Remortgage advice

[FizzyTango]

Hi all,
We bought our ftb house 4.5 years ago and got a 5 year fixed mortgage (with metro bank but it’s since been sold to Natwest). I’m aware our fixed period is coming to an end.
However our circumstances have changed a lot, my DH has been unwell and is not in work for the last couple of years, I don’t see that changing any time soon, and I’m a student with no prospects of pay rise any time soon. We were very sensible when taking out our mortgage so we can still afford the current repayments. But there is no way we could get a mortgage now if we were to reapply.
What do I do? Say nothing and just move onto the standard variable? Or do they still do checks?
I’m only asking because also we have paid off 5 years (about 25k towards the outstanding debt) and made some improvements to the house, so in theory if we got a new mortgage the LTV would be better…but then we wouldn’t pass the checks. I’m scared to even ask Natwest because they will start digging.
Does anyone have any advice?

Just leave it and it will revert to the SVR.

NatWest should offer you a new deal - you won’t have to apply again, you will just choose whether to fix again for 2 years or 5 years etc and this will be cheaper than the SVR.

It’s just new lenders you won’t be able to approach. NatWest have already leant you the money - don’t worry about passing any checks, that would only apply to a new lender.

Try not to worry

@ThisIsStartingToBoreMe @LaLaFlottes
thank you, I was starting to get worried! I guess I should just leave it then!

Yes as above you can ask Nat west for a new deal you won't need to apply again but be cheaper than going onto their variable rate

You should be able to login on your online account and choose a new product approx 3 months before current deal ending. If you don't have online banking set up, it is worth doing.

I've just chosen a new product with NatWest. There were no checks or questions about change of circumstances.

It's only if you are remortgaging with a different lender or perhaps borrowing more on the mortgage that you go through the whole process.