Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

Remortgage searches climb 11% year-on-year despite August slowdown

Remortgage searches rose 11% year-on-year in August, according to the latest Twenty7tec Mortgage Market Snapshot, even as the wider mortgage market saw a typical seasonal slowdown. Twenty7tec recorded 616,150 residential remortgage searches during the month, 12% lower than July's total but 11% up on the same month last year.

The rise comes as many borrowers are expected to come off ultra-low fixed rate deals this year, prompting more homeowners to explore refinancing options.

Seasonal slowdown dents August activity

Across the market as a whole, mortgage searches totalled 1,556,758 in August. Activity fell 13% from July, reflecting the usual summer lull, but remained 1% higher than a year earlier. Residential searches followed a similar pattern, down 13% month-on-month while standing 3% above August 2025 levels.

Rightmove separately reported signs of renewed momentum in early September, with buyer enquiries receiving a 'back-to-school' boost during the first week of the month.

What this means for advisers and borrowers

Nakita Moss, head of lender at Twenty7tec, said August was quieter than July but that the monthly fall was not the whole story. Overall mortgage searches remained slightly ahead year-on-year and residential activity was 3% higher, she noted. Remortgaging was particularly interesting, with searches 11% higher year-on-year and the latest lending figures also showing an increased share of advances going towards remortgaging.

She added that a significant population of existing borrowers still needs to understand what their next mortgage looks like, and that in a market where rates and products can change quickly, those conversations can be just as important as activity coming through the purchase market.

For UK letting agents and inventory clerks, the data points to a market where more existing homeowners are reviewing their mortgage position, a trend that may influence landlord decisions around refinancing, retention and portfolio planning in the months ahead.