Do You Need a Solicitor to Remortgage UK

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. Learn if you need a solicitor to remortgage your property.

When homeowners decide to remortgage, one of the first questions that comes up is whether they need a solicitor. The answer depends on the circumstances. In some cases, you might not need one, while in others, legal work is essential to transfer your mortgage from one lender to another. Understanding when and why a solicitor is required can help you save time, avoid delays, and ensure the process runs smoothly. This article explains when you need a solicitor for a remortgage, what they do, and how much it typically costs.

What a remortgage involves

Remortgaging means switching from your current mortgage to a new one, either with the same lender or a different one. Homeowners usually remortgage to get a better interest rate, release equity, or consolidate debts. While the process is usually simpler than buying or selling a home, it still involves legal steps to ensure the new mortgage is registered correctly with the Land Registry and that the lender’s interests are protected.

When you do not need a solicitor for a remortgage

If you’re staying with your current lender and simply switching to a new mortgage product, known as a product transfer, you usually do not need a solicitor. The lender already holds the property title and can update the mortgage terms internally without any legal conveyancing work.

In these cases, the process is quick and handled entirely by the lender. You won’t need to sign new property documents or make changes to the Land Registry records.

When you do need a solicitor for a remortgage

You will need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer if you are switching to a new lender. This is because the new lender requires legal confirmation that they will have a charge (security) over your property, replacing your old lender’s claim.

Your solicitor will handle several key tasks:

• Checking the property title and confirming ownership

• Obtaining the existing mortgage redemption statement

• Reviewing and explaining the new mortgage offer

• Ensuring there are no legal issues with the property

• Transferring funds from the new lender to pay off the old mortgage

• Registering the new mortgage details with the Land Registry

If you are removing or adding someone to the mortgage (for example, changing joint ownership), the solicitor will also handle the transfer of equity paperwork alongside the remortgage.

Free legal services offered by lenders

Many lenders include free legal services as part of their remortgage deals. In these cases, the lender instructs a solicitor on your behalf to complete the necessary legal work. This can make the process more convenient and cost-effective, although you may have less choice over which solicitor handles the case.

If you prefer to use your own solicitor, some lenders offer a cashback option instead of free legal work. This allows you to choose a conveyancer you trust while receiving a contribution towards the cost.

How much does a solicitor cost for a remortgage

If legal fees are not included, a solicitor’s charges for handling a remortgage typically range between £300 and £700, depending on the property value, complexity, and location. Leasehold properties or cases involving transfers of equity may cost more because of the additional documentation required.

Your solicitor’s fee will usually include:

• Legal administration and property checks

• Land Registry fee

• Bank transfer and ID verification costs

• Submission of mortgage discharge and registration forms

Most conveyancing solicitors offer fixed-fee quotes for remortgage work, giving you certainty about the total cost from the outset.

The benefits of using a solicitor for remortgaging

Even when it’s not legally required, using a solicitor can make the remortgage process more secure and less stressful. Key advantages include:

1. Protecting your legal interests
A solicitor ensures the terms of your new mortgage are clear and that there are no hidden clauses or restrictions that could affect your property rights.

2. Ensuring the transaction is compliant
Legal professionals handle all regulatory and documentation requirements, reducing the risk of errors or delays that could hold up completion.

3. Dealing with complex situations
If your property is leasehold, jointly owned, or subject to restrictions, your solicitor will manage these complexities efficiently.

4. Saving time and avoiding confusion
Solicitors communicate directly with lenders and the Land Registry, streamlining the process and keeping you informed at every step.

How long the remortgage process takes

With a solicitor involved, most remortgages complete within four to six weeks, although this can vary depending on lender timescales and how quickly documents are returned. Product transfers without legal work are often completed in just one to two weeks.

Using an experienced solicitor helps prevent unnecessary delays by ensuring all paperwork, searches, and funds are processed efficiently.

Choosing the right solicitor for your remortgage

When choosing a solicitor, look for one who specialises in conveyancing and has experience with remortgage cases. Ask whether they are on your new lender’s panel, as this allows them to act for both you and the lender simultaneously, reducing costs and processing time.

It’s also worth checking whether they provide fixed-fee pricing, clear communication channels, and regular progress updates. Online conveyancing firms may offer cheaper prices, but local solicitors often provide a more personal and responsive service.

Why remortgage transparency matters for solicitors

For law firms, transparency around remortgage fees and timelines builds trust with clients and supports better marketing outcomes. Many clients search online for clear answers to “do I need a solicitor to remortgage” or “how much are remortgage fees.” By publishing accurate information, solicitors can attract more organic traffic and enquiries through their websites.

How Lillian Purge helps solicitors attract remortgage clients

At Lillian Purge, we help solicitors improve online visibility and attract property clients through tailored SEO and PPC campaigns. We identify high-performing keywords such as “solicitor for remortgage” and optimise website content to capture potential clients at the research stage.

Our approach combines content strategy, local optimisation, and lead tracking to ensure your firm appears prominently in searches for conveyancing and remortgage services. Whether you’re a high-street firm or a nationwide practice, our goal is to help you generate consistent, qualified enquiries.

Further insights: does the solicitor arrange a survey, do you need a solicitor to buy a house, plus our Solicitors Hub.