Service
Refinancing.
Twelve months before the end of your fixed-interest period — that is when the comparison begins. Not once the renewal offer lands in your letterbox.
Context
The second contract shapes your total cost.
Most mortgages are far from paid off when the first fixed-interest period ends — usually after ten or fifteen years. What follows is the refinancing: a new contract that has a decisive influence on the total cost of your property.
Banks rely on their customers' inertia. The renewal offer from your own bank often arrives three weeks before expiry — far too late for a proper market comparison. Anyone who signs at that point is not comparing.
We start earlier. Twelve months before the end of the fixed-interest period, we analyse your existing contract, review the remaining debt and built-in options, and obtain comparison offers. Only then do you decide — on an equal footing, not under time pressure.
Situations
Four scenarios in which we review.
Fixed-interest period ends in 6 to 12 months
Your bank usually sends its renewal offer three months before expiry — far too late. We start the comparison six to twelve months in advance, so you never sign under time pressure.
Fixed-interest period ends in 1 to 3 years
The classic forward-loan scenario: lock in today's rates for a refinancing that starts later. Worthwhile if you expect rates to rise — we run the numbers on the premium soberly.
Current contract older than 10 years
After ten years you have a statutory right of early termination (Section 489 of the German Civil Code, BGB). Those who never check this often give away better terms — especially when interest rates have shifted.
Bank demands higher rates without justification
If the renewal offer sits well above current market level: that is not fate, it is a matter of negotiation. With three comparison offers in hand, the conversation looks very different.
Process
From portfolio review to your new contract.
- 1
Portfolio review
We examine your current contract: remaining debt, borrowing rate, repayment, end of the fixed-interest period, built-in unscheduled repayment rights, early termination options.
- 2
Strategy decision
Renewal, switching to a new bank, forward loan or full-repayment loan? We discuss what fits your remaining debt and stage of life — and what does not.
- 3
Market comparison
More than 500 banks and credit institutions. We obtain three comparable offers, always based on the same key figures, so you can genuinely compare.
- 4
Execution & switch
If a switch makes sense, we coordinate the assignment of the land charge, the notary and the disbursement date. On request, we speak directly with your current bank.
Building blocks
Six options we weigh against each other.
Renewal (Prolongation)
Extending with your existing bank. Convenient, often not the best offer — but sometimes the right choice when the remaining debt is small or unscheduled repayments should continue.
Switching lenders
Moving to a new bank with better terms. Often worthwhile once the remaining debt reaches five figures — we factor notary and land registry costs into the calculation.
Forward loan
Lock in today's rates for a refinancing that starts in 6 to 60 months. The lead-time premium is only worth its price if the market outlook supports it.
Full-repayment follow-up
Finance the remaining debt all the way down to zero — no further refinancing needed. For clients in the last ten to fifteen years of repayment, often the calmer option.
Repayment rate adjustment
Use the refinancing as an occasion to rethink your repayment. A higher rate shortens the term, a lower one creates breathing room — we calculate both instead of guessing.
Section 489 BGB — early termination
After ten years of contract term you may terminate with six months' notice — regardless of the fixed-interest period. A frequently overlooked lever under the German Civil Code.
Pitfalls
Four mistakes that make refinancing expensive.
Signing the first renewal offer
Banks deliberately set short deadlines. Anyone who signs three weeks before expiry no longer compares — and typically pays for it with worse terms across the entire follow-up period.
Not running the numbers on the forward premium
Forward loans cost a surcharge per month of lead time. With a short lead time it rarely pays off; with a long one it can be a clear lever. The rule of thumb: weigh lead time against expected rate movement, not gut feeling.
Ignoring switching costs
Switching lenders involves the assignment of the land charge, the notary and possibly a new property valuation. Two to three figures per thousand euros of remaining debt — we build this into the comparison.
Not adjusting the repayment rate
Anyone who simply carries over the initial repayment rate from the old contract often leaves debt reduction on the table. At lower interest rates, a higher repayment may be possible at the same monthly instalment.
Related services
Topics that often go hand in hand.
Frequently asked
What clients want to know up front.
- When should I start my refinancing?
- We recommend starting twelve months before the end of the fixed-interest period. Six months is the absolute minimum — anyone who reacts later has less room to negotiate and ends up taking the first offer from their own bank.
- Is switching banks worthwhile with a small remaining debt?
- Rule of thumb: from around 50,000 euros of remaining debt, the switching costs usually pay for themselves. Below that, renewal is often the more economical choice — we calculate each individual case properly instead of guessing.
- What is a forward loan — and when does it fit?
- A forward loan locks in today's rates for a refinancing that only starts in 6 to 60 months. Sensible if you expect rising rates and value planning certainty more than the lead-time premium. Rarely worthwhile when the yield curve is flat.
- Can I terminate after ten years?
- Yes — Section 489 of the German Civil Code (BGB) gives you a statutory right of early termination with six months' notice, ten years after full disbursement. Regardless of the agreed fixed-interest period. Anyone who signed during a high-rate phase should always have this checked.
- What does your refinancing advice cost?
- The first consultation is free of charge and without obligation. If a financing is concluded, we are remunerated by the financing bank — your terms are neither better nor worse as a result. For a pure renewal without switching banks, we discuss the remuneration question transparently in advance.
Your first consultation — free and without obligation.
30 to 60 minutes in which we listen to your situation, answer first questions and tell you transparently whether and how we can help. No sales pitch. No pressure.
- I.We get back to you within one working day by phone or e-mail.
- II.We arrange an appointment — in person, by phone or via video call.
- III.We assess your situation and tell you openly how we can support you.
Start your enquiry
A few quick steps to your personal assessment. Response within 24 hours, strictly confidential.
- Key facts about your plans and equity
- Occupation and net household income
- Preferred advisor, or leave it open
- Your contact details
Takes about 2 minutes. No credit check at this stage.