted to have just one mortgage I would have to wait till the other Mortgage fixed rate ended.
Alas I have now seen my mortgage payments go up but when can I start sorting out a new fixed rate deal ready to start in July?
Thank you

ACG

Generally speaking, mortgage offers on remortgages are valid for 3 months, so you probably dont want to be looking before April really. 

[Deleted User]

If you have a good retention deal available through existing lender then they may waive any early repayment charges in the last 3 months (sometimes). 

Moneyminded

Speak to your lender and find out what their rules are. I was allowed to switch product in the last 4 months of a fixed term deal so if your lender is the same then you could look for a new deal next month. 

Branchini1979

Maybe it is worth calling my current provider (Virgin Money) as both my main mortgage and top up mortgage are with them, and though I may have to wait to sort out till April, I can maybe waiver any fees, and then see if that compares better to moving to someone else with fees

Retired_Mortgage_Adviser

If I'm not wrong, your can switch products with Virgin 4 months in advance, so 1st March for you. I'm not sure whether that means you can reserve a product to be transferred on 1 July or whether you can get the new product to start earlier without a penalty, like some lenders allow.

If one part is already on SVR, might be worth switching as soon as possible. In your place, I would still get in touch with a broker to see whole of market options and compare the two.