Do You Need a Solicitor to Remortgage?

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If you’re thinking about remortgaging your home, you’re probably wondering if you need to get a solicitor involved. It’s a common question – and the answer really depends on your situation. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Table of Contents hide

1 When You Might Not Need a Solicitor

2 When You Do Need a Solicitor

3 What Does the Solicitor Actually Do?

4 How Much Will It Cost?

5 Can You Do It Yourself?

6 FAQs

When You Might Not Need a Solicitor

If you’re staying with your current lender and simply switching to a new deal – maybe a better interest rate or a different fixed-term offer – you probably won’t need a solicitor. This is often called a product transfer, and it’s usually a straightforward process handled internally by the lender.

Since there’s no legal change to the ownership or any movement of funds between different lenders, there’s no need for the legal side of things. In these cases, you can save yourself the extra cost and hassle of hiring a solicitor.

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When You Do Need a Solicitor

However, if you’re switching to a different lender, then yes – you’ll likely need a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to take care of the legal work.

Why? Because changing lenders means the new mortgage provider needs to be registered on your property title, and the old one needs to be removed. That involves dealing with the Land Registry and making sure all the paperwork is legally sound. A solicitor handles this sort of thing to make sure everything’s above board.

What Does the Solicitor Actually Do?

Here’s what a solicitor will typically do during a remortgage:

Check your identity and carry out legal checks
Review your new mortgage offer
Request a redemption statement from your current lender (this shows how much you owe)
Handle the funds transfer from the new lender to pay off the old mortgage
Register the new lender with HM Land Registry

It’s not as complex as buying a new home, but there’s still a legal process to follow.

Do You Need a Solicitor to Remortgage in the UK?

How Much Will It Cost?

Fees can vary, but remortgage conveyancing is usually cheaper than standard home-buying solicitors’ fees. You might pay somewhere between £300 and £1500, depending on the complexity.

That said, some lenders offer free legal work as part of their remortgage deal, so it’s worth checking if that’s included. If not, you can always choose your own solicitor – just make sure they’re approved by your new lender.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Technically, you could handle the legal process yourself if you’re qualified to do so – but for most people, it’s not worth the risk. Lenders won’t usually accept DIY conveyancing for mortgages. They want to know that the legal side is being dealt with properly, which is why they prefer a professional solicitor to be involved.

FAQs

Can I remortgage without a solicitor?

Yes, if you’re staying with the same lender and simply switching to a new deal (called a product transfer), you usually won’t need a solicitor. But if you’re moving to a new lender, you’ll need legal help to deal with the change.

Why do you need a solicitor when remortgaging?

When you switch lenders, the new mortgage needs to be registered with the Land Registry and the old one removed. A solicitor handles all the legal paperwork, checks, and fund transfers to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Do all remortgages require legal work?

Not all. If you’re staying with your current lender, there’s usually no legal work involved. But if you’re changing to a new mortgage provider, some level of legal conveyancing is required.

Do lenders provide a solicitor for remortgage?

Many lenders include free legal work in their remortgage offers. They’ll usually appoint a solicitor or conveyancer for you. If you’d rather use your own, check that your solicitor is approved by the lender.

Is remortgaging quicker if I use the same lender?

Yes. If you’re staying with your current lender and doing a product transfer, it can take just a few days. There’s no legal process, so it’s usually much faster than switching lenders.

Can I choose my own solicitor for a remortgage?

Yes, you can use your own solicitor, but you’ll need to make sure they’re on your new lender’s approved panel. Otherwise, it could cause delays or you may have to pay extra.

What does a solicitor check when remortgaging?

They’ll review your new mortgage offer, check your ID, deal with the Land Registry, and make sure the old mortgage is paid off properly. They’re there to protect both you and the lender.

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