Key Takeaways
- Independent Legal Advice (ILA) is required by lenders to ensure you understand the financial and legal risks of signing important documents.
- The cost of ILA in the UK is typically a fixed fee, with Fast ILA starting at £120 plus VAT and no hidden charges.
- ILA is usually needed before completing or signing any lender-required financial or property transaction, including personal guarantees and bridging loans.
- Failing to obtain valid ILA could make your agreement unenforceable or leave you personally liable for the full debt.
- Fast ILA offers remote, same-day video appointments so you can get an ILA certificate quickly from anywhere in the UK.
- All prices with Fast ILA are fixed and transparent, with no extra fees or surprise costs for your ILA certificate.
- Fast ILA’s fully online service is delivered by SRA-regulated solicitors and accepted by all UK lenders.
- Fast ILA is rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 170 five-star reviews and a 4.9/5 rating from satisfied clients.
Call Fast ILA on 0207 459 4037 or book your ILA appointment online.
How Much Does Independent Legal Advice Really Cost in the UK?
If you’ve been told to get Independent Legal Advice before signing a personal guarantee, loan agreement, or property document, understanding the real cost is essential. Prices can vary significantly, with some solicitors charging upwards of £300 plus VAT per certificate. Choosing the right ILA service ensures your documents are lender-approved and your interests are fully protected.
Fast ILA offers fixed-fee, remote ILA starting at just £120 plus VAT. There are no hidden extras, and you’ll know the total cost before you book. This transparency provides clients with certainty and avoids issues that can arise from hourly rates or unexpected admin fees.
Choosing Fast ILA means your fee covers everything needed for a lender-accepted ILA certificate. This is ideal for clients on tight deadlines or those who want all-inclusive service without hidden charges.
Book your fixed-fee ILA appointment with an SRA-regulated Fast ILA solicitor to avoid delays and extra costs.
What Is Included in a Fixed-Fee ILA Service?
A proper fixed-fee ILA service gives you certainty and covers every main legal step required for lender approval. Fast ILA’s fixed fee includes:
- Remote video consultation with an experienced SRA-regulated solicitor
- Comprehensive explanation of the risks, obligations, and consequences of your documents
- Identity verification and secure online document handling
- ILA certificate for your lender, sent digitally and directly if requested
- Minor document re-issues or amendments as needed, at no extra cost
- Liaison with your lender or broker to ensure smooth completion
- Speedy, often same-day digital delivery
What’s not included:
- Drafting or negotiation of your legal documents’ terms
- Full legal representation in a dispute or litigation
| Included with Fast ILA | Typical Local Solicitor Exclusions |
|---|---|
| ILA consultation (video call) | Additional charge for out-of-hours |
| Identity checks (digital) | Extra admin and postage fees |
| Digital ILA certificate | Courier fee for paper copies |
| Lender communication | Often left to the client |
| Amendments & re-issues | May trigger further charges |
With Fast ILA, all the essentials for a valid, lender-accepted ILA certificate are included, giving you complete security and peace of mind.
Why Do Lenders Require Independent Legal Advice?
Lenders in the UK require ILA for transactions such as personal guarantees, joint borrower sole proprietor mortgages, occupier consents, and bridging loans. The ILA certificate protects both the lender and the individual signing the document by confirming your understanding of the risks involved and that you are signing voluntarily.
- Your agreement may be unenforceable.
- You could become personally liable for another’s debt.
- Your transaction may be delayed, costing time and money.
One of Fast ILA’s SRA-regulated solicitors will guide you through your obligations and the risks before providing your ILA certificate.
Paying for ILA protects your financial interests and ensures your transaction is legally compliant from the outset.
How Does Online ILA Work with Fast ILA?
Remote ILA appointments are designed for speed, security, and user convenience. Fast ILA has simplified the process into five clear steps:
- Book online for a fixed-fee ILA session at a time that suits you.
- Upload your documents and ID (like your passport or driving licence) using Fast ILA’s secure portal.
- Meet your Fast ILA solicitor on a confidential video call. They’ll review your document, explain risks, and confirm your understanding.
- Receive your ILA certificate. It’s digitally signed and sent direct to you and your lender as required.
- Complete your transaction quickly and without stress. Same-day and urgent appointments are available where needed.
Fast ILA’s fully remote approach combines technology with personal service, so you can get valid ILA from any location in the UK.
Need ILA urgently? Book a same-day appointment and receive your certificate fast, even for last-minute completions.
Hidden Charges and Extra Fees: What to Watch For
Some solicitors and less transparent ILA providers add extra costs not mentioned up front. Common hidden charges include:
- Admin and processing fees (£20–£50)
- Postage or courier charges for certificates
- Extra costs for minor amendments or re-issues
- Repeat appointment fees if you can’t attend at the scheduled time
With Fast ILA, the fixed fee covers all standard requirements. There are no extra fees for minor amends or for sending digital certificates directly to your lender.
