How Long Should You Fix for When You Remortgage in 2026?
- Christina Vassiliades
- Jan 7
- 5 min read
Yes, choosing the right fixed rate length when remortgaging in 2026 really matters, and there is no single best option for everyone.
Many homeowners are weighing shorter fixes to retain flexibility against longer fixes to secure payment certainty. In 2026, lenders price risk differently across two, three and five year deals, and affordability stress tests still play a major role.
A shorter fixed rate may suit borrowers expecting income growth, downsizing, or future overpayments, but it can expose you to higher rates later. A longer fix may appeal if stability is the priority, especially for households managing tighter budgets. Some specialist lenders offer flexible features within fixed rates, but early repayment charges remain a key consideration.
The right answer depends on your future plans, risk tolerance, loan to value, and how long you expect to stay in the property. Reviewing this with a broker early helps avoid locking into a deal that limits your options.
Last Updated: 07 January 2026
Table of Contents
Why Fix Length Matters More in 2026
What Does “Fixing” Actually Mean
Two Year Fixed Rates, Who They Suit
Three Year Fixed Rates, A Middle Ground
Five Year Fixed Rates, Security First
Longer Fixed Rates, 7 to 10 Years
The Lender Acceptance Spectrum
Policy Exceptions and Flexibility
Case Study
Pros and Cons of Different Fix Lengths
Myth vs Reality
How This Compares to Tracker or Variable Rates
Market Trends, What Changed in the Last 12 Months
What Underwriters Consider When You Remortgage
Impact on Timescales and Hidden Costs
Broker Insights, What We See Most Often
FAQ Section
Glossary
Checklist for Next Steps
Final Note
1. Why fix length matters more in 2026
Remortgaging in 2026 is not just about chasing the lowest rate. Many homeowners are navigating higher household costs, tighter affordability tests, and uncertainty around future interest rates.
Choosing how long to fix directly affects monthly payments, flexibility, and long-term financial planning. A poor choice can result in early repayment charges at the wrong time, or exposure to rising rates just as budgets are stretched.
2. What does “fixing” actually mean
A fixed rate mortgage means your interest rate, and usually your monthly payment, stays the same for an agreed period. This could be two, three, five or even ten years.
During this time:
Your payment does not change if rates rise
You are usually protected from rate volatility
Early repayment charges normally apply
Once the fixed period ends, the mortgage reverts to a lender variable rate unless you remortgage again.
3. Two year fixed rates, who they suit
Two year fixes remain popular for borrowers who value flexibility.
They may suit:
Borrowers expecting income growth
Those planning to move within a few years
People expecting loan to value to improve quickly
However, the risk is clear. If rates remain higher or rise again, you could face a sharper payment jump at the next remortgage. Two year fixes can also mean more frequent remortgaging costs.
4. Three year fixed rates, a middle ground
Three year fixes have gained traction as a compromise. They offer more security than a two year fix but avoid the long tie-in of five years.
They may appeal to:
Borrowers wanting medium-term stability
Households unsure about longer commitments
Those aligning remortgage dates with life events
Not all lenders offer three year fixes, but availability has improved.
5. Five year fixed rates, security first
Five year fixed rates are often chosen by borrowers prioritising certainty and budgeting confidence.
They may suit:
Families with predictable income
Borrowers close to affordability limits
Homeowners planning to stay put
The downside is reduced flexibility. Early repayment charges can be substantial in the early years, and exiting early can be costly.
6. Longer fixed rates, 7 to 10 years
Longer fixes are still niche but growing. Some homeowners value locking in certainty for most of a decade.
These may work for:
Long-term homeowners
Risk-averse borrowers
Those nearing retirement
However, flexibility is limited and life changes can make long fixes restrictive.
7. The lender acceptance spectrum
Different lenders view fix lengths differently.
Mainstream lenders often price two and five year fixes competitively
Specialist lenders may focus more on borrower profile than fix length
Some intermediary-only lenders allow more flexibility on overpayments or porting
Understanding where a lender sits on this spectrum can influence your choice.
8. Policy exceptions and flexibility
Policy exceptions sometimes apply, such as:
Reduced early repayment charges
Enhanced overpayment allowances
Porting flexibility
These are not guaranteed but may be available where the case is strong.
9. Case study
A homeowner with £220,000 remaining and a 65 percent loan to value was torn between a two or five year fix. They expected salary growth within two years but also valued stability.
A three year fix aligned with their career progression and reduced the risk of remortgaging during uncertainty. The result was balanced affordability and flexibility.
10. Pros and cons of different fix lengths
Shorter fixes
Pros: flexibility, potential future savings
Cons: rate risk, frequent remortgaging
Longer fixes
Pros: certainty, easier budgeting
Cons: less flexibility, higher exit costs
11. Myth vs reality
Myth: Five year fixes are always safer
Reality: Safety depends on personal plans
Myth: Short fixes always save money
Reality: Rate risk can outweigh savings
12. How this compares to tracker or variable rates
Trackers move with the base rate and offer flexibility but less certainty.
Fixed rates suit borrowers who want predictability, especially in uncertain markets.
13. Market trends, what’s changed in the last 12 months
Rate volatility has eased slightly, but affordability checks remain strict.
Lenders are pricing longer fixes more competitively to attract stability-focused borrowers.
14. What underwriters consider when you remortgage
Underwriters assess:
Income stability
Credit conduct
Loan to value
Affordability under stress
Fix length itself does not usually affect approval but affects affordability calculations.
15. Impact on timescales and hidden costs
Hidden costs include:
Product fees
Valuation fees
Legal costs
Early repayment charges
Timing your remortgage carefully avoids unnecessary costs.
16. Broker insights, what we see most often
We frequently see borrowers fix too short and face affordability issues later. Others fix too long and incur exit penalties when life changes.
Over 120 clients last year secured better outcomes by aligning fix length with life plans.
17. FAQ
Is a five year fix safer in 2026?
It may be for some, but not all.
Can I overpay on a fixed rate?
Usually up to a limit each year.
Does fix length affect affordability checks?
Yes, indirectly through stress testing.
Can I change deals mid-fix?
Only with early repayment charges.
Are three year fixes worth considering?
For many, yes.
18. Glossary
ERC: Early repayment charge
LTV: Loan to value
SVR: Standard variable rate
19. Checklist for next steps
Review future plans
Check ERCs carefully
Compare total cost, not just rate
Speak to a broker early
20. Final note
We are expert mortgage advisers with experience in helping homeowners choose the right fixed rate strategy when remortgaging.
Get in touch today on 01275 399299
Written by Ben Stephenson, CeMAP-qualified Mortgage Broker, and reviewed by Mortgage Experts.
Manor Mortgages Direct is FCA authorised (496907), has been established for nearly 30 years and is rated 4.9 stars on Google. We have helped thousands secure the right mortgage. We are Bristol based mortgage brokers, assisting clients nationwide.