Buying or selling a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. Among the various expenses involved, conveyancing costs can often be confusing, especially for first-time buyers. In this article, we’ll break down what conveyancing costs are, how much you can expect to pay in the UK, what’s included, and how you can potentially save money without compromising on service.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. It involves a series of checks, paperwork, and transactions that ensure everything is done legally and that both parties’ interests are protected. Whether you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging, you will usually need a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor who specialises in property law.
Conveyancing fees vary depending on several factors, such as:
The property price
Whether you are buying, selling, or both
The complexity of the transaction
The type of property (leasehold transactions usually cost more)
The location of the property
On average, conveyancing fees in the UK range from £500 to £1,500 for freehold properties. Leasehold transactions typically cost £100 to £300 more due to additional legal work.
Conveyancing costs are usually divided into two parts: legal fees (the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s charges for their time and expertise) and disbursements (payments made to third parties on your behalf).
1. Legal Fees:
Fixed fee or variable fee based on the property value
Covers handling contracts, giving legal advice, carrying out local council searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds
2. Disbursements:
These are additional costs that your conveyancer pays on your behalf, such as:
Search fees: £250 to £450 (includes local authority, drainage, and environmental searches)
Land Registry fee: £20 to £910 (depends on the property price)
Bank transfer fee: £20 to £50
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): This is a government tax based on the property price (use a Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate this cost)
ID verification: £10 to £20 per person
Reputable conveyancers should provide a full breakdown of costs upfront. However, watch out for:
Extra charges for dealing with complex transactions
Leasehold supplement fees
Telegraphic transfer fees
Additional costs for acting for your mortgage lender
Always ask for a detailed quote and check for hidden extras.
Compare Quotes: Use online comparison sites to get multiple conveyancing quotes. Be sure to compare like-for-like services.
Choose a Fixed Fee: Opt for a conveyancer who offers a fixed fee guarantee so there are no nasty surprises.
Avoid Estate Agent Recommendations: Some estate agents get commission for referring solicitors, which can make the fees higher.
Check Reviews: Cheaper isn’t always better—read reviews to make sure you’re getting quality service.
Not necessarily. Many conveyancers operate nationwide and communicate by phone and email. However, if you prefer face-to-face meetings, choosing a local firm might be more convenient.