Getting legal quotes for your conveyancing can be a challenge.

There is a lot to understand and you may be thinking what’s included in the quote.

Our quick guide is designed to clearly show what your conveyancing costs will be and what additional disbursements and fees may apply.

Often conveyancing companies will show their fees differently, some as a single fee and others are itemised.

At Kenneth Jones Solicitors we will show you an itemised breakdown in a quote so you know exactly what’s included. No hidden charges!

Quotes show the costs of legal fees (what a conveyancer or solicitor charges for doing the work), VAT charged, some show stamp duty liability and the cost of disbursements (third parties charge for certain services).

Your quote will be based on the information you provide, there are instances where additional disbursements/fees may apply during the transaction, but your conveyancer will let you know when this occurs . 

What should be included in a conveyancing quote?

Conveyancer or solicitors basic fee

This is the cost for a conveyancers or solicitors time & expertise to complete your transaction.

Our fixed fees – buying & selling

We charged on a fixed fee basis calculated on value of property. Typical base fees from £500 + VAT to £5000 + VAT. 

We give you a detailed conveyancing quote at the start of transaction based on the information provided, should any complications arise then you conveyancers will discuss it with and any additional costs that might be incurred. 

Our fixed fees - remortgaging

We charge on a set fixed fee which is not linked to property value. Typical base fees from £350 + VAT

Search pack

If you are buying a property, searches include – local authority, drainage and water, environmental and chancel reports. The searches quoted can sometimes vary – so it’s worth checking what’s covered. 

Our searches bundle covers local authority, drainage and water, environmental and chancel reports.

Search pack from £225 – not subject to VAT

Bank telegraphic transfer (TT) fees

Most transactions will involve the transfer of funds electronically for sales, purchases and remortgages. CHAPS is most commonly used to transfer large amounts on the same day. Each transaction attracts a fee, if you need multiple transfers then you may need to pay additional fees.

Bank transfers are £20 + VAT each.

Identity checks

To meet Money Laundering Regulations conveyancers must get proof of your identity. Each person involved in the transaction needs to be checked. costs will vary as there are a number of ways these checks can be done.

We charge a fee for each individual involved in the transaction –  from £12.50 + VAT per person

Bankruptcy & pre completion searches

These searches are made after exchange of contracts to make sure nothing has changed with regard to the property or your ability to purchase the property.

We include this in Land Registry fees.

Land registry fee

Paid to the land registry to update the detail for the property with your information on completion. Between £20 – £910 (depending on property value) not subject to VAT depending on transaction type. Details on Land Registry can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees. 

Land registry searches

Search for information regarding land ownership, mortgages, charges, easements, restrictive covenants, property boundaries, rights of way and current and past ownership.

We charge £25 – not subject to VAT.

Stamp duty land transaction (SDLT) admin fee

Fee needs to be paid even if you are a first time buyer not paying stamp duty. We charge £50 + VAT.

SDLT Calculation

You can get a Stamp Duty Calculation by visiting https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro

Mortgage fee

If you take a mortgage to fund the purchase of the property or redeem a mortgage then there will be an additional fee for your conveyancer to liaise with your lender. You may see this as a standalone fee or as part of a higher basic fee.

We show this fee as a separate fee £50 + VAT per offer. 

Leasehold fee

Buying a leasehold property is more complicated and requires more work from a conveyancer. You may see this as a standalone fee or as part of a higher basic fee on quotes.

We show this fee as a separate fee £100- 200 + VAT

Help to buy fee

If you are taking out this type of equity loan there will more work for your conveyancer. you may see this as a standalone fee or as part of a higher basic fee on quotes.

We show this fee as a separate fee £50 – £250 + VAT

Shared ownership

There is an additional fee where a property is shared ownership as there is more time involved in liaising with the party you are sharing ownership with, for example the Housing Association. You may see this as a standalone fee or as part of a higher basic fee on quotes.

We show this fee as a separate fee £150 + VAT

New build fee

We have to apply an additional fee for new build properties as there are extra checks and work to be done. New build purchases are often much tighter on timescales, these imposed by the developer so it’s important to instruct a conveyancer as soon as a deposit is paid.

You may see this as a standalone fee or as part of a higher basic fee on quotes.

We show this fee as a separate fee  from £150 + VAT 

Buy to let or purchased for investment

It doesn’t have an impact on your quote it will impact on your stamp duty costs.

Transfer of equity

If a transfer of equity is required during a remortgage transaction there will by an additional charge of £150 + VAT

Additional fees that arise after quote

Gifted deposit

If you are receiving a gifted deposit, this will require additional checks from your conveyancer.

This charge will generally not be included in the initial quote but discussed with you prior to instruction when we discuss deposit funds.

We charge £25 + VAT per gift received.

Help to buy ISA fee

There is a statutory fee if you have a help to buy ISA, as this will required additional work from your conveyancer.

You may see this as a standalone fee or as part of a higher basic fee on quotes.

We show this fee as a separate fee £50 + VAT

Help to buy on new builds

There is some additional work required by your conveyancer if you are using Help To Buy scheme on a new build property.

This charge will generally not be included in the initial quote but discussed with you prior to instruction when we discuss deposit funds.

We charge £200 + VAT