When You Need a Solicitor
If you're remortgaging to a different lender, legal work is required. The legal charge on your property needs to be transferred from your old lender to the new one, and this must be done by a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer. They handle title checks, searches, the transfer of funds, and registration with the Land Registry.
You also need a solicitor if you're remortgaging with your current lender but making significant changes — for example, adding or removing a person from the mortgage, or transferring ownership. Any change to the legal charge or the parties involved requires formal legal work.
When You Don't Need a Solicitor
If you're doing a straightforward product transfer — switching to a new rate with your existing lender without changing the mortgage structure — legal work is almost never required. The existing charge remains in place, and only the terms of the deal change. This is one of the key advantages of a product transfer: it's quicker, simpler, and cheaper.
Keep in mind that avoiding legal fees shouldn't be the sole reason for choosing a product transfer. If a different lender offers a significantly better rate, the savings over the mortgage term will far outweigh any legal costs, especially since many remortgage deals include free legal work.
Free Legal Work with Remortgage Deals
Many UK mortgage lenders offer free legal work as part of their remortgage package. This means the lender appoints and pays for a conveyancer from their panel to handle the legal process. You don't have to use this service — you can instruct your own solicitor instead — but doing so means you'll pay the legal costs yourself.
The quality of panel conveyancers varies. Large firms handling high volumes may be less responsive than a local solicitor you choose yourself. However, for a standard remortgage, the legal work is fairly routine, and most panel conveyancers handle it competently. If your case is complex — unusual title issues, leasehold complications, or shared ownership — you might prefer to use your own solicitor for greater attention to detail.
Choosing Between a Solicitor and a Conveyancer
Both solicitors and licensed conveyancers can handle remortgage legal work. The difference is that solicitors have broader legal training and can handle a wider range of legal matters, while conveyancers specialise specifically in property law.
For a straightforward remortgage, either is perfectly suitable. Costs are similar, typically ranging from £300 to £800 plus disbursements if you're paying yourself. Choose based on recommendations, reviews, and responsiveness rather than the title. The most important factor is that they're experienced with mortgage work and communicate well.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual rate available will depend on your circumstances. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.