10th June 2026
Vernon Building Society launches free legals initiative for remortgage customers with new Optimus partnership
Vernon Building Society has announced a new partnership with Optimus - the conveyancing panel management specialist for mortgage brokers, lenders and estate agents - to introduce a free legals service for new remortgage customers on selected products, primarily focused on prime residential lending up to 80% LTV and later life products.
The move is designed to make the Vernon's remortgage proposition more competitive, remove a key barrier to attracting remortgage business and support the Society's wider ambitions of increasing lending to £100 million. For customers, the service could save around £300-£700 in solicitor fees typically associated with remortgaging, while brokers will benefit from improved visibility of the Society’s products in remortgage searches.
The partnership supports the Vernon’s commitment to putting members first by combining a more attractive customer offer with a more efficient operational process. Under the new arrangement, customers will have direct contact with their assigned solicitor, alongside support from Optimus’ dedicated team.
The initiative also enables the Society to outsource panel management and due diligence to a trusted partner, with Optimus overseeing a dedicated panel of conveyancing firms and providing ongoing performance monitoring and reporting. This is important to ensure customers continue to receive a personal service from their solicitor, while also supporting faster and more efficient processing. It also allows the Vernon to focus on personalised underwriting, dedicated service and growing lending volumes.
Remortgage activity is expected to remain an important part of the market in 2026, with UK Finance forecasting a 10% rise in remortgaging volumes this year. The Vernon says the new proposition puts the Society in a stronger position to compete for a greater share of this market while supporting brokers with faster completion times and a more competitive offer.
Brendan Crowshaw, Head of Mortgage and Savings Distribution at Vernon Building Society, said: “Partnering with Optimus will enable the Society to offer a free legals proposition for remortgages, giving brokers and their clients a more competitive and streamlined option at a time when remortgage demand remains a key part of the market. We wanted a solution that would enhance the customer journey and improve visibility with brokers. We’re confident our partnership with Optimus enables us to focus on what we do best - supporting members and brokers, and growing the Society.”
Lee Riche, Commercial Director at Optimus says: “We’re proud to support Vernon Building Society with a service built on consistent standards, relationships, and people. Our dedicated, experienced, and friendly approach will provide additional support for clients through their remortgage conveyancing. We look forward to helping more borrowers benefit from smoother transactions, faster completions, and customer-focused service.”
Optimus, which is part of Landmark Information Group, provides conveyancing panel management services alongside solicitor access and dedicated support teams.