Remortgaging During Coronavirus: What High Net Worth Clients Need to Know
Are you currently seeking to refinance an existing property? The onset of Covid-19 created uncertainty for many investors, raising concerns about whether remortgaging during coronavirus would be realistic. At Articus Finance, we continue to advise clients on how to refinance efficiently amid global disruption, ensuring they secure the right terms while maintaining flexibility and liquidity.
Why Remortgage During Coronavirus?
Many clients approach us at the end of a fixed-term facility to avoid falling onto a costly standard variable rate (SVR). Others pursue refinancing to unlock equity and enhance liquidity during uncertain times. Still others simply look to access more competitive terms. Regardless of the driver, the key message is the same: remortgaging during coronavirus remains achievable with the right guidance.
Factors such as evolving lender criteria and the availability of mortgage valuations have required careful navigation. At Articus Finance, we leverage both private banks and specialist lenders to ensure applications are positioned effectively. For underlying detail, see our insights into Remortgage Services.
Are Banks Still Lending?
One of the common concerns has been whether lenders remain active. During the financial crisis of 2008, liquidity all but dried up. By contrast, today’s situation is markedly different. Banks maintain liquidity on their balance sheets, and many have demonstrated agility by rapidly introducing remote valuation processes. Administrative challenges, such as processing mortgage holiday requests and adapting to remote working, caused some temporary product withdrawals. However, lenders have quickly regrouped.
This means a broad range of banks, private lenders, and building societies remain open for business. New products continue to enter the market, and client demand for High Net Worth Mortgages remains consistently strong. For further context on liquidity policy, official commentary is available via the Bank of England.
Valuations and Operational Delays
The most immediate challenges have stemmed from practicalities — lenders shifting to remote teams, and valuers restricted by lockdowns. This initially slowed the refinancing process. Yet innovations such as desktop and automated valuations now mean that remortgaging during coronavirus can proceed at pace, particularly for high-value properties where lenders are motivated to deploy funds.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, Articus Finance successfully secured refinancing cases ranging from prime London residences to multi-million-pound buy-to-let portfolios. Using our relationships with private banks has allowed us to secure bespoke terms for complex applications, including interest-only arrangements and refinancing across multiple jurisdictions.
Securing the Best Rates
With borrowing costs at historic lows, many investors have sought to lock in attractive terms. Private banks, in particular, have remained willing to negotiate on pricing where there is potential for a longer-term client relationship. This approach often produces significantly more favourable outcomes compared to high street lenders bound by rigid affordability criteria.
Whether refinancing a prime London residence, restructuring a Buy to Let Portfolio, or consolidating borrowing, our brokers can ensure cases reach lenders predisposed to support high-net-worth clients. When liquidity is critical, we also work with private lenders offering alternative solutions such as Bridging Loans or Development Exit Finance.
The Role of Expert Advice
Remortgaging under pandemic conditions highlights the value of expert brokerage. Lender criteria are fluid and administrative backlogs persist, but private introductions, insider knowledge, and negotiation drastically reduce execution risk. Having market specialists present your case ensures efficient outcomes where others face delays.
At Articus Finance, we remain in constant dialogue with lenders, updating our clients with the latest developments in real time. Our experience ensures clients continue to refinance successfully, even in fluctuating markets.
Final Thoughts on Remortgaging During Coronavirus
Remortgaging during coronavirus is not only possible but, in many cases, highly advantageous given historic low rates and ongoing lender appetite. While practical challenges exist around valuations and administration, strong relationships with private banks and specialist lenders enable timely refinancing for high net worth individuals.
If you are considering refinancing, we recommend starting early to secure terms before lender criteria shift further. To discuss your situation, please Contact Us today. Our discreet approach ensures complex cases are structured and negotiated effectively, safeguarding liquidity and delivering long-term value.
