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Do you need a solicitor to remortgage?

5 mins read
Last updated January 30, 2025

We explore when and why you might need a solicitor for your remortgage.

Key takeaways
  • Using a remortgage solicitor is essential if switching lenders or altering property ownership.

  • Remortgaging solicitors handle critical tasks such as title verification, managing legal paperwork, and overseeing the transfer of funds.

  • Remortgage solicitor fees typically range from £300 to £800, influenced by factors such as property type and transaction complexity.

  • While remortgaging without a solicitor is possible in simple cases, professional legal assistance is recommended to avoid potential complications.

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When do you need a solicitor to remortgage?

Remortgaging involves transferring your current mortgage to a new product or lender. While the process can be straightforward in some cases, there are situations where legal expertise is necessary

A remortgage solicitor ensures that all legal aspects of the transaction are handled correctly, avoiding potential pitfalls that could delay or complicate the process.

You might wonder, ‘Do I need a solicitor to remortgage?’ The answer depends on your specific circumstances. In many cases, you may need a solicitor, particularly when legal changes or new lenders are involved. 

Here are some common scenarios where a solicitor is essential:

  • When you move your mortgage to a new lender, a solicitor is responsible for conducting legal checks and ensuring the smooth transfer of funds from one lender to another.

  • If you add or remove a person from the mortgage, such as in the case of a relationship change or inheritance, title amendments are required, and a solicitor ensures these updates are legally binding.

  • Properties with complex legal arrangements, such as shared ownership or leasehold agreements, often require a solicitor to navigate additional regulations and documentation.

However, not every remortgage requires legal help. For example, legal intervention is usually unnecessary if you are staying with the same lender and simply switching to a new rate or product. 

These cases involve no changes to ownership or legal arrangements, simplifying the process considerably.

Staying with your existing lender can be quicker, easier, and potentially cheaper in the short term, as you may avoid valuation fees, legal costs, and early repayment charges

However, switching to a new lender could save you more money in the long run if they offer a significantly better interest rate or more favourable terms.

Learn more: should I remortgage with the same lender or switch?

What does a remortgage solicitor do?

A remortgage solicitor ensures your remortgage is processed efficiently, legally, and in compliance with lender requirements. 

Their role begins with a review of your property’s title to verify ownership and identify any restrictions or existing charges that could affect the remortgage. This step is crucial, ensuring that no unforeseen issues arise during the transaction.

They also ensure your remortgage meets the conditions set by your new lender, safeguarding your financial interests.

The remortgage solicitor oversees the transfer of funds, paying off your old mortgage and arranging to release funds from your new lender. This ensures the financial side of the remortgage is handled securely. 

On average, a remortgage can take between four to eight weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the case. To avoid delays, it’s advisable to contact a solicitor as soon as you start exploring remortgage options.

These are some of the key tasks performed by remortgaging solicitors:

  • Title checks and updates: Verifying and updating ownership records ensures the property’s title aligns with the terms of your new mortgage, avoiding disputes or legal challenges in the future.

  • Handling legal paperwork: Preparing and reviewing contracts and other documentation ensures all submissions are accurate, signed correctly, and meet legal requirements.

  • Transfer of funds: Overseeing the payment of your old mortgage and the allocation of funds from your new lender ensures a seamless financial transition.

  • Compliance: Ensuring all legal and lender requirements are met protects you from potential delays, fines, or complications.

These tasks are essential to protecting your interests, preventing costly errors, and ensuring a smooth remortgaging process.

How much are remortgage solicitor fees?

The cost of hiring a solicitor for a remortgage can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the property type. 

Typically, fees range from £300 to £800, with additional charges for properties with leasehold arrangements or title amendments. Leasehold properties, for example, may require landlord consent or additional documentation, which can increase the solicitor’s workload and costs.

When you buy a property that is leasehold, you own it for a set length of time, which is the term of the lease.

Once the term of the lease runs out, ownership of the property transfers to the person (or entity) that owns the land.

Some lenders offer fee-free remortgaging, covering the remortgage solicitor’s fees as part of the remortgage package. While this can be an attractive option, these services are often limited in scope. For example, they may not include detailed legal advice or assistance with complicated cases.

It’s important to watch for hidden fees that can inflate your costs. A common example is telegraphic transfer charges, which are typically around £30 and cover the cost of transferring funds electronically. Similarly, search indemnity insurance may be required if time constraints prevent full searches. 

These fees, while small individually, can add up, so it’s essential to understand all potential costs upfront to budget effectively for your remortgage.

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Can you remortgage without a solicitor?

In simple cases, such as when switching to a new rate or product with your existing lender, it is possible to remortgage without involving a solicitor. These scenarios do not involve legal changes, making the process straightforward to handle without professional assistance.

However, for more complex cases, seeking the help of a remortgage solicitor is strongly recommended. Legal professionals ensure that the process complies with all regulations and that there are no oversights in the transfer of funds or changes to the property’s title. 

Without a solicitor for remortgage, you run the risk of encountering compliance issues, delays, or even costly errors that could derail your remortgage. Expert guidance safeguards your financial interests and ensures a smoother, more efficient process.

Choosing the right solicitor for remortgaging

Selecting the right solicitor for remortgage is an important decision that can significantly impact the process.

It’s essential to choose someone with experience in remortgaging services, as their familiarity with the process can help avoid delays and minimise errors. Solicitors with expertise in remortgaging are skilled at handling title amendments, leasehold properties, and other common complexities that may arise.

It’s also worth checking whether your lender has an approved panel of remortgage solicitors. Working with a solicitor from this list ensures they are familiar with the lender’s requirements and can act on their behalf, streamlining the process.

Get expert financial advice

Choosing the right remortgaging solicitors ensures your remortgage process is smooth, efficient, and legally sound. Their expertise can help you navigate complex situations, meet lender requirements, and avoid unnecessary delays. 

Whether you’re switching lenders, amending ownership details, or managing leasehold arrangements, a skilled remortgage solicitor provides the professional support needed to ensure the process is handled efficiently and effectively.

Let Unbiased match you with a professional financial adviser or qualified mortgage broker to guide you through your remortgaging journey and ensure every step is expertly handled.

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Our team of writers, who have decades of experience writing about personal finance, including investing, retirement and pensions, are here to help you find out what you must know about life’s biggest financial decisions.