Independent legal advice for Shawbrook

Shawbrook is a specialist bank lending on property and to businesses, including buy-to-let, bridging and development finance. If Shawbrook needs independent legal advice for guarantors or chargors, an SRA-regulated solicitor can advise you by video and send the certificate, often the same day.

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  • Video, or in person in London

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Free 10-minute consultation

ILA from £140 + VAT per person · fee confirmed on the call

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Many Shawbrook loans are made to companies, such as limited companies that hold buy-to-let property or carry out developments. When a company borrows, the lender usually asks the directors and shareholders for personal guarantees, so it can recover the debt from them if the company can’t pay. Those guarantors are the people most often asked to get independent advice.

We also advise family members who are asked to provide extra security, and anyone signing an occupier’s consent for a property being charged.

What your solicitor will do

Your solicitor explains the guarantee and any charges, including how much you could owe and for how long, and checks whether there are limits worth asking for. If you go ahead, they complete the certificate in the lender’s wording.

When you might need independent legal advice

Limited company buy-to-let

Directors and shareholders guaranteeing a property company's mortgage.

Bridging and development finance

Guarantees and extra security for short-term and development loans.

Business loans

Personal guarantees for business finance.

Third-party security

Family members charging their property to support a loan.

Not sure what you're signing? Ask a solicitor free.

Before your appointment

  • Ask your broker or conveyancer for Shawbrook's ILA certificate template and any instructions to the advising solicitor
  • Have the final versions of the documents you're being asked to sign
  • Photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address dated within the last three months
  • Check whether Shawbrook accepts advice by video, or needs a face-to-face meeting
  • Know your completion or drawdown date, so we can book you in time

How it works

  1. 1

    Book a free consultation

    Pick a time above. It takes under a minute.

  2. 2

    Speak to your solicitor

    An SRA-regulated solicitor explains the risks in plain English, by video or in person in London.

  3. 3

    Certificate sent to your lender

    Your signed ILA certificate and documents are dispatched, usually the same day.

Frequently asked questions

I'm guaranteeing my own property company's mortgage. Do I still need advice?

Often, yes. Many lenders require independent advice for guarantors even when they own the borrowing company. Check the lender's instructions.

Do I need to use Shawbrook's own certificate?

If Shawbrook has given you a certificate or form for the solicitor to sign, use it. Send it to us before your appointment so your solicitor can complete it in the right wording.

Does Shawbrook accept independent legal advice by video?

Many lenders now accept video advice, but requirements change and can differ between products. Check Shawbrook's instructions, or ask your broker. If a face-to-face meeting is needed, we can arrange one in London.

Are you connected to Shawbrook?

No. My Online Lawyer is independent of Shawbrook. We connect you with an SRA-regulated solicitor who acts only for you.

My Online Lawyer is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for Shawbrook. We use the name only to describe documents our clients have been asked to sign. Always follow your lender’s own instructions, and check its requirements with your broker or the lender if you’re unsure.

SR

Reviewed by Saba Rehman, Solicitor
SRA-regulated · Last reviewed 9 October 2026