Process and Prices of our Conveyancy Services
Legal Fees
Legal fees cover the comprehensive legal services provided throughout the conveyancing process, from initial consultation to the completion of the property transaction. These include conducting property searches, reviewing legal documents, and managing the exchange of contracts and final completion.
VAT: A 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable to these legal fees and some disbursements. Disbursements are additional costs incurred on your behalf, such as court fees or property searches, some of which may also attract VAT. Transparency regarding VAT-inclusive costs is a regulatory requirement under the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Transparency Rules, ensuring clients are fully informed of all expenses.
Average Legal Fees
Our legal fees vary based on the type and complexity of the property transaction:
- Residential Freehold Property Sale: £1,500 – £2,700 + VAT (up to £1M property value)
- Residential Leasehold Property Sale: £1,800 – £3,100 + VAT (up to £1M property value)
- Residential Freehold Property Purchase: £1,700 – £3,100 + VAT (up to £1M property value)
- Residential Leasehold Property Purchase: £2,200 – £3,500 + VAT (up to £1M property value)
- Remortgage: £1,500 – £1,800 + VAT
For properties valued above £1 million, fees are typically charged as 0.15% of the purchase price + VAT, adjusted for transaction complexity and seniority of legal advisors. Additional fees may apply for purchases involving a corporate vehicle (£750 + VAT) due to Companies House registration and additional documentation requirements.
Disbursements
Disbursements are third-party costs incurred during the transaction, such as property searches and registration fees. These vary depending on the property type, location, and transaction specifics.
For Property Purchases:
- Search Fees: £450–£500 (excluding VAT)
- Land Registry Fees: £20–£910 (based on property value and electronic filing eligibility)
- Bankruptcy Search Fee: £3.20 per name
- Land Registry Search: £4.90 per title number
- Telegraphic Transfer Fee: £35
- AML/Online ID Check: £7.90 + VAT per check
Additional leasehold-related disbursements may include: - Notice of Transfer Fee: £75–£150 + VAT
- Notice of Charge Fee: £75–£150 + VAT
- Deed of Covenant Fee: £150–£350 + VAT
- Certificate of Compliance Fee: £75–£150 + VAT
For Property Sales:
- Land Registry Office Copy Entries: £8 per title number
- Client Bank Account Checker: £2.50 + VAT
- Leasehold Management Pack Fee: £350–£750 + VAT (varies by managing agent)
For Remortgaging:
Disbursements mirror those of freehold property purchases, with leasehold-specific fees for Notice of Charge and Certificate of Compliance.
Ground Rent and Service Charges
If purchasing a leasehold property, ongoing obligations such as ground rent and service charges may apply. These will be confirmed once relevant documentation is received.
Example of Typical Charges
For the sale of a freehold property valued at £500,000:
- Legal Fees: £1,700 (inclusive of VAT)
- Telegraphic Transfer Fee: £35
- Office Copy Entries: £8
- AML Search Fee: £24
- Client Bank Account Checker: £3
Total: £1,770
Conveyancing Timeline
The conveyancing process typically takes 10–14 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. However, leasehold transactions often take longer due to the additional documentation involved. For straightforward cases, such as first-time buyers with mortgage pre-approval, completion may occur within 8 weeks. In contrast, transactions involving leasehold extensions or more complex arrangements may take 3–6 months. Additional charges may apply for such complexities.
