Remortgage legal fees

Remortgaging isn’t just rates. Legal work is required to switch the charge on your property from one lender to another. Some deals include “free legals”, but it’s important to know what is included and what can still cost extra.

Compare total cost Full fee checklist Timeline and delays

Quick answer

A straightforward remortgage usually involves conveyancing work to remove the old lender’s charge and register the new one. Costs can be reduced with “free legals” or cashback, but extras (especially leasehold, title issues, or urgent timeframes) can still add fees. When comparing deals, include legal costs in your break-even calculation.

What you are actually paying for

The legal work in a remortgage is about protecting the new lender’s interest. A solicitor or conveyancer checks identity and title, handles the mortgage deed, repays the old lender, and registers the new lender at the Land Registry.

If everything is standard freehold, it’s usually fairly smooth. If the property is leasehold, has a complex title, or needs extra documentation, the work increases and so can the cost.

Costs and what affects them

Typical items you may see
  • Legal fee: solicitor/conveyancer professional fee.
  • Searches: sometimes reduced or not required for remortgage, depending on lender.
  • Land Registry: registration steps are part of the process.
  • ID checks: electronic verification fees sometimes apply.
Common reasons it costs more
  • Leasehold: notices, management company requirements.
  • Unregistered land / title issues: extra work.
  • Second charge / Help to Buy: additional consents.
  • Expedite requests: faster turnarounds can cost extra.

If your deal includes “free legals”, it usually means the lender pays the basic legal cost using their chosen panel solicitor. Always check what counts as “basic” in the offer details.

Pitfalls to avoid

Checklist: avoid surprises on legal costs

  • Check if your deal includes free legals or cashback (and how much).
  • Confirm whether your property is freehold or leasehold (leasehold may cost more).
  • Ask your solicitor for a written quote including common extras.
  • Tell the solicitor early about any complications (Help to Buy, second charge, gifted deposit history, etc.).
  • Include legal costs in your break-even comparison.

FAQs

Often yes, but some remortgage deals include “free legals” or a cashback contribution. If not included, you typically pay a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the lender’s legal work.

Usually the standard conveyancing work for a straightforward remortgage with the lender’s chosen panel solicitor. Extras (like leasehold work, expedited service, or complex titles) can still cost more.

It depends. Cashback gives you flexibility to pick your own solicitor, but might not fully cover costs. Free legals can be good value for simple cases but can be restrictive if delays occur.

Leasehold often means more paperwork: management packs, notices, and extra checks. Some firms charge additional fees for leasehold work.

Sometimes, depending on the lender and product. If you add costs to the mortgage, you borrow more and may pay interest on that amount.