Remortgage Questionnaire

When you're remortgaging, your solicitor will send you a detailed questionnaire to better understand your transaction. Each firm structures these differently, but they generally cover similar questions.

At first glance, the questionnaire can feel daunting, as there are often over 100 questions. However, these documents are usually designed as a “one size fits all” to cover many transaction types, so a large number of sections won’t apply to a standard remortgage. You’ll likely be able to skip several questions, and some answers may already be pre-populated using information the solicitor holds on file. This means you should be able to complete the document more quickly than expected.

While many questions are straightforward, we’ve provided guidance on the sections our clients most commonly ask about. Solicitors often use legal terminology, so this guide aims to cut through the jargon and help you complete your forms with clarity and confidence.

Early Repayment Charges (ERCs)

If you're currently on a fixed-rate deal with your lender, you will almost certainly have early repayment charges (ERCs) for the duration of that deal. These charges typically reduce each year and expire when your fixed term ends. They are in place to protect lenders and help manage their financial projections. For example, if your current mortgage product ends on 31st December, your ERCs will usually expire on that same date. If you're on a variable rate (such as a tracker), you may still have ERCs. You can check this in your original mortgage offer (usually Section 8), or feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Most remortgages are arranged to complete the day after your current deal ends. This avoids ERCs and prevents your mortgage from moving onto the lender’s Standard Variable Rate. Unless you have specifically discussed redeeming your mortgage early, you would typically select: “ASAP after my ERCs have expired.” If you're unsure, just get in touch and we can confirm this for you.

Other Charges on Your Property

If another organisation has a registered charge against your property, it must be disclosed here. Examples include Help to Buy schemes, Right to Buy schemes, secured loans, or second mortgages. In many cases, consent from these charge holders will be required before your remortgage can proceed, as they have a financial interest in the property. Your solicitor will also cross-reference this information with your title deeds.

Surplus and Shortfall

A surplus occurs when your new mortgage amount is higher than what is needed to repay your existing mortgage (including any fees).

If you haven’t discussed borrowing additional funds, you should not expect a surplus. If you are increasing your borrowing, your solicitor will transfer the extra funds to you on completion.

Example:

Existing mortgage: £100,000

New mortgage: £120,000

Surplus: £20,000

A shortfall occurs when your new mortgage is lower than your existing balance. This is common if you are reducing your mortgage by paying in a lump sum. Your solicitor will request the shortfall amount from you to ensure your existing mortgage can be fully repaid.

Example:

Existing mortgage: £120,000

New mortgage: £100,000

Shortfall: £20,000

Land Registry Title Documents

Your solicitor may ask whether you would like updated copies of your title deeds after completion. This is optional and not usually necessary. All title documents are held digitally by HM Land Registry and can be accessed at any time. You do not need to keep physical copies. If you would like your own copies, you can order them directly from HM Land Registry after completion (allowing time for the updated charge to be registered). There is a small fee for this service. Solicitors often charge more to obtain these documents on your behalf, so we typically recommend declining this option.

About Your Property

This section is usually straightforward but can sometimes cause confusion.

When asked about changes or alterations, this generally refers to significant works that affect the structure, layout, or use of the property—such as extensions or removing internal walls.

This helps the lender confirm the property remains suitable security for the mortgage. Minor cosmetic changes do not need to be included.

Leasehold / Freehold

Most houses are freehold and most flats are leasehold, but there are exceptions.

Some freehold properties may still have estate or service charges, often used to maintain communal areas or private roads. Alternatively, your property may be commonhold. In either case, you may need to provide details of the management company or association.

Shared ownership properties are always leasehold. If you are staircasing (buying an increased share of the property as part of your remortgage), you will need to include full details here.

This information can usually be found in your housing association documents, which your solicitor will also require.

Buildings Insurance

Buildings insurance is a requirement of your mortgage, so your solicitor must confirm that appropriate cover is in place.This ensures that if anything happens to your property, there are sufficient funds available to restore it to a saleable condition.While contents insurance is not mandatory, we recommend a combined policy to protect your belongings as well.Your sum insured is the maximum amount your insurer will pay to rebuild your property. This is often different from the market value of your home.All relevant details can be found in your insurance policy documents. If you do not currently have a policy in place, or if your existing policy is due to expire, you will need to obtain a quote and provide these details to your solicitor.Please note that the policy must be active and in place on the date of completion.

Property Ownership

If you are not carrying out a transfer of equity (adding or removing someone from the property ownership), you can skip this section. If you are, your solicitor will need details of all parties involved and may contact them directly. If the transfer is due to a death, you will need to provide a death certificate and grant of probate for the solicitor to review.

Occupiers

Anyone aged 17 or over who lives at the property as their main residence but is not named on the mortgage must be included here. This is standard and not a cause for concern. They will simply be asked to sign an occupier’s consent form, confirming that they do not have a legal claim to the property if it is repossessed. If the property is let under a Buy-to-Let mortgage, tenants do not need to sign this form. Instead, you will need to provide a copy of the current tenancy agreement.