Confused about conveyancing fees? You’re not alone. These hidden costs can turn your property dream into a financial nightmare, leaving you stressed and uncertain. Unexpected charges and complex fee structures can quickly derail your budget. But there’s hope. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what these fees cover, provide up-to-date average costs and reveal the factors that influence pricing. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to budget accurately, choose the right conveyancer for your needs and ensure a smooth, stress-free property transfer.
Contents
Understanding Conveyancing Fees
Conveyancing fees are the charges you pay to a legal professional, either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer, for handling the legal aspects of buying or selling a property. These fees cover the cost of the legal work involved in transferring ownership, as well as various administrative tasks and checks required to complete the transaction.
Components of Conveyancing Fees
Conveyancing fees typically consist of two main components:
Legal Fees: This is the amount you pay for the conveyancer’s time and expertise in handling your case.
Disbursements: These are third-party costs that the conveyancer pays on your behalf during the process.
Average Conveyancing Fees in 2024
According to recent research conducted by Property Solvers, the average conveyancing fees in England and Wales for 2024 are as follows:
Freehold Property
- Sale: £1,187.98 (including VAT)
- Purchase: £1,265.65 (including VAT)
Leasehold Property
- Sale: £1,401.99 (including VAT)
- Purchase: £1,491.83 (including VAT)
Remortgage
- £692.92 (including VAT)
It’s important to note that these figures are averages and can vary depending on various factors, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
6 Factors Affecting Conveyancing Fees
Several factors can influence the cost of conveyancing services:
- Property Type: Leasehold properties generally incur higher fees due to the additional legal work involved.
- Property Value: More expensive properties often result in higher conveyancing fees.
- Location: Fees can vary depending on where the property and the conveyancer are located.
- Complexity of the Sale: Complicated transactions, such as those involving shared ownership or new builds, may lead to higher fees.
- Conveyancer Type: Licensed conveyancers often charge less than solicitors, while online conveyancers may offer lower fees but potentially inferior service.
- Mortgage Involvement: Cash purchases may incur lower fees as there’s no need to deal with mortgage lenders.
Common Disbursements in Conveyancing
Disbursements are an essential part of conveyancing fees. Here are some of the most common disbursements you might encounter:
For Buyers
- Local Authority Searches: These checks reveal important information about the property and its surroundings.
- Land Registry Fee: This fee is paid to officially register you as the new owner of the property.
- Bankruptcy Search: This ensures that you’re not bankrupt and can legally buy the property.
- Environmental Search: This check identifies any environmental risks associated with the property.
- Water and Drainage Search: This confirms the property’s connection to public water and sewerage systems.
For Sellers
- Official Copies: These are official documents from the Land Registry detailing the property’s ownership and any registered charges.
- Bank Transfer Fee: This covers the cost of transferring funds to pay off your mortgage (if applicable).
For Both Buyers and Sellers
- Anti-Money Laundering Checks: These are required to verify your identity and comply with legal regulations.
- Land Registry Searches: These confirm the current ownership and any charges on the property.

Additional Costs