Residential Conveyancing

Price Guide

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Residential Conveyancing > Residential Conveyancing Price Guide

Price Guide

We want to ensure that you get the information that matters to you from the outset, which is why we’ll always provide you with a tailored breakdown of costs at the start of the transaction. Whilst we will attempt to cover all expected expenses in relation to your transaction at this stage, some fees and additional costs may only become apparent during the course of a transaction.

Our fees for a typical residential property sale or purchase range from around £950.00 plus VAT (£1020.00) for a simple £150,000.00 sale, to around £2500.00 plus VAT (£3000.00) for a substantial million-pound purchase.

These figures will vary depending on the value of a property, the type of property (i.e. freehold, leasehold, unregistered, listed etc.) and whether the transaction features unusual aspects or complications, or requires an expedited timescale.

Further Cost Information

Additional costs may be charged in relation to leasehold properties, buy to let properties, re-mortgages, transfers of equity, new builds and shared ownership properties. All such matters fall under the heading of ‘residential conveyancing’.

As well as our legal costs, we’ll have to pay expenses to other organisations on your behalf (‘disbursements’) during the transaction, such as Land Registry fees, search fees, money transfer charges, Stamp Duty Land Tax. These costs may change depending on the type and location of the property, and whether additional searches, for example mining reports or a flood risk assessment, are required or requested.

If your transaction involves a leasehold property, there may be additional fees charged by the freehold owner or managing agent, as well as extra disbursements related to apportionment of ground rent, service charges, Notices of Assignment and Charge, and Deeds of Covenant (where applicable).

If you are purchasing a new build property, additional disbursements may be incurred for Company Searches, Commons Registrations Searches and, where applicable, the Developer’s engrossment fee.

In the unlikely event of any unforeseen difficulties arising during the transaction that might require a revision of the estimate, we would inform you immediately to discuss the position. If for any reason the transaction didn’t proceed to completion then a charge would be made for the abortive transaction, which would be dependent upon the amount of work carried out at that time.

Property Sale Fees

Property Sale Price

Price

Price +20% VAT

Up to £300,000

£1,095

£1,314

£300,001 - £400,000

£1,295

£1,554

£400,001 - £500,000

£1,495

£1,794

£500,001 - £650,000

£1,795

£2,154

£650,001 - £800,000

£1,995

£2,394

£800,001 - £1 million

£2,250

£2,700

Over £1 million

£2,500+ (further details required)

£3,000+

Property Purchase Fees

Property Purchase Price

Price

Price +20% VAT

Up to £300,000

£1,250

£1,500

£300,001 - £400,000

£1,375

£1,650

£400,001 - £500,000

£1,575

£1,890

£500,001 - £650,000

£1,995

£2,394

£650,001 - £800,000

£2,150

£2,580

£800,001 - £1 million

£2,450

£2,940

Over £1 million

£2,750+ (further details required)

£3,300+

Additional Costs

Price

Price +20% VAT

Help to Buy Isa

£50

£60

New Build / Help to Buy

£500 approx.

£600 approx.

Help to Buy Equity Loan

£150

£180

Lifetime Isa

£50

£60

Leasehold Sale

£250

£300

Leasehold Purchase

£500

£600

Shared Ownership

from £150

from £180

Other Services

Price

Price +20% VAT

Re-Mortgage

from £500

from £600

Transfer of Equity

from £750

from £900

First Registration

from £450

from £540

Transfer of Equity & Re-mortgage

from £750

from £900

First Registration & Transfer of Equity

from £750

from £900

Equity Release

from £750

from £900

Declaration of Trust

from £300

from £360

Independent Legal Advice

£395 per person

£474 per person

Limited Company Remortgages

£650

£780

Additional Expenses

Price

Initial Searches

£200 (approx.) depending on property and location

Final Searches

£7 +VAT (approx.)

Money Transfer Fee

£16 +VAT (approx.)

Stamp Duty Land Tax filing fee

£75 +VAT

Stamp Duty Land Tax

calculated according to value of property and specific circumstances

Land Registry Fee

calculated according to value of property and specific circumstances

Acting for a Lender

£175 +VAT

Stamp Duty Land Tax return fee

£75 +VAT

Example Costings for Residential Property

These are example prices. We’ll always give you an individual cost estimate for your specific circumstances, so you know clearly what the costs will be and exactly what work they cover.

Once we know precisely what you’d like us to do for you, we’ll send you a predicted breakdown of costs for your transaction, so you’ll know you’re only paying for what you need, with no surprises.

Freehold and Leasehold Buying Examples

Purchase of a freehold residential property

What will it cost?

Our fees cover all of the work* required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.

Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
• Legal fee £1,375.00
• Electronic money transfer fee £15.00
• VAT £278.00
• Subtotal £1,668.00

Disbursements
• Search fees £220.00
• HM Land Registry fee £150.00
• Subtotal £370.00

Estimated total (excluding Stamp Duty or Land Tax – see below): £2,038.00

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)
This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 10-14 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 8 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 4 and 5 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
  • Receive and advise on contract documents
  • Carry out searches
  • Obtain further planning documentation if required
  • Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
  • Give you advice on all documents and information received
  • Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
  • Send final contract to you for signature
  • Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
  • Complete purchase
  • Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry

* Further Fee Details

* Our fee assumes that:
a. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
b. this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease
c. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
d. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
e. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

If you wish to use an online quote calculator for residential conveyancing
Below is list of things you may wish to consider if you use an online quote calculator for conveyancing matters. You could, if you wish, build questions to find out the following information:
• value of the property
• first-time buyer
• re-mortgage
• freehold or leasehold
• new build
• first registration of title
• whether a mortgage or not, or Islamic mortgage
• in purchase cases, whether primary residence, buy to let or second/holiday home
• multiple owners
• shared ownership scheme
• using a help to buy scheme, and whether it is an equity loan or ISA
• purchase under right to buy
• purchase at auction
• property has been repossessed

NB: This list is not intended to be exhaustive. The important point is that the information you request should generate the total cost. Please note that any disbursements (save for SDLT/LTT) should be included in the total cost quoted to consumers.

Purchase of a leasehold residential property

What will it cost?

Our fees cover all the work* required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property is in Wales.

Conveyancer’s fees
• Legal fee £1,750.00
• Fee for acting on behalf of the mortgage lender £175.00
• Electronic money transfer fee £15.00
• VAT £388.00
• Subtotal £2,328.00

Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the term of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.
• HM Land Registry fee: £150.00
• Search fees: £220.00
• Subtotal: £370.00

Anticipated Disbursements*
• Notice of Transfer fee – This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £120.00 – £240.00.
• Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £120.00 – £240.00.
• Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £180.00 and £360.00.
• Certificate of Compliance fee – To be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as can range between £180.00 – £360.00.

*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.
You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as this we receive this information.

Stamp Duty Land Tax
This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.

Grand total £3,298.00

How long will my house purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 16 – 20 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 8 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 4 and 5 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential leasehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
  • Receive and advise on contract documents
  • Carry out searches
  • Obtain further planning documentation if required
  • Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
  • Give you advice on all documents and information received
  • Go through conditions of mortgage offer
  • Send final contract to you for signature
  • Draft Transfer
  • Advise you on joint ownership
  • Obtain pre-completion searches
  • Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
  • Complete purchase
  • Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry

* Further Fee Details

* Our fee assumes that:
a. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
b. this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease
c. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
d. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
e. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

If you wish to use an online quote calculator for residential conveyancing
Below is list of things you may wish to consider if you use an online quote calculator for conveyancing matters. You could, if you wish, build questions to find out the following information:
• value of the property
• first-time buyer
• re-mortgage
• freehold or leasehold
• new build
• first registration of title
• whether a mortgage or not, or Islamic mortgage
• in purchase cases, whether primary residence, buy to let or second/holiday home
• multiple owners
• shared ownership scheme
• using a help to buy scheme, and whether it is an equity loan or ISA
• purchase under right to buy
• purchase at auction
• property has been repossessed

NB: This list is not intended to be exhaustive. The important point is that the information you request should generate the total cost. Please note that any disbursements (save for SDLT/LTT) should be included in the total cost quoted to consumers.

Sale of a Freehold Residential Property Example

What will we do?

If we act for you in connection with your freehold sale, the work we will carry out for you will usually include:

  • Taking your initial instructions;
  • Preparing contract documents;
  • Agreeing exchange and completion dates, and carrying out exchange and completion;
  • Arranging for the receipt of funds from the purchaser, and the transfer of funds to your mortgage provider; and
  • Accounting to you for the net sale proceeds.

Our service will not include providing you with tax advice. We are always happy to discuss our service with you, and tailor what we provide to your individual needs.

What will it cost?

Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
• Legal fee £1,295.00
• Electronic money transfer fee £15.00
• VAT £262.00
• Subtotal £1,572..00

Disbursements
• HM Land Registry fee £15.00
• VAT £3.00
• Subtotal £18.00

Estimated total: £1,590.00

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

How long will this take?

The length of time it takes from your offer being accepted until your house is sold will depend on a number of factors. Typically, the process takes between 8 and 12 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are selling to a first-time buyer, and are moving into a house which is already empty, this may be much quicker than if you are in the middle of a long chain.

Sales of a Leasehold Residential Property Example

What will we do?

If we act for you in connection with your freehold sale, the work we will carry out for you will usually include:

  • Taking your initial instructions;
  • Preparing contract documents;
  • Agreeing exchange and completion dates, and carrying out exchange and completion;
  • Arranging for the receipt of funds from the purchaser, and the transfer of funds to your mortgage provider; and
  • Accounting to you for the net sale proceeds.

Our service will not include providing you with tax advice. We are always happy to discuss our service with you, and tailor what we provide to your individual needs

What will it cost?

Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
• Legal fee £1,600.00
• Electronic money transfer fee £15.00
• VAT £323.00
• Subtotal £1,938.00

Disbursements
• HM Land Registry fee £15.00
• VAT £3.00
• Subtotal £318.00

Anticipated Disbursements
Charges imposed by the landlord or management company in supplying a standard ‘sales pack’ or replies to standard leasehold enquiries that will be required by the buyer’s conveyancer. Often the fee is £300.00*

*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

Estimated total: £2,256.00

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

How long will this take?

The length of time it takes from your offer being accepted until your house is sold will depend on a number of factors. Typically, the process takes between 12 and 16 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are selling to a first-time buyer, and are moving into a house which is already empty, this may be much quicker than if you are in the middle of a long chain.

Residential Remortgage Example

What will we do?

If we act for you in connection with your re-mortgage, the work we will carry out for you will usually include:

  • Acting for both you and your lender;
  • Taking your initial instructions;
  • Going through the conditions of the new mortgage offer with you;
  • Arranging for funds to be paid to your previous mortgage provider;
  • Dealing with the application for registration at the Land Registry; and
  • Accounting to you for the net mortgage advance.

Our service will not include providing tax advice. We are always happy to discuss our service with you, and tailor what we provide to your individual needs.

What will it cost?

Our fees for acting for you and your lender on a re-mortgage are likely to be between £500.00 (plus VAT of £100) and £900.00 (plus VAT of £180).

Our fees are likely to be higher than the figure given above where:
• Your property is unregistered; or
• Your new mortgage provider is not a mainstream lender.

In addition, you will incur a number of other costs, which are likely to be as follows:
• Electronic Funds Transfer Fee: £18 (including VAT) for each telegraphic transfer made
• Search fees (to cover, for example, the cost of a local authority search, environmental search, and a water & drainage search) which vary depending on where in the country you are buying but are usually around £220 (including VAT).

As an alternative, the mortgage provider may be prepared to accept indemnity insurance in lieu of search results, the insurance cover protecting the lender against loss arising as a result of no search being undertaken. The cost of the indemnity policy is typically in the region of £50.

• Land Registry fee. These also vary and depend on the amount of the mortgage and whether the property has previously been registered at the Land Registry. The Land Registry fee varies but is typically between £45 and £65.

How long will this take?

The length of time it takes will depend heavily on your mortgage provider(s), but typically the process takes around 4 weeks.

Further Information

If you would like more information about our services, our costs and the timescales involved, please contact the Residential Conveyancing Team on 0330 912 8338

Additional Details

Timescales

If there is such a thing as a standard timescale, we usually see exchange of contracts within 10 – 12 weeks from receipt of the draft paperwork and completion a week or two later. However, in current circumstances, we are seeing some transactions take a little longer.

The time between exchange of contracts and completion is largely to allow for the logistics of mortgage finance and coordinating the chain of related sales and purchase. This will be dependent on the chain which you are involved in.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

The Stamp Duty Land Tax calculator on HMRC’s website will work out the amount of SDLT payable. In some cases, you won’t be liable to pay any SDLT if you’re a first-time buyer who has never owned any share in any property anywhere in the world, whether by purchase, inheritance, gift or as a beneficiary under a trust.

If the property you’re purchasing is situated in Wales you will need to pay Land Transaction Tax (“LTT”). You can use the LTT calculator on the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website to work out the amount of LTT you’ll need to pay.

Indemnity Insurance

Very occasionally matters can arise in a transaction where indemnity insurance can be put in place as a solution. It’s a matter of negotiation as to which party to the transaction covers the cost of such insurance. The cost of the insurance will depend on the nature of the insurance, but typically we see insurance premiums, where necessary, ranging from £25.00 – £150.00.

Searches

We carry out a Local Authority search, drainage & water report, environmental report and planning report as standard. Depending on the location of the property you’re purchasing, additional searches may be necessary such as a mining report or flood risk assessment.

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Still Need Help?

Call 0330 912 8338 to have a chat with our expert Residential Property Team. They’ll be happy to talk through the process with you, explain what we do, and answer any questions you have. There’s no obligation.