Independent legal advice for a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage
With a joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP) mortgage, you share responsibility for the mortgage without owning any of the property. Lenders usually require the non-owning borrower to take independent legal advice first. A solicitor explains the risks and signs the certificate your lender needs.
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- SRA-regulated solicitors
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- ★ 4.9 · 282 Google reviews
- 70+ lenders
- SRA-regulated solicitors
- Video or in person
What is a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage?
A JBSP mortgage lets a family member, often a parent, help someone buy by adding their income to the mortgage application. Everyone named on the mortgage is a borrower, but only the buyer is named as the owner on the title.
Borrowers are usually “jointly and severally” liable. That means the lender can ask any borrower to repay the whole mortgage, not just a share, even though the non-owning borrower has no ownership rights in the property.
Why does my lender require independent legal advice?
Because the non-owning borrower takes on full liability without owning anything, lenders want to be sure they understand the arrangement and are not under pressure. Most JBSP lenders therefore require independent legal advice for the non-owning borrower, and some for the owner too, before completion.
What your solicitor will explain
Full liability
That you could be asked to pay the whole mortgage, including arrears and costs.
No ownership
That you have no share in the property unless that is separately agreed and recorded.
Effect on you
How the mortgage could affect your credit file and your ability to borrow in future.
Getting off the mortgage
That leaving the mortgage later normally needs the lender's agreement.
Completion deadline close? Same-day appointments available.
Documents you'll need
- The mortgage offer
- The lender's JBSP declaration or deed, if there is one
- Your lender's ILA certificate template, if it has one
- Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address dated within the last three months
How it works
- 1
Book a free consultation
Pick a time above. It takes under a minute.
- 2
Speak to your solicitor
An SRA-regulated solicitor explains the risks in plain English, by video or in person.
- 3
Certificate sent to your lender
Your signed ILA certificate and documents are dispatched, usually the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the advice online?
Yes. Most lenders accept advice given by video call, so you can usually be advised from home. If your lender insists on a face-to-face meeting, that can be arranged instead.
Does the owner also need advice?
Some lenders require advice for every borrower, others only for the non-owning borrower. Your lender's instructions will say, and we can check them on your free consultation.
Can I protect the money I'm putting in?
Possibly. Your solicitor can explain options such as a declaration of trust or a loan agreement, and how they interact with the mortgage.
How quickly can I get my certificate?
Often the same day. Once your solicitor has your documents and has advised you, the signed certificate is usually sent to your lender, broker or conveyancer the same day.
How much does it cost?
Independent legal advice starts from {price} per person. Your solicitor confirms the fixed fee on your free consultation, before any work starts.
Reviewed by Saba Rehman, Solicitor
SRA-regulated · Last reviewed 9 October 2026
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