Question 1

What is Independent Legal Advice (ILA)?

Accepted Answer

Independent Legal Advice (ILA) is required by lenders in certain mortgage and loan transactions, most commonly when a landlord borrows through a limited company and personally guarantees the mortgage. An independent solicitor meets with you (by video call or in person), verifies your identity, explains the legal implications, and confirms you are entering into the agreement freely. You then receive an ILA certificate to give to your lender so the transaction can complete.

Question 2

Who needs an ILA certificate?

Accepted Answer

Lenders typically require ILA when: you are buying or remortgaging a buy-to-let property through a limited company and personally guaranteeing the mortgage; you are a director giving a personal guarantee for a business loan or commercial lease; you are on the mortgage but not on the property title (joint borrower, sole proprietor); you will live in the property without being on the mortgage (occupier consent); or you are gifting a deposit or your property secures someone else’s loan.

Question 3

How much does ILA cost?

Accepted Answer

ILA costs typically range from £150 to £400 per person depending on the turnaround time required, the complexity of the guarantee or loan, the location of the solicitor, and whether the meeting is in person or remote. Where two people both need advice, for example two directors guaranteeing the same mortgage, many firms offer a reduced fee for the second person, so ask the firm when you contact them. ILA Comparison lets you compare solicitors' actual fixed prices instantly.

Question 4

Will my lender accept the certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The solicitor signs the ILA certificate in the form your lender prescribes, most lenders include their required wording or template with the mortgage offer or guarantee documents, and confirms the advice meets the requirements set out in the offer conditions. Send the solicitor your lender's document pack when you book and they will return the certificate in exactly the form your lender needs.

Question 5

How long does the ILA process take?

Accepted Answer

Express services complete within 24 hours, fast-track within 48 hours, and standard within 3 to 5 days. The consultation itself usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and the certificate is normally issued straight after.

Question 6

Are all solicitors on the platform qualified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every solicitor on the platform is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and each firm’s SRA registration is checked before its profile goes live. SRA-regulated firms are required to carry professional indemnity insurance, and any firm can be verified on the SRA’s public register.

Question 7

How does ILA Comparison make money?

Accepted Answer

Comparing solicitors is completely free for landlords. Listing is currently also free for solicitors while the platform grows; a small per-case fee paid by solicitors is planned as volume grows. Solicitors cannot pay for better placement, so fees never influence the comparison.

Question 8

Can I meet the solicitor remotely?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Most solicitors offer remote ILA consultations via video call. Some lenders require documents to be signed and witnessed in person, so check your lender’s requirements first. You can filter solicitors by remote or in-person availability when comparing.

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