Conditions in the economy remain difficult but Britons are still carefully monitoring their options, according to Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

And it is the Midlands where homeowners are keenest to improve their situations, with almost one in five planning to remortgage, pay-off or make overpayments to their mortgage in the next 12 months.

In recent years, many people have benefitted from small monthly repayments because of the low base rate, meaning they have been able to significantly overpay their mortgages.

Homeowners are able to reduce the length of their mortgage and save thousands of pounds in interest by overpaying or paying off their mortgages early.

Those with mortgages in Yorkshire are also looking to improve their mortgage situations, with 16% saying they will look to remortgage, pay-off or make overpayments to their mortgage in the next year.

"A mortgage is the biggest financial commitment that many people have and we welcome this research which shows that 11% of people in the UK are focused on their mortgage arrangements," said Steve Reid, director for Clydesdale Bank.

"People often only think about changing mortgage when they move but even those that are very settled in their current home can remortgage to ensure they have the best mortgage for their needs."

Find the best mortgage rate - Compare best selling mortgages