Whether you're buying your first home in Birmingham or moving within a chain, a genuine itemised quote — legal fee, VAT and disbursements shown separately — makes it far easier to compare firms on a like-for-like basis than a single bundled figure.
Remortgaging is usually the quickest transaction type, since there's no chain and you're not changing who owns the property — your conveyancer is mainly confirming the title is clear and handling the switch from your old lender's charge to your new one.
Why do I need a conveyancer to remortgage?
Moving your mortgage to a new lender means the new lender needs to register a charge against the property and your existing lender's charge needs to be removed — a legal change to the title at HM Land Registry that a conveyancer has to handle, not just your mortgage broker.
How long does a remortgage take?
Usually a matter of weeks rather than months, since there's no chain, no seller's solicitor to coordinate with, and often no need for fresh searches if you already have suitable indemnity or recent search results.
What can slow a remortgage down?
A leasehold property where the new lender wants updated information from the management company, a Help to Buy equity loan that needs redeeming or updating, or delays in your existing lender confirming the redemption figure.
Are remortgage legal fees cheaper than buying?
Usually, yes — there's less work involved than a full purchase, but firms still vary in what they charge and which disbursements they pass on, so it's still worth comparing itemised quotes rather than assuming a headline figure covers everything.
Other services in Birmingham
Looking for something else? See all Birmingham conveyancing or browse all locations.
We use cookies for analytics and live chat so we can understand how the site is used and let you talk to us. These only run if you accept. Find out more.