The Remortgage Conveyancing Process

While remortgaging is generally more straightforward than securing your first mortgage, there’s still legal work to be done. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer will need to take care of this for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key stages of the remortgage conveyancing process, helping you to understand what’s required and what to expect when switching to a new mortgage deal. We’ll cover:
Do You Need a Solicitor to Remortgage?
Whether or not you’ll need a solicitor when remortgaging is determined by the type of deal you're securing.
If you're switching to a new lender, a solicitor or licensed conveyancer must conduct checks on behalf of the new lender, ensure the existing mortgage is redeemed, and arrange for the new lender's charge to be registered with HM Land Registry.
That said, if you're simply switching to a different deal with your current lender (known as a product transfer) there's usually no legal work involved. Because the lender isn’t changing, and the existing legal charge remains in place, a solicitor isn’t needed.
The Steps of the Remortgage Conveyancing Process
Here’s an overview of the steps in the remortgage conveyancing process:
1. Verifying Your Identity
Before any legal work can begin, your solicitor is required to confirm your identity. This applies to everyone listed on the property title and mortgage.
Even if you've already given ID to your new lender, your solicitor must carry out independent checks in line with legal and regulatory obligations. You'll need to provide a valid passport or driving licence, along with a recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
2. Confirming the Source of Funds
If you're contributing your own money towards paying off your existing mortgage, your solicitor is legally required to verify where those funds have come from. The documents you’ll need to present will depend on how the funds were acquired. They may include:
Bank statements showing savings built up over time
A completion statement if you're selling another property
Pension withdrawal statements
Inheritance paperwork
Documentation relating to the sale of shares or receipt of dividends
Note that cash payments and funds from overseas sources are typically not accepted for mortgage redemption purposes.
3. Checking the Title Deeds
Next, your solicitor will obtain a copy of the property’s title deeds from HM Land Registry. These official records confirm your legal ownership and highlight any existing legal charges or restrictions associated with the property.
Your current mortgage lender’s charge will be removed once the loan is repaid. If there are any additional charges registered, such as a second mortgage or secured loan, these might need to be postponed or consented to before the new mortgage can be finalised.
If the property is leasehold, the solicitor will also ensure that the lease terms meet your new lender’s criteria. This may involve reviewing any covenants in the lease, such as a requirement to notify the freeholder of changes to the mortgage arrangements.
4. Assessing the Mortgage Offer
Once your new lender issues a formal mortgage offer, your solicitor will examine its terms. The offer sets out the lender’s conditions, as well as the legal requirements, that must be met before the mortgage funds can be released.
It’s the solicitor’s responsibility to make sure everything is correct and that all instructions from the lender are followed precisely.
5. Obtaining a Redemption Statement
Your solicitor will contact your current mortgage lender to request a redemption statement. This document confirms the exact amount required to repay your existing mortgage in full on the date the remortgage completes.
The redemption figure includes any outstanding capital, interest, and applicable fees so that the old loan can be cleared in one transaction.
6. Carrying Out Property Searches
At this stage, your solicitor will arrange any property searches required by your new mortgage lender, as outlined in the mortgage offer. This involves a local authority search, which checks with the local council for any planning issues, restrictions, or other matters that could affect the property.
However, depending on your lender, they might be willing to accept a search indemnity insurance policy in place of full searches. This often represents a quicker and more cost-effective alternative.
7. Final Checks
Before the remortgage can complete, your solicitor will carry out a series of final legal checks. One of these is a bankruptcy search to confirm that none of the property’s legal owners is currently bankrupt, a requirement for the mortgage to proceed.
Your solicitor will also conduct an OS1 (Official Search with Priority). This search temporarily freezes the property title, preventing any other changes or charges from being registered while the remortgage is being finalised. It guarantees your new lender’s interest in the property is protected until the transaction is complete.
8. Sending the Certificate of Title
Once all legal checks are complete and everything is in order, your solicitor will agree a completion date and issue a Certificate of Title to your new lender.
This document confirms that the property is suitable for lending and that all of the lender’s requirements have been met. Along with the certificate, your solicitor will request the release of the remortgage funds in time for completion.
9. Completion Day
Prior to completion, your solicitor will provide you with a financial statement. This will show either the amount you need to pay to finalise the remortgage, or the sum you’ll receive if you’re borrowing additional funds. The statement will also include a detailed breakdown of all fees and disbursements.
On the day of completion, once the remortgage funds have been received from your new lender, your solicitor will use them to repay your existing mortgage in full. They’ll likewise settle any associated costs, such as legal fees, Land Registry charges, search fees, and other related expenses.
If you’ve taken out extra borrowing for home improvements, debt consolidation or another purpose, the remaining balance will be transferred directly to your account.
10. After Completion
Following completion, your solicitor will handle the registration of your new mortgage with HM Land Registry. This step formally records your new lender’s legal interest in the property.
The registration process can take several weeks, particularly for leasehold properties, where additional confirmation may be needed from the freeholder. For instance, to verify that ground rent and service charges are up to date.
Your solicitor will manage this on your behalf and keep you informed of any delays or further requirements.
How Long Does Remortgage Conveyancing Take?
The remortgage conveyancing process typically takes between four and eight weeks from start to finish.
Because there’s no property sale or purchase involved, and you're not relying on a chain or waiting on responses from other parties, the process is much easier than when you originally bought your home.
In many cases, solicitors are able to use search indemnity insurance instead of carrying out full searches, which can significantly speed things up. Lender requirements also tend to be less complex the second time around, further streamlining the legal work.
How Much Does Remortgage Conveyancing Cost?
When remortgaging with the help of a solicitor or licensed conveyancer, there are several fees to consider. Here’s a breakdown of remortgage conveyancing costs:
Fee | Cost |
Legal Fee | £300-1,000 |
Official Copies | £7-11 per copy |
Leasehold Fee | Upwards of £100 |
Land Registry Fee | £20-150 |
Local Authority Search | £50-250 |
Search Indemnity Insurance | £20-300 |
The total cost will vary based on individual circumstances and the specific requirements of your lender. Leasehold properties usually entail additional work and, in general, attract higher fees.
Some lenders include a free basic legal service as part of their remortgage offer, while others might offer a cashback contribution towards legal expenses. As such, it’s worth comparing deals to see which option offers the best overall value.
Speak to a Mortgage Broker
Remortgaging implies a fair amount of legal work, and cost, so getting expert guidance is essential if you want to secure the best value from your new deal.
At The Mortgage Genie, we take a personal approach. Our advisers will get to know your financial situation, long-term plans, and goals before recommending a remortgage option tailored specifically to you. From the initial search through to completion, our experienced mortgage brokers are here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
If you’re interested, give us a call today at 01915809890. And why find out how much you could save on repayments right now by using our remortgage calculator?
The above blog has information contained within which was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.
This information is a guide only and should not be relied on as a recommendation or advice that any particular mortgage is suitable for you. All mortgages are subject to the applicant(s) meeting the eligibility criteria of the specific lender. You should make an appointment to receive mortgage advice which will based on your needs and circumstances.