Always ask for a breakdown of ILA costs before booking, and confirm digital certificate acceptance up front.
Cost Comparison: Online ILA vs Local Solicitor Office
Understanding the difference between remote ILA and traditional solicitors helps you choose the right service for your needs.
| Feature | Fast ILA (Remote) | Local Solicitor (Office Visit) |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee | £120+VAT (fixed) | £150–£400+VAT (variable) |
| Hidden extras | None | Common (admin, postage) |
| Appointment method | Video call, anywhere | At solicitor’s office |
| Certificate delivery speed | Same day/24 hours | 3–7 days, often slower |
| Minor document amends | Included | Sometimes extra cost |
| Lender communications | Included | Usually not included |
| SRA regulated | Yes | Yes |
Remote ILA delivers lower, predictable costs and the flexibility of fast, digital appointments. All Fast ILA certificates are guaranteed accepted by UK lenders.
Book your rapid, secure ILA appointment with Fast ILA and experience the convenience of our remote, lender-approved service.
Risks of Cheap or Incomplete ILA Services
Using an unregulated or cut-price ILA provider can result in:
- Lender rejection of your ILA certificate, causing delays
- No SRA regulation or protection
- Minimal or “tick-box” advice, exposing you to risk
- Non-compliance with legal requirements
- Lack of identity verification and document security
If your ILA is invalid, you may have to repeat the process—and pay again—with a reputable SRA-regulated firm.
With Fast ILA, you benefit from full legal protection, rapid service, and peace of mind that your ILA certificate is valid wherever you are in the UK.
The Fast ILA Advantage
Fast ILA is the UK’s remote, SRA-regulated ILA specialist trusted by clients and lenders nationwide. Here’s how we set ourselves apart:
- Transparent fixed-fee ILA from £120+VAT—no hidden costs
- 100% remote service: book online, meet by video, receive your digital certificate the same day
- SRA-regulated solicitors, lender acceptance guaranteed
- Urgent and same-day ILA appointments always available
- Direct liaison with your lender or broker to ensure smooth completion
- No extra charge for amendments or digital copies
- Outstanding support at every stage from experienced solicitors
- National coverage—all fully online, from any UK location
With Fast ILA, enjoy clear pricing, rapid service, and client-focused support on every transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Legal Advice Cost in the UK
What is the typical cost of ILA in the UK?
Most clients pay between £120–£400+VAT, depending on complexity and provider. Fast ILA offers fixed-fee ILA from £120+VAT with no extra charges for common documents.
Will my online ILA certificate be accepted by UK banks and lenders?
Yes. Fast ILA’s remote ILA certificates are accepted by every major UK mortgage lender, bank, and bridging provider, with lender acceptance guaranteed.
What’s included in the fixed ILA fee?
The Fast ILA fee includes a remote consultation, legal advice, ID checks, issuance of your digital certificate, direct communication with your lender, and minor amendments where needed.
How quickly can I get my ILA certificate?
Most Fast ILA clients receive their certificate the same day as their video call. Urgent and same-day ILA appointments are available on request.
Are refunds available if my transaction falls through?
If your ILA call hasn’t yet taken place, refunds are usually available. If your appointment has occurred but your lender changes, we can update your certificate for free.
Can the cost of ILA be split between parties?
Typically, each party must have separate, independent advice from a different SRA-regulated solicitor. While parties may arrange payment between themselves, legal independence must be maintained.
Do I need a separate ILA solicitor if both sign a document?
Yes. Most UK lenders require each individual to receive independent advice from separate solicitors to ensure no conflicts of interest.
Is my information secure and compliant?
Absolutely. Fast ILA uses encrypted technology, and every solicitor complies with SRA and GDPR standards for ID, privacy, and document security.
Are cheap or overseas online ILA services safe?
Many cheap or overseas ILA services are not SRA-regulated or recognised by UK lenders. If your certificate is rejected, you’ll need to repeat the process, risking additional costs and delay. Always choose a UK, SRA-regulated provider.
To discuss your requirements or get a quote for your ILA, call Fast ILA on 0207 459 4037 or enquire using our online form.
Book Your Independent Legal Advice Appointment with Fast ILA Today
Your Independent Legal Advice certificate is crucial for completing property and finance transactions safely and on time. Fast ILA’s transparent, fixed-fee service means you’ll never face hidden charges—and your certificate will be accepted by every UK lender. Our SRA-regulated solicitors deliver remote, same-day appointments for a secure, hassle-free experience.
Call Fast ILA on 0207 459 4037 or use our online booking form to arrange your fixed-fee, remote Independent Legal Advice appointment.
