Customer Overview
A married couple in their 40s, both employed and living in the UK, approached us for help while reviewing their mortgage options. They had recently completed significant home improvements and were managing multiple credit cards and unsecured loans alongside their existing mortgage. When reviewing solutions, debt consolidation through a remortgage was a consideration.
Their main goal was clear: keep their overall monthly payments as low as possible while moving onto a new mortgage product — and ensure their mortgage would be fully repaid at the end of the term.
The Challenge: Rising Debt and No Disposable Income
Over time, the couple had built up £50,341 in unsecured debts, including:
- Credit cards with interest rates as high as 24%–30%
- A 0% credit card deal that was due to end
- Multiple unsecured loans with high monthly repayments
- Store and mail order accounts
The debts had originally been used for:
- Home improvements (new bathrooms and kitchen upgrades)
- Furniture purchases
- Consolidating earlier credit cards where rates had increased
Although payments had been maintained, their monthly outgoings exceeded their income, leaving no disposable income to absorb a higher mortgage payment once their low interest deal ended. After considering their situation, a debt consolidation remortgage was discussed as a way to manage repayments.
In total, they were paying £1,511 per month towards unsecured credit commitments alone.
Understanding the True Cost of Keeping the Debts
If the debts had remained separate, the projected repayment cost was estimated at £63,443 based on current repayment levels.
However, the high monthly payments were placing strain on their household budget and limiting flexibility. For many families, considering debt consolidation via a remortgage can reduce pressure.
They needed a solution that would:
- Reduce monthly financial pressure
- Prevent reliance on further credit
- Allow them to manage a new mortgage payment comfortably
- Ensure the mortgage is repaid in full at the end of the term
The Solution: Debt Consolidation Remortgage
After reviewing their full income and expenditure, we recommended a debt consolidation remortgage.
This involved consolidating £50,341 of unsecured borrowing into their new mortgage. By doing so, they:
- Cleared high-interest credit cards
- Repaid unsecured loans with high monthly payments
- Simplified multiple debts into one mortgage payment
We clearly explained the implications:
- The debt would now be secured against their home
- Interest would be paid over a longer term
- They would repay approximately £2.34 for every £1 borrowed
- Total projected cost over the mortgage term: £117,797.94
This means consolidating would cost approximately £54,354.94 more over the long term compared to keeping debts separate — assuming the mortgage runs its full term and only minimum payments would otherwise have been made. Still, debt consolidation via remortgage can offer more affordable monthly commitments.
Why Consolidation Still Made Sense
While the long-term cost was higher, the short- and medium-term benefits were significant. A debt consolidation remortgage can offer practical financial relief while adapting to changing household needs.
By restructuring their borrowing, their net disposable income increased by approximately £1,191.90 per month during the term of the original loans.
This gave them:
- Immediate monthly breathing space
- Improved cash flow
- Reduced financial stress
- Confidence they would not need to rely on further credit
Importantly, their home improvements were complete, and they confirmed they did not anticipate building up new debts.
Selective Consolidation
Not all debts were automatically included. We discussed whether to consolidate everything or just the most expensive commitments. In some cases, debt consolidation through remortgage is only applied to select debts.
The decision was made to:
- Consolidate high-interest credit cards
- Consolidate loans with high monthly payments
- Leave smaller, manageable commitments to be repaid separately
Client Perspective
“This remortgage will put us in a much better financial position. It increases our disposable income enough that we shouldn’t need to use credit again in the future.”
Important Considerations with a Debt Consolidation Mortgage
A mortgage to pay off debt can be a powerful tool, but it is not suitable for everyone. For those interested in debt consolidation with a remortgage, it’s vital to assess the risks.
Key factors we discussed:
- If you are within a 0% incentive period and can repay before it ends, consolidation may not be suitable.
- You are turning unsecured debt into secured borrowing against your home.
- If you build up new credit after completion, future remortgage options may be limited.
- Early repayment charges may apply on fixed-rate mortgages.
We always recommend exploring alternatives and, where appropriate, speaking to organisations such as National Debtline, Citizens Advice, or StepChange if someone is struggling with repayments.
Is a Remortgage to Clear Debt Right for You?
If you are wondering can you remortgage to consolidate debt, the answer is yes — but it depends on: Taking the step of a debt consolidation remortgage in the UK can mean improved monthly affordability.
- Your available equity
- Your income and affordability
- Your long-term financial goals
- Your discipline around future borrowing
Using a remortgage calculator can help estimate payments, but professional advice ensures you understand the full long-term cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Control of Your Finances Today
If you’re struggling with high monthly repayments or considering a debt consolidation mortgage, professional advice can help you understand both the short-term relief and long-term costs. For anyone seeking debt consolidation via remortgage, speaking with an expert will ensure informed decisions.
Speak to an experienced adviser today to explore whether a remortgage to clear debt could improve your financial stability and give you the breathing space you need — while ensuring your mortgage is structured to be repaid in full at the end of its term.
