Residential Conveyancing Fees
Buying a property is an exciting milestone, but it also involves legal processes that require expert attention. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we provide transparent and comprehensive conveyancing services to guide you through every step of your property purchase. Understanding the fees and disbursements involved in a residential property transaction is essential to avoid surprises along the way.
Understanding Conveyancing Fees
Conveyancing fees cover the cost of the legal work required to complete your property purchase. These fees are typically divided into:
- Legal Fees: The charges for the legal work we do.
- Disbursements: Expenses paid to third parties on your behalf (e.g., land registry fees, search fees).
The table below provides an approximate cost range for our residential conveyancing services. The actual cost will depend on the complexity of your transaction.
Typical Purchase Fees
| Item | Estimated Cost Range (including VAT at 20%) |
|---|---|
| Legal Fees | £500 – £2,750 |
| Additional Legal Fees (where applicable) may include: | |
| Leasehold Fee | Included in the range above |
| Gifted Deposit Fee | Included in the range above |
| Banking/Bank Charges | Included in the range above |
| Lawyer Checker Fee | Included in the range above |
| ID Verification Fee | Included in the range above |
| Lender Fee (if we also act for your mortgage lender) | Included in the range above |
| Archive Maintenance Fee | Included in the range above |
| Land Transaction Return Fee | Included in the range above |
| Bankruptcy Search Fee | Included in the range above |
| OS1 Search Fee | Included in the range above |
| Land Registry Fee (based on property value) | £45 – £1,105 |
| General Searches (local authority, drainage, environmental) | Included in the general fees range |
| Additional Searches (based on location) | £50 – £70 per search (includes VAT) |
Additional Searches May Include:
- Mining Search
- Brine Search
- Chancel Repair Search
Disbursements
Disbursements are third-party costs that are essential to the conveyancing process. Examples include:
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Varies from 0% to 10% depending on property value. You can calculate this via HMRC’s Stamp Duty calculator.
- Land Registry Fees: Range from £45 to £1,105 based on the value of the property.
Leasehold Properties: Additional Costs
For leasehold properties, additional fees are often set out in the lease and can vary depending on the terms. These fees include:
| Item | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Notice of Transfer Fee | £25 – £300 + VAT per notice |
| Notice of Charge Fee (if mortgaged) | £25 – £300 + VAT per notice |
| Deed of Covenant Fee | £25 – £300 + VAT per deed (provided by the management company) |
| Certificate of Compliance Fee | £25 – £300 + VAT per certificate |
| Fee for Issuing a Share Certificate | £25 – £300 + VAT (if applicable) |
These fees may vary based on the specifics of the property.
Key Assumptions for Fee Estimates
Our quotes are based on the following assumptions. If any assumptions are incorrect, additional fees may apply:
- The property is registered land.
- Title documents are provided promptly, and there are no issues with defective titles.
- The transaction progresses smoothly without delays or complications.
- All third parties involved (e.g., seller’s solicitors, mortgage lenders) are cooperative.
- No third-party consents or additional documents (e.g., statutory declarations) are required.
How Long Will the Process Take?
The typical conveyancing process takes 15-20 weeks from instruction to completion. However, timelines can vary based on factors such as:
- Delays from third parties (e.g., seller’s solicitor or mortgage lender).
- A delay elsewhere in the property chain.
- Probate or divorce proceedings.
- Issues with leasehold properties or complex titles.
Stages of the Conveyancing Process
A standard property purchase involves the following key stages:
- Taking your instructions and providing initial advice.
- Reviewing and advising on contract documents.
- Carrying out searches (e.g., local authority and drainage).
- Making necessary enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
- Reporting on the title of the property to you and your lender (if applicable).
- Reporting on the mortgage offer.
- Sending the contract to you for signature.
- Drafting the transfer deed and conducting pre-completion searches.
- Exchanging contracts and notifying you of the exchange.
- Arranging for the transfer of funds and completing the purchase.
- Paying Stamp Duty Land Tax.
- Registering the property with the Land Registry.
For leasehold or freehold properties with management companies, additional stages may include:
- Reviewing the lease or management information pack.
- Making enquiries with the seller’s solicitor, landlord, or management company.
- Serving a Notice of Transfer and Notice of Mortgage.
Why Choose HM & Co. Solicitors for Your Conveyancing Needs?
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we provide clear and upfront fee estimates with no hidden surprises. Our experienced team ensures the conveyancing process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Contact Us for a Personalised Quote
For a more accurate quote based on your specific circumstances, please contact us today.
- Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
- Call us: 0207 112 8180
- Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
We’re committed to making your property purchase seamless and transparent with expert legal guidance every step of the way.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Residential Conveyancing Fees FAQs
1. What are conveyancing fees?
1. What are conveyancing fees?
Conveyancing fees cover the legal work required to buy or sell a property. They typically include:
- Legal Fees: The charges for the work our solicitors do on your behalf.
- Disbursements: Expenses paid to third parties (e.g., land registry fees, search fees).
The exact fees depend on the complexity of the transaction. For a personalised quote, please contact us.
2. How much do conveyancing fees cost?
Our legal fees typically range from £500 to £2,750 (inclusive of VAT at 20%), depending on the complexity of the transaction.
In addition, disbursements such as search fees, land registry fees, and stamp duty will apply. For an accurate estimate, we recommend contacting us directly.
3. What disbursements will I need to pay?
Disbursements are third-party expenses essential to the conveyancing process. Common disbursements include:
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Based on property value.
- Land Registry Fees: £45 to £1,105, depending on property value.
- Search Fees: £50 to £70 per search, depending on the property location.
- Bankruptcy and pre-completion searches.
We will provide a breakdown of these costs when you receive your quote.
4. Are there additional fees for leasehold properties?
Yes, leasehold properties often involve additional fees, including:
- Notice of Transfer: £25 - £300 + VAT per notice.
- Notice of Charge (if mortgaged): £25 - £300 + VAT per notice.
- Deed of Covenant: £25 - £300 + VAT per deed.
- Certificate of Compliance: £25 - £300 + VAT per certificate.
These fees vary based on the property and will be confirmed upon review of the lease.
5. How long does the conveyancing process take?
The typical conveyancing process takes 15-20 weeks from instruction to completion. However, this can vary due to factors such as:
- Delays from third parties (e.g., the seller’s solicitor).
- A delay elsewhere in the property chain.
- Issues with complex or leasehold titles.
We will keep you informed of any delays and work to resolve them as quickly as possible.
6. What are the stages of the conveyancing process?
A standard property purchase involves the following steps:
- Taking your instructions and providing initial advice.
- Reviewing and advising on the contract documents.
- Conducting searches (e.g., local authority and drainage).
- Making enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
- Reporting on the property title to you and your lender (if applicable).
- Exchanging contracts and notifying you of the exchange.
- Transferring funds and completing the purchase.
- Registering the property with the Land Registry.
For leasehold properties, additional steps may include:
- Reviewing the lease or management pack.
- Serving notices to landlords or management companies.
7. What if there are unforeseen issues with the property?
If unexpected issues arise, such as title defects or planning permission problems, we will inform you immediately. Additional legal work may be required, which could affect the overall cost and timescale. We will discuss any changes before proceeding.
8. Do you provide a detailed quote upfront?
Yes, we provide a detailed quote at the start of the case, outlining all expected legal fees and disbursements. If any changes occur during the process, we will notify you and explain the reasons.
9. Can I get a fixed fee for conveyancing?
We offer fixed-fee conveyancing for straightforward transactions, allowing you to budget with confidence. However, additional charges may apply for unforeseen complications or extra services (e.g., leasehold complexities).
10. How do I get a personalised conveyancing quote?
Simply contact us to provide details about your property transaction. We will give you a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.
- Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
- Call us: 0207 112 8180
- Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
We’re here to help make your property transaction as smooth and transparent as possible.
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