Remortgage Solicitors

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Remortgage Solicitors

For a smooth transition

The process of remortgaging may seem complicated with various legal and financial elements, but it need not be overwhelming. Whether you aim to reduce monthly payments, secure a favourable interest rate, or release equity from your home, our team is here to offer reliable advice and effective solutions. With Switalskis by your side, you can embark on your remortgaging journey with confidence.

Conveyancing services we can help with

To learn more about how we can help you remortgage, simply call us today on 0800 012 9085, or reach out through our website.

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How Switalskis can help you

When you first reach out to us, we'll discuss your requirements with regard to your remortgage and your specific circumstances and then send you a quote. We'll walk you through the remortgage process so you'll know precisely what lies ahead and what actions you'll need to take.

Our role is to help at every step, explaining any complex legal jargon and managing the needed documentation on your behalf. We take on the responsibility of the legal tasks, freeing you to concentrate on your broader financial plans. We know that each remortgaging case is different, and we customise our advice to suit your individual situation.

The remortgaging process

Navigating a remortgage can be a straightforward experience, typically completing within four to six weeks. Here's how the process works at Switalskis:

Pre-completion preparation

Initial contact

We gather essential details from you over the phone and then send you the initial paperwork.

Starting the work

When we receive your signed instructions, completed forms and identification, we initiate your transaction.

Title deeds

If your property is registered, we download your title deeds from the Land Registry. For unregistered properties, we'll request the deeds from the current holder, typically a solicitor or your current mortgage lender.

Checking deeds and leases

We review the title deeds, taking note of any existing mortgages. For leasehold properties, we may need to engage with the landlord or managing agent to confirm that all service charges and rent are up to date.

Current mortgage details

We request an initial redemption statement from your existing lender to determine the outstanding mortgage amount.

Indemnity insurance

Instead of conducting searches, which most new lenders don't need, we'll arrange for a policy of indemnity insurance. This covers the lender for losses arising from the absence of those searches. We'll let you know the cost once we obtain a draft of the policy.

Mortgage offer

After reviewing the mortgage offer from your new lender, we provide a report highlighting the essential points. If you're satisfied, you'll need to sign and return the mortgage deed.

Completion date

We'll ask you for a preferred date to finalise the remortgage, usually 2-10 days in advance, as most mortgage lenders need some notice.

Pre-completion searches

We conduct searches against the property and a bankruptcy search against you, on behalf of your new lender.

Final statements

We request a final redemption statement from your existing lender and make sure funds from your new lender arrive on the agreed date. We'll then send you a completion statement detailing the financials.

Completion

Once the funds arrive from your new lender, we use these to pay off your existing lender and remove them from the title deeds. After deducting our legal fees and disbursements, we transfer the remaining funds to you.

Post-completion

After completion, we file an application with the Land Registry to update the deeds, swapping your original lender for your new one. Once they've confirmed the change, we'll send you a copy of your new title deeds for safekeeping.

Will you perform a valuation on my property?

At Switalskis, we focus on the legal aspects of the remortgaging process and do not carry out property valuations ourselves. Property valuations are generally conducted by a certified surveyor who is either appointed by your new mortgage lender or, in some instances, chosen by you.

The purpose of this valuation is as follows:

  1. Loan-to-value assessment: The lender uses the valuation to assess the loan-to-value ratio (LTV), which is a key factor in determining your mortgage terms. A lower LTV generally means more favourable rates.
  2. Risk mitigation: From the lender's perspective, the valuation confirms whether the property provides sufficient collateral for the loan. If the valuation is lower than expected, the lender may either offer less money or impose more stringent terms.
  3. Equity release: If you're remortgaging to release equity, the valuation guarantees that there is sufficient value in the property above the amount you wish to borrow.
  4. Leasehold properties: For leasehold properties, the remaining term of the lease is another factor that a valuation would consider, as properties with short leases can be difficult to mortgage.
  5. Market conditions: A valuation can provide insights into current market conditions, which may influence your decision on whether it’s a good time to remortgage.
  6. Validation for other parties: Sometimes, having a recent valuation can also be useful for other reasons, such as negotiating with a landlord if your property is leasehold, or for insurance purposes.

