Remortgaging your home in Ireland can be a savvy financial move to reduce your monthly repayments—whether you’re chasing a lower rate, releasing equity, or consolidating debt. But before you move ahead, it’s only fair to ask: How much does it cost to remortgage? Spoiler alert—it’s not free, but it might still save you a small fortune.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the typical remortgage costs involved, from solicitor fees to the fine print that could catch you out. You’ll also find clear answers to questions like “how much does a solicitor cost to remortgage”, and tips on how to keep your costs low—so you can make the most of your financial move and keep more of your hard-earned euros in your own pocket.
Typical remortgage costs you should expect
Let’s start with a breakdown of the most common expenses when remortgaging:
- Valuation fees (up to date valuation required)
- Breakage fees (if you are breaking a fixed mortgage rate contract)
- Solicitor fees (yes, even if you stay with your current lender)
- Solicitor Outlays (land registry updates, bank drafts, VAT etc.)
So, if you’re asking, “how much does it cost to remortgage in Ireland?”—the answer depends on your lender, your property, and whether you’re switching mortgage providers. But on average, most Irish homeowners can expect to pay between €1,200 and €2,000 in total remortgage costs.
Solicitor cost for remortgage
Whether you’re moving to a new lender or sticking with your current one, you’ll need a solicitor to manage the legal side of things. Yes, even when it feels like nothing is changing, the legalities of remortgaging require a qualified legal professional!
So, how much does a solicitor cost to remortgage in Ireland?
- Typical solicitor fee range: €1,000–€1,500
- Outlays and disbursements: €200–€300 extra (more on that below)
- VAT: Usually added on top of the quote fee
The solicitor cost for remortgage tends to be slightly lower than the full conveyancing fees you’d pay when buying a home. Still, it pays to shop around and compare quotes—or better yet, ask your mortgage broker (like us!) for trusted solicitor recommendations.
What Solicitor remortgage costs include
Remortgage conveyancing costs cover a lot more than just basic legal advice. Your solicitor takes care of several important steps to make sure the new mortgage is properly registered and legally compliant. Here’s what’s usually included in your solicitor’s fee:
- Reviewing your mortgage offer
- Checking title deeds and registry
- Confirming there are no outstanding charges or claims on the property
- Handling the funds transfer between banks
- Registering the new mortgage charge with the Land Registry
It’s worth noting that if you’re doing something more complex—like releasing equity to buy a second property—fees may be higher. (Here’s where equity release for second home comes into play.)
Cost of remortgaging with the same lender
Thinking about staying loyal to your current bank? It might seem like a simpler route—but could end up costing you more as it is not always the cheapest.
Typical costs when remortgaging with the same lender:
- Valuation fee: €150–€250 (often required, even without a lender switch)
- Solicitor fee: Still needed in most cases to review and register the new loan
- Breakage Fees: This is specific to your lender and the terms of your fixed rate contract. If you’re exiting a fixed-rate mortgage early, expect to pay a penalty—normally equivalent to about 6 months mortgage interest but can be more. If possible, wait until your fixed mortgage rate is finished to avoid breakage fees.
The cost of remortgaging with the same lender can sometimes be lower, but you’ll still want to weigh the savings against potentially better rates elsewhere. Better interest rates and cashback offers from other lenders may offset the additional costs of switching.
Additional fees to factor into your remortgage budget
Beyond solicitor and conveyancing costs, your full remortgage costs will depend on several smaller charges:
- Valuation fee: Required by most lenders to confirm the property’s current market value
- Broker fees: Some charge remortgage fees, others don’t (hint: MortgageLine doesn’t)
- Breakage fees: Called “redemption,” “exit,” or “fixed rate penalty” fees
- Outlays: Bank drafts, registration updates, sworn declarations (€200–€300)
Add these together, and your full remortgage costs can inch toward €2,000—though cashback offers from lenders can quickly cover these expenses (we’ll get to that).
Ways to save on your remortgage
Just because there are costs involved doesn’t mean you can’t come out ahead. Here are a few ways Irish homeowners are cutting costs—and even making money—when they remortgage:
- Compare solicitor quotes
Legal fees can vary wildly. Always get a few quotes and confirm whether VAT and outlays are included.
- Look for cashback offers
Many Irish banks offer cashback deals for switchers of up to 3% of the mortgage amount. In many cases, that completely covers your solicitor and legal fees for remortgage and you may even have some cash left over.
- Use a trusted Mortgage Broker
A good broker (like MortgageLine) will do the legwork, compare multiple lenders, and flag the best value deal—often with no extra cost to you. You might even uncover a better rate than you’d find on your own.
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons
If you’re not borrowing extra or changing ownership structure, your remortgage should be straightforward. Don’t let anyone sell you services you don’t need.
Is remortgaging worth the cost?
Absolutely—if you do it right.
Let’s say your new mortgage interest rate is 1% lower than your current one. On a €250,000 mortgage over 25 years, that could mean savings of more than €40,000 over the lifetime of the loan.
Even after paying a solicitor, valuation fee and other remortgage conveyancing costs, many Irish homeowners recoup their remortgage costs within the first year or two. Combine that with cashback deals, and the financial benefits can be substantial.
Still on the fence? Here are some popular reasons to remortgage.
How MortgageLine can help with your remortgage
At MortgageLine, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Ireland remortgage and switch their mortgage with confidence—and without the usual headaches. As a trusted mortgage broker, we:
- Compare rates from all major Irish lenders
- Highlight the best cashback deals and other offers
- Recommend experienced, reasonably priced solicitors
- Guide you from paperwork to payout—with zero broker fees
Thinking of equity release for home improvements? Or just want to lower your monthly mortgage repayments? We’ll help you map out the best route forward—no pressure, just smart advice.
Contact us today for a free mortgage review call.
FAQs about remortgage costs in Ireland
How much do solicitors charge to switch a mortgage?
On average, solicitor fees for remortgaging in Ireland range from €1,000 to €1,500, plus an additional €200–€300 in outlays. Always confirm whether VAT is included in the quote to avoid surprises.
How much are remortgage fees?
Total remortgage costs in Ireland typically are between €1,200 and €2,000, including solicitor fees, valuation, and lender charges. Cashback offers from banks can fully offset the costs.
How much do solicitors charge for conveyancing in Ireland?
Standard conveyancing costs for buying a home can be over €2,000. For remortgages, conveyancing usually costs less as the property is already in your name. Expect €1,000–€1,500 plus outlays. For more complex remortgages, such as equity release or adding/removing a borrower, the fee may be higher.