If you’re looking to remortgage your home, you might be thinking back to when you first obtained a mortgage and wondering if you need a solicitor again.

The good news is that you don’t always need a solicitor for your remortgage. 

If you’re staying with the same lender and you’re simply selecting a new remortgage deal, then you won’t need a solicitor (as this is known as a product transfer). 

You also won’t need a solicitor if you need to borrow extra money from the same lender. 

You'll need a solicitor if, for instance: 
 

  • You need to remove someone’s name from the remortgage
  • You need to add someone’s name to the remortgage
  • You choose to remortgage with a new lender
  • You need to use the money from a remortgage to purchase a new property

A lot of companies who offer remortgages now provide a solicitor for free, which is usually marked as "free legals" on the product -- not all, though, so check before you submit an application.

A remortgage broker will be able to discuss your options with you and highlight any remortgage deals that offer free legals. John Charcol Legal can help you find a conveyancer to help with the remortgage process.

How Long Do Solicitors Take to Remortgage?

Your solicitor will take between 4 - 8 weeks to complete your remortgage if there are no complications along the way.

Buying a home

Do I Need a Valuation for my Remortgage?

Yes, you do need a valuation with a remortgage, but it differs slightly depending on if you stay with your current lender or if you change to a new remortgage provider. Read our comprehensive Guide to Valuations.

If you stay with the same lender, they may use an automated valuation model (AVM) to determine the value of your house, which can be quite quick. This model needs a good amount of recent sales data for houses in your area, which will determine whether it’s used or not. 

If you change to a new lender, they might use an AVM or a qualified valuer to look at the market value of your house.  As with "free legals" you can obtain a "free valuation" with some new remortgage products, but it’s important to check. Checking the fees, cost of borrowing and any other incentives like cashback is essential to be able to properly compare different remortgage deals. 

The reason why you need a valuation for your remortgage is because the company lending you the money needs to understand the risk (amount you want to borrow) in comparison to the value of the house. As you would expect, low risk would be a small amount of money borrowed against a house that’s worth four times that amount. High risk would be the opposite. 

Your level of risk determines whether you can apply for certain remortgage products. You can see this by looking for "minimum loan-to-value (LTV)". 

Here’s an example: 

  • House value: £200,000
  • Amount to borrow: £150,000
  • You have a 75% LTV

Do I Need a Deposit for my Remortgage?

You need equity to obtain a remortgage as opposed to a deposit, which you’d have required when you obtained your first mortgage. 

Unlike a cash deposit (money in your bank), equity refers to the amount of your property which you own (without debt) as part of the total value of your house.

As above, this refers to how much you’d like to borrow in comparison to the value of your property (LTV).

You do have the option, however, to pay off some of your mortgage when remortgaging, so if you’ve managed to save a little, it’s worth discussing this with a remortgage adviser. 

Paying off some of your mortgage can mean that you pay less interest (cost of borrowing) over time and may even pay your mortgage off a little earlier.

Do I Need a Survey for my Remortgage?

You may need a survey as part of any new agreement for a remortgage, but it’s less likely if you stay with the same lender. There are many types of survey, each with a different level of detail. 

The company lending you the money will read your description of the age and type of house and that will determine the type of survey (along with the construction material). A remortgage lender will consider some construction types as riskier than others when it comes to letting you borrow money. 

Do I Need a Mortgage Adviser for my Remortgage?

It’s strongly advised that you talk to an adviser about any new financial agreements concerning your property. 

Any decision that concerns money needs careful consideration and you’ll need to understand all the facts and what options you have.

If we take some of the above examples, a remortgage broker will understand: 

  • Your finances and current circumstances
  • Whether you need a solicitor or valuation, and which products offer "free legals and valuations"
  • What equity you have and be able to calculate your LTV to see your options
  • What the total cost of borrowing will be and whether a remortgage product is actually the best deal for you

To get in touch with one of our expert advisers, call us today on 0330 433 2927 or enquire online.

Remortgages

Compare remortgage rates and deals with our mortgage comparison tool and discover how this type of mortgage works, the process and if it’s suitable for you.

Debt Consolidation Remortgage

On this page we go through debt consolidation remortgages, how they work, when you can do it, the pros and cons, which lenders are available and more.

Remortgaging Guide

Remortgaging means to switch to a new deal with a different lender but stay in the same property. Learn about remortgage costs, valuations and see our advice.

9 Reasons to Remortgage

Read our nine reasons why you should consider remortgaging your home. You can save a lot of money on remortgaging, so make sure you get the best deal.

Mortgage Glossary

On this page you’ll find our detailed mortgage terminology glossary. There’s a lot of jargon out there but we’re here to make it easy.

Home Insurance

Do you want new home insurance to go with that new mortgage? Our in-house team can arrange bespoke buildings and contents insurance to suit your new requirements, for free.

Learn More

Protection 

With John Charcol, you’ll have the option of speaking to your very own expert protection adviser who’ll learn about your situation and find the right cover for your needs.

Learn More

JC Legal

We can find you a solicitor to manage the conveyancing part of the process with JC Legal. We choose from an exclusive panel of carefully selected solicitors and conveyancers, saving you time and ensuring you receive excellent service.

Learn More

Equity Release

It’s easy to overlook your property as part of your finances, but your home is probably the biggest asset you have. Release money from your home with John Charcol's partnership with Key Retirement. Find out more and start the process today.

Learn More

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  • LocalBusiness
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    Verified Buyer

    I was extremely impressed with Keri Nicholson's service. From beginning to end of the process she was proactive in resolving any issues that came up, and also liaised effectively and efficiently with the conveyancing solicitors, with a tight timeline to adhere to. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and John Charcol's services in the future. Mark Ward

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    Cannot thank Lisa Gilsenan enough! highly professional, knowledgeable and informative. Being a first time buyer I was initially quite anxious about the whole process, but thanks to Lisa the whole experience has been positive and stress free, always at the other end of the phone and happy to help if I had any questions. Cant thank Lisa enough for putting my worries at ease and helping me get on the property ladder. Thank you! will definitely recommend.

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  • LocalBusiness
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    I first had dealings with Molly Wilsden in early 2023.Having used quite afew mortgage brokers over the years I noticed straight away that she was a very exceptional person.She is incredibly efficient,hardworking and friendly. The effort she puts in to get the business done quickly is staggering.Since then I have recommended her to all my friends and family.Without exception they all say she is the best broker bar none.She has now just got me an excellent remortgage and shaved weeks off the process. Unbelievable. So pleased with her and all the John Charcol staff who made it possible.

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    Michael has been amazing throughout the process, we have several homes all of which have been organised through Michale at John Charcol. Why go anywhere else?

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    Great service from start to finish. Full marks to Shak who was extremely courteous and helpful. I would definitely recommend John Charcol without hesitation. Many thanks.

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    Amazing highly professional mortgage advisors. Special thanks to Mr Paul Butlin for his unlimited genuine support.

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There are many valid reasons to remortgage. If you’re considering remortgaging your home but need help finding the right option for you, contact John Charcol. Our team of experienced mortgage advisers can recommend a range of remortgage options to suit you. Request a call back or call us on 0330 433 2927 to get in touch.

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