In the next few weeks, £30billion worth of cheap fixed-rate mortgage deals are due to expire, leaving borrowers with the prospect of higher rates.

However, the new independent financial advice service at Kent-based Greyfox Estate Agents is urging borrowers to do their homework before committing to a particular product.

Realising it's going to be tougher for home owners to find good mortgage deals in the current economic climate, Greyfox has introduced its new service in conjunction with CIB Life & Pensions, a Financial Services Authority regulated company, to make the process easier by searching the entire market for better options.

"When a fixed or discounted rate ends, borrowers automatically move back onto the lender’s standard variable rate, which can be considerably higher," said Paul Tilley, Greyfox director.

"But it's worth doing your homework as there are still plenty of good deals available in the market for Kent borrowers."

Top tips from Paul include:

Plan early and check your original mortgage paperwork to be clear when the deal ends as your mortgage lender won’t always tell you in advance, which may not leave sufficient time to change before the rate increases;

Talk to your current lender to review new options but don’t commit until you have checked the rest of the market. An Independent Financial Adviser will be able to do this for you and ensure a smooth transition between lenders;

Review your other outgoings and expenditure; be sensible and don’t over extend yourself as your home is at risk if you fail to keep up mortgage repayments.

Mr Tilley added: "Our new partnership with CIB is beneficial for those seeking mortgages as the service is independent and covers the whole market. It is available to all, not just to clients buying a house through us."