Why Instruct Us?
When searching for a local Conveyancing Solicitor, the main priority for people is to instruct a Solicitor or Conveyancer who will get the job done quickly, efficiently and at a reasonable cost.
Our team of legal experts have experience in all aspects of moving home and their knowledge of the local area assists greatly in progressing your transaction. Due to our conveniently located offices, you are able to meet the person dealing with your transaction and discuss the process face to face. We also make use of the latest technology available to us and therefore we can conduct your transaction by telephone and email, making contact easy and more convenient for you.
What Happens Next?
We’ve made it really easy for you to contact us by offering a free, no obligation conveyancing quote.
If you are happy with the quote, instructing us to act on your behalf is easy. Just inform your estate agent and we will do the rest. We will contact you by letter or email you to explain the whole process and the next stages. We will keep in touch with you at every stage of the transaction and work closely with all parties involved.
How Much Will It Cost?
Before we begin work on your behalf, we will provide you with a cost estimate which will include all predicted costs, including searches and third-party fees.
We will always make it clear from the outset as to the likely cost involved in your transaction and we will keep you fully informed should anything change that may affect this.
Our basic fees for Sale or Purchase of a Residential Property are as follows:
| Freehold Title | Fees |
|---|---|
| Up to £200,000 | £660.00 |
| £201,000 – £250,000 | £740.00 |
| £251,000 – £275,000 | £795.00 |
| £276,000 – £300,00 | £850.00 |
| £301,000 – £350,000 | £905.00 |
| £351,000 – £550,000 | £960.00 |
| £551,000 – £750,000 | £1,015.00 |
| £751,000 – £950,000 | £1,240.00 |
| £951,000 and above please ask us for a quotation.
NB: VAT on the above fees is payable at the appropriate rate. |
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| Leasehold Title |
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| Add £250.00 plus VAT to the above fees. |
| Re-mortgages |
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| Transfers of Equity |
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What Is Included In Our Fees?
On a Sale: obtaining deeds/Land Registry copies, preparing contract pack, answering buyers’ enquiries, sending you documents to sign, obtaining a mortgage redemption figure, completing sale, preparing account and paying agents.
On a Purchase: Submitting searches, checking title, acting for a mortgage lender, raising enquiries, completing Stamp Duty Land Tax Return in England (or Land Transaction Tax return if the property is in Wales), dealing with registration at the Land Registry and preparing account.
Not all transactions are entirely straightforward and as a result, we may have to carry out additional work which was not initially anticipated. In such circumstances, we reserve the right to charge for the additional work. Examples of such are:-
- Repaying further mortgage/charge/Restriction on title – £50.00 (each)
- Preparing a Declaration of Trust – £250.00
- Applying for Help to Buy ISA Bonus – £75.00
- Arranging bespoke indemnity policy – £50.00
- Dealing with Armed Forces Help to Buy – £75.00
- Dealing with Help to Buy second charge – £350.00
- Visiting Property – £50.00 (minimum depending on distance and duration)
(Plus VAT on all of the above).
The above are not included in our basic fee and will be charged additionally. The above is not an exhaustive list of the type of additional work which we may have to undertake.
What Other Costs Will I Incur?
Disbursements
On most sales and purchases we will need to apply for certain information for which an expense is incurred. This we call a “disbursement”. Typically, they are:
On a Sale: Land Registry fees for copy title documents £6.00 – £12.00 (plus VAT).
If the property is leasehold, we will have to obtain a sales information pack from the Landlord or Managing Agents for which they will charge a fee which has to be paid before they will provide it. Fees vary but can be anywhere up to about £500.00 (plus VAT).
On a Purchase: Search fees – the cost of which will vary depending on the location of the Property and the searches required but you should budget for about £375.00.
| Land Registry Registration Fees | |
|---|---|
| £0 to £80,000 | £45.00 |
| £80,001 to 100,000 | £95.00 |
| £100,001 to £200,000 | £230.00 |
| £200,001 to £500,000 | £330.00 |
| £500,001 to £1,000,000 | £655.00 |
| £1,000,000 and over | £1,105.00 |
Please note however that on first registration of land or registration of a new Lease or Transfer of Part of the land in a title (e.g. a new house on a housing development) the above Land Registry fees will double.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
SDLT is often payable on a house purchase. The tax is complex and the amount payable depends on many factors (e.g. is this a second home, have you ever owned a house before?) You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro or if the property is in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority website https://beta.gov.wales/landtransactiontax-calculator
Leasehold Sale & Purchase
On a Leasehold sale or purchase, a fee will be payable to the Landlord or Managing Agent for a management pack on a sale or when we notify them of change of ownership. The fee is set by the Landlord or Managing Agents and varies depending on the development but can be anything up to £400 plus (excluding VAT) Sometimes a further fee is also payable to them for consent to transfer or a Deed of Covenant, this could be £250 or more (excluding VAT).
We set out an example of our fees and disbursements on a straightforward freehold sale and purchase. Please click here Example Fees.
How Long Will My House Purchase Take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average 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 a first-time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 4 to 8 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 2 and 6 months.
What Are The 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 would usually apply:
- 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)
- Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
- Prepare the form of transfer of the property to you and obtain your signature to it and to your lender’s mortgage deed (if any)
- Carry out pre-completion checks and searches
- Complete purchase
- Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry
