Our average standard legal fees for the purchase of residential freehold and leasehold property ranges from £850 – £3,500 + VAT for properties up to the value of £2 million. Please see our fee scale below:

• The value of the property, location and any complexities of the purchase will dictate the final fee charged within this range.

• Below we detail what services are covered in our standard fee.

• HM Land Registry (Stamp Duty*) applies to most property purchase transactions. We will advise you of the stamp duty applicable to your matter and you can check via the Stamp Duty Calculator via the link below:

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro

• Preparing a basic Declaration of Gift £150 + VAT (£180+VAT) – a complex declaration of trust, will be referred to our private client department
• Leasehold properties – £200+VAT (£180 Inc. VAT)
• New build purchase supplement – £350+VAT (£420 Inc. VAT)
• Islamic Mortgages – £350+VAT (£420 Inc. VAT)
• Help to Buy Equity Mortgage – £200 + VAT (240 Inc. VAT)
• Help to Buy ISA – £100+VAT (£100+VAT Inc. VAT)
• We will charge the sum of £40 for Electronic money transfers
• We will charge the sum of £100+VAT (£120 Inc. VAT) for File Archive
• We will charge the sum of £75 for PII contribution
• VAT will be payable on our fees and some disbursements and we will clearly confirm which disbursements carry VAT in our formal quotation or as we advise you to incur them.

If at any stage our fees change, we will notify you and discuss the reason for any changes. This would typically occur if you change your instructions or your case involves an unforeseen complexity.

Our average fees assume that:

1. 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.
2. For Leasehold matters this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease.
3. The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise.
4. All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation.
5. No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

Disbursements and Other Costs

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.

You will be provided with a full list of disbursements in our formal quotation.  If you need to incur any further disbursements during your case, you will be notified in advance of the reason and the amount.

Typical disbursements will include: –

• HM Land Registry fee. The fees chargeable by the land registry can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees
• Land Registry Priority Search (per title) £6
• Land Registry Office Copy and Title Plan (per title) £6
• Bankruptcy search fees £2 + VAT
• Lawyer checker £12 to £18 + VAT 
• Lender Conveyancing Fees – £350.00 – £450.00 + VAT (dependents upon the loan amount and lenders requirements) 
• Electronic Bank Transfer Charges – £40 for each transaction 
• PII Contribution – £75
• File Archive – £100
• Dealing with Stamp Duty Land Tax Return £150.00 +VAT
• Post Completion £150.00+VAT 
• AML Search Fee (per search) £12.00 
• Company Search Fee (per search) £25.00

Typical Property Search Fees

Property Search fees can vary between is £250 – £350. However, Search fees vary from case to case depending on the local authority. We will advise you which searches you need for your transaction and the cost of each search. Our average fee for a standard property search pack is £250 – £350.

Typical local searches include:

• Enquiries of the local authority;
• Environment search; and
• Water and Drainage search

Official local searches may be required by your lender and your conveyancer will use their local knowledge to confirm which local searches you will need and its fees. A standard local authority search will reveal whether any legal restrictions or obligations affect the property. These include tree preservation orders, smoke control orders, flood searches as well as the property’s planning and building enforcement history. It will also reveal whether the property is in the vicinity of any planned major infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Crossrail. This will also reveal if the property is built on or near land that was affected by mining and can include a search for mine shafts and subsidence. We will advise you which searches you need for your transaction and the cost of each search.

There may be further disbursements* for a Leasehold purchase or the purchase of a freehold property where there is a Management Company which if chargeable is set out in the Lease or Transfer and usually paid to the Landlord or Management Company. These can include:

• Notice of Transfer fee. Often this is between £50-£120
• Notice of Mortgage fee. Often this is between £50-£120
• Deed of Covenant Fee Often this is between £80-£150
• Certificate of Compliance fee between £35-£50

*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.

If we found that the title was defective, or, if for example, there were planning permission or building regulations that had not been obtained by the Seller this would lead to increased costs.

Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)

This amount payable depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website.

Aborted Cases

If the transaction should go abortive, then depending on what stage you are at will depend on how much you will be charged. Please note that any disbursements paid we will be unable to claim back.

Expedition Charges

At the outset of the matter, we will advise you that transaction may take 6-8 weeks. Should you instruct us that you require the completion of matter prior to 6 weeks from the date of instructions, then we reserve the right to charge additional fixed legal fees of £175.00 + VAT depending upon how soon you require us to complete the matter.

Protracted Transaction 

If the matter takes longer than the agreed period of completion which is 6-8 weeks, due to any reason whatsoever, then we reserve the right to charge additional fixed legal fees of £175.00 plus VAT depending upon how long the matter is delayed.

How long will my property 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 for a residential freehold property purchase is between 6 – 8 weeks.
• The average process for a residential leasehold property purchase is between 6 – 12 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on a number of factors and we will notify you if we believe your transaction may take longer than average or if something occurs in your case to extend the transaction time we will inform you.

If you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take longer. In such a situation, additional charges would apply and we will notify you of the additional charges and time estimate when we have engaged the landlord to discuss the extension.

Stages of the Process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. We have set out the key stages of a standard transaction: –

• Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice.
• Undertaking regulatory checks.
• Checking that finances are in place to fund the purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed.
• Receiving and advising on contract documents.
• Carrying out and advising on searches.
• Obtaining of further planning documentation, if required.
• Making any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor.
• Giving you advice on all documents and information received.
• For Leasehold properties – obtaining and advising on the Management Pack, the Lease and identifying transfer fees.
• Advising you on joint or shared ownership.
• Going through conditions of any mortgage offer if appropriate.
• Sending final contract to you for signature.
• Agreeing completion date (date from which you own the property).
• Exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened.
• Arranging for all monies needed to be received from your lender (if applicable) and you.
• Completing the purchase and notifying the relevant parties.
• Dealing with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax.
• Dealing with the application for registration at Land Registry.

Other Factors

Other Factors to consider which may affect your Legal Fees and disbursements are:

• Notice of Transfer fee – This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease.
• Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease.
• Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate.
• Certificate of Compliance fee for leasehold matters.
• Value of the property.
• First-time buyer.
• New build.
• First registration of title.
• 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 is purchased under receivership or Property has been repossessed
• Purchasing with bridging or private loans

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.

When you purchase a leasehold property, 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 we receive this information.

For further information relating to our pricing structure or any others questions you may have relating to our fees and services, please contact our Conveyancing Team on 0207 423 9977.

CONVEYANCING COSTS FOR SALE

Our average standard legal fees for the sale of residential freehold and leasehold property is from £850 – £2000 + VAT for properties up to the value of £2 million. Please see our fee scale below:

• The value of the property, location, and any complexities of the sale will dictate the final fee charged within this range.
• We will charge the sum of £40 for Electronic money transfers.
• Leasehold properties £150+VAT (£180 Inc. VAT)
• Below, we detail what services are covered in our standard fee.
• VAT will be payable on our fees and some disbursements and we will clearly confirm which disbursements carry VAT in our formal quotation or as we advise you to incur them. VAT is charged at a rate of 20%

If at any stage our fees change, we will notify you and discuss the reason for any changes. This would typically occur if you change your instructions or your case involves an unforeseen complexity.

Our average fees assume that:

1. The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise.
2. All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation.
3. For Leasehold matters this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease.
4. No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

Disbursements and Other Costs

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 smooth process.

You will be provided with a full list of disbursements in our formal quotation.  If you need to incur any further disbursements during your case, you will be notified in advance of the reason and the amount.

The following disbursements and other costs may apply in your matter.

• Office copies of title deeds £6
• Mortgage legal fees on redemption £195.00+VAT (£234.00 Inc. VAT)
• Islamic Mortgages redemption – £350.00+VAT
• AML Search Fee (per search) £15.00+VAT (£18.00 Inc. VAT)
• Help to Buy, equity mortgage redemption £350.00+VAT
• Company Search Fee (per search) £25.00 + VAT
• Land Registry Office Copy and Title Plan (per Title) £6.00
• Bankruptcy Search (per name) £2.00
• Land Registry fees. The following link provided details of land registry fees payable. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees. We will advise the fees that are relevant to your matter when we have the details of your property.

If your Property is leasehold, the following additional costs may arise:

• Management pack, these are typically between £300 – £600 + VAT (£360 – £720 Inc. VAT) but we will confirm with you on application and review of your property sale.

These fees shown above will vary from property to property and can on occasions be more than the ranges given above. We will give you an accurate figure once we have sight of the relevant documentation.

Aborted Cases

If the transaction should go abortive, then depending on what stage you are at will depend on how much you will be charged. Please note that any disbursements paid we will be unable to claim back.

Expedition Charges

At the outset of the matter, we will advise you that transaction may take 6-8 weeks. Should you instruct us that you require the completion of matter prior to 6 weeks from the date of instructions, then we reserve the right to charge additional fixed legal fees of £175.00 + VAT (£210 Inc. VAT) depending upon how soon you require us to complete the matter.

Protracted Transaction 

If the matter takes longer than the agreed period of completion which is 6-8 weeks, due to any reason whatsoever, then we reserve the right to charge additional fixed legal fees of £175.00 plus VAT (£210 + VAT) depending upon how long the matter is delayed.

How long will my property sale take?

How long it will take from your acceptance of an offer to the final sale of your property will depend on a number of factors.

The time that it will take from you accepting an offer until you can move out will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 8-10 weeks from the date of instruction.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on a number of factors and we will notify you if we believe your transaction may take longer than average or if something occurs in your case to extend the transaction time.

For example, if you are selling to a first time buyer and have nothing to buy, it could take 8-10 weeks. However, if you are selling a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 4-6 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply and we will notify you of the additional charges and time estimate when we, or the buyers, solicitors have engaged the landlord to discuss the extension.

Stages of the Process

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances.

We have set out the key stages of a standard transaction: –

• Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice.
• Undertaking regulatory checks.
• Responding to enquiries of purchaser’s solicitor.
• Giving you advice on all documents and information received.
• Advising you on joint or shared ownership.
• Advising on any mortgage redemption, if appropriate.
• Sending final contract to you for signature.
• Agreeing completion date (date from which you no longer own the property).
• Exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened.
• Approving transfer fee and obtaining your signature to it.
• Completing the transaction and discharging any mortgage.
• Arranging for all monies needed to be received from your buyer and distributing those monies.

Other Factors

Other Factors to consider which may affect your Legal Fees: –

• Value of the property.
• In Sale cases, whether primary residence, buy to let or second/holiday home.
• Multiple owners.
• Multiple lenders
• Shared ownership scheme.
• Using a help to buy scheme, and whether it is an equity loan or ISA.
• Sale under right to buy or help to buy 350+VAT
• Sale at auction.
• Islamic mortgages £350+VAT
• Property has been repossessed.
• Where the seller is in arrears of mortgage
• Other unusual or complex matters

For further information relating to our pricing structure or any others questions you may have relating to our fees and services, please contact our Conveyancing Team on 0207 423 9977.

