How Fast ILA Delivered Same-Day Advice and Certification for a Complex Tracker Mortgage Without Delay
When a borrower was approved for a new loan facility with HSBC secured on their residential home, the final condition was simple but non-negotiable: they had to obtain independent legal advice (ILA) from a qualified solicitor before funds could be released.
The borrower was under pressure to complete quickly and had questions about the interest rate structure, legal obligations, and the wording of the mortgage deed. Fast ILA was instructed to provide legal advice and complete HSBC’s ILA certificate. We did so—within 24 hours.
Why Lenders Like HSBC Require Independent Legal Advice
Major lenders, including HSBC, require borrowers to obtain independent legal advice in certain circumstances, such as:
- Where a witnessed mortgage deed is required (especially for remote or postal signings)
- When a borrower is not using the lender’s panel conveyancer
- In top-up mortgages or new loans secured against an existing legal charge
- Where legal complexity arises in the loan offer, e.g. variable or tracker products
The purpose is twofold:
- To ensure the borrower understands the financial and legal implications
- To protect the lender from future claims of undue influence, misrepresentation, or lack of understanding
Fast ILA provides this advice quickly, clearly, and without delay.
The Mortgage: Terms and Structure
Our client was taking out £133,000 in new borrowing on a 19-year, 5-month capital repayment term, increasing their overall secured debt to £222,523.83.
Key terms included:
- Tracker Rate: Bank of England Base Rate + 0.14% (initial 2 years)
- Current payable rate: 4.64%
- Initial monthly repayment: £867.45
- Reversionary rate: HSBC Standard Variable Rate (currently 6.74%)
- Post-tracker repayment: £1,011.32 (illustrative)
- Final payment: £1,012.24
- Total projected repayment: £233,201.60 over the full term
Importantly, the mortgage:
- Allowed unlimited overpayments
- Carried no early repayment charges
- Required the borrower to maintain buildings insurance and property upkeep
- Gave the lender broad powers in the event of default, including repossession, forced sale, and legal recovery
Our Role: Legal Review, Advice and Certification
The client had already executed the mortgage deed. Our role was to:
- Verify the client’s identity and address documentation
- Review the mortgage offer in full, including all repayment calculations, interest mechanisms, and HSBC’s standard conditions
- Explain the implications of the mortgage deed and first legal charge
- Confirm the client:
- Understood their monthly obligations and rate changes
- Was aware that their home could be repossessed for non-payment
- Understood they could make early repayments or redeem the mortgage at any time
- Was entering the agreement freely and without pressure
- Complete and sign the HSBC ILA Certificate, confirming that advice had been given and understood
Outcome: Same-Day Certification and Full Legal Compliance
Fast ILA delivered:
- Independent solicitor advice provided remotely on the same day
- HSBC’s ILA certificate completed and returned within 24 hours
- The mortgage was cleared for completion with no delay or disruption
- Our client was fully informed, legally protected, and able to proceed confidently
This was all completed for a fixed fee of £120 + VAT, with no hidden costs, no in-person appointments, and no delays.
Why Clients Use Fast ILA for Mortgage Advice
Fast ILA is trusted by borrowers across the UK to provide legally compliant, fast, and affordable legal advice when required by lenders. We support clients in:
- HSBC witnessed mortgage deed cases
- Additional borrowing and top-up loans
- Joint borrower / non-owner transactions
- High-risk or variable rate mortgage structures
- Mortgages from Metro Bank, Barclays, NatWest, Generation Home, and others
We offer:
- Same-day appointments via secure video call
- Fixed pricing from £120 + VAT
- Certification for all major UK lenders
- Independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor, with no lender conflicts
Book Your ILA Appointment Today
If your lender has asked for independent legal advice before releasing your mortgage funds, don’t delay.
Fast ILA will:
- Review your mortgage offer and deed
- Explain your obligations clearly
- Certify your ILA documentation within 24 hours
To book your appointment, use the booking form on our website.