It's worth mentioning that while the lender's surveyor will carry out a basic valuation, you may want to consider having a more detailed survey done, especially if you've had concerns about the property's condition. This is not a requirement for remortgaging but could provide peace of mind.

Once the valuation is complete, the surveyor will send a report to the lender, who will then review it to finalise your mortgage offer. If the valuation brings up issues, such as necessary repairs, these might need to be addressed before proceeding with the remortgage.

Are searches necessary for remortgaging?

When it comes to remortgaging, searches are generally not as critical as they are in a first-time property purchase. However, the necessity of conducting searches largely depends on your new lender's requirements and your own risk appetite. Below are key points to consider:

Lender requirements

  • Indemnity insurance: most lenders don’t need a full suite of searches for a remortgage. Instead, they may ask for an indemnity insurance policy. This policy protects the lender against any loss experienced due to issues that a search would have otherwise revealed.
  • Reduced search package: some lenders might ask for a basic set of searches such as a local land charges search but might waive the need for more comprehensive checks, such as environmental or drainage searches.
  • Title review: lenders will generally review the title deeds to make sure there are no legal issues with the property. This is a non-negotiable part of the process and doesn't typically need additional searches.

Risk assessment

  • Time since last search: if it has been many years since your last search, and especially if there have been significant developments in your area, you may consider conducting new searches for your own peace of mind.
  • Leasehold properties: if your property is leasehold, additional checks might be needed to make sure that service charges and ground rents are up to date. Though these are not 'searches' in the traditional sense, they are checks that are sometimes necessary in the remortgaging process.

Costs involved

  • Insurance over searches: opting for an indemnity insurance policy can sometimes be more cost-effective than conducting full searches, and it's quicker too.
  • Potential savings: if you're remortgaging to unlock lower interest rates, the cost savings might outweigh the risks of not conducting full searches.

How to get your quote

Our team stands ready to provide you with a no-obligation quote for our remortgage legal services. While there's no obligation to proceed with us, we're confident that our approach will make a strong impression. To get your personalised quote tailored to your remortgaging needs, don't hesitate to give us a ring today on 0800 012 9085 .

To learn more about how we can help you remortgage, simply call us today on 0800 012 9085, or reach out through our website.

Our Remortgage Solicitor Team

Photo of Sarah Cookson
Sarah CooksonDirector and Solicitor
Rahul RoySolicitor
photo of Briony Ely
Briony ElySolicitor
photo of Melanie Hirst
Melanie HirstConveyancer
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Why Switalskis?

Considering remortgaging? It's important to get advice you can trust. At Switalskis, we offer clear, expert guidance to make the remortgaging process as smooth as possible for you.

Clarity in complexity

The remortgaging process comes with its own set of complexities. We're here to explain and help you, answering your questions and guiding you through each stage. You'll be fully informed so you can make decisions with absolute assurance.

Empathy at every step

We recognise that remortgaging can be both a strategic financial move and a potentially stressful decision. We're here to listen to your specific circumstances, provide tailored advice, and relieve any concerns you may have. To us, you're not just another file; you're someone making an important financial move, and we're committed to making sure it's executed smoothly.

Expertise you can trust

When it comes to remortgaging, you'll want to work with a team that combines experience with expertise. With Switalskis, you're in highly capable hands. Our track record demonstrates our effectiveness in helping you in successfully completing your remortgage transactions.

Championing your rights

We're dedicated to making sure that you secure the best remortgage deal and that your interests are safeguarded throughout the process. Our commitment to transparency means you'll be consistently updated, so you're never in the dark.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

For more information about our conveyancing services, or to get your quote for remortgaging, call us today on 0800 012 9085 or contact us through our website.

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