CONVEYANCING COSTS FOR REMORTGAGE & TRANSFER OF EQUITY

• Our average standard legal fees for residential re-mortgage or transfer of equity transaction or taking a new mortgage is £450 + VAT (£540 Inc. VAT) for properties valued up to £500,000. For properties valued over £500,000 fees will be dependent on the value of the property and complexity of mortgage position and we will clearly confirm these in our formal quotation.
• Drafting Solvency Declaration £100.00+VAT (£120 Inc. VAT)
• Drafting Deed of Gift £100.00+VAT (£120 Inc. VAT)
• We will charge the sum of £40 + VAT (£48 Inc. VAT) for Electronic money transfers where applicable.
• Islamic Mortgages £350+VAT (£420 Inc. VAT)
• Help to Buy Equity Mortgage – £200 + VAT (240 Inc. VAT)
• VAT will be payable on our fees and some disbursements and we will clearly confirm which disbursements carry VAT in our formal quotation or as we advise you to incur them.

If at any stage our fees change, we will notify you and discuss the reason for any changes. This will typically occur if you change your instructions or your case involves an unforeseen complexity.

Our Fee Assumes That:

1. This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise.
2. The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complications arise.
3. All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation.

Disbursements

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 smooth process.

You will be provided with a full list of disbursements in our formal quotation. If you need to incur any further disbursements during your case, you will be notified in advance of the reason and the amount.

The following disbursements and other costs may apply in your matter.

• Office copies of title deeds £6
• Mortgage legal fees on redemption £195.00+VAT (£234.00 Inc. VAT)
• AML Search Fee (per search) £15.00 (£18.00 Inc. VAT)
• Company Search Fee (per search) £25.00 + VAT
• Land Registry Priority Search (per title) £6.00
• Land Registry Office Copy and Title Plan (per Title) £6.00
• Bankruptcy Search (per name)- £2.00
• Standard Property Search Pack (if required by the lender) £350+VAT (£420.00 Inc. VAT)
• Land Registry fees. The following link provided details of land registry fees payable. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees.

Search Fees

Search fees vary from case to case depending on the local authority. We will advise you which searches you need for your transaction and the cost of each search. Typically, an insurance policy can be arranged to meet any such requirement. If the lender* is happy for an insurance policy to be put in place, we can help you obtain that

• No Search Indemnity Policy (if accepted by the lender) – on review of your case and dependent on property.

However, if the lender insists on specific local searches being carried out, our average fee for a standard property search pack is £350 – £450.

We will advise the fees that are relevant to your matter when we have the details of your property.

How long will my Mortgage or remortgage transaction will take?

The average mortgage or re-mortgage will take between 4-6 weeks on receipt of the mortgage offer

Stages of the Process

The precise stages involved in the mortgage or remortgage of a residential property vary according to the circumstances.

We have set out the key stages of a standard transaction: –

• Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice.
• Undertaking regulatory checks.
• Advising upon the mortgage offer and its conditions.
• Giving you advice on all documents and information received.
• Advising you on joint or shared ownership.
• Sending final mortgage deed to you for signature.
• Discharging any existing charge or charges
• Registering the New Charge on the property.

Other Factors

Other Factors to consider which may affect your legal fees: –

• Multiple owners.
• Multiple lenders
• Shared ownership scheme.
• Mortgaging where there is a help to buy scheme, and whether it is an equity loan or ISA.
• Mortgaging property under right to buy.
• Islamic Mortgages
• Other unusual or complex matters

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.

Aborted Cases

If the transaction should go abortive, then depending on what stage you are at will depend on how much you will be charged. Please note that any disbursements paid we will be unable to claim back.

Expedition Charges

At the outset of the matter, we will advise you that transaction may take 4-6 weeks. Should you instruct us that you require the completion of matter prior to 6 weeks from the date of instructions, then we reserve the right to charge additional fixed legal fees of £175.00 + VAT (£210 Inc. VAT) depending upon how soon you require us to complete the matter.

Protracted Transaction 

If the matter takes longer than the agreed period of completion which is 4-6 weeks, due to any reason whatsoever, then we reserve the right to charge additional fixed legal fees of £175.00 plus VAT (£210 + VAT) depending upon how long the matter is delayed.

For further information relating to our pricing structure or any others questions you may have relating to our fees and services, please contact our Conveyancing Team on 0207 423 9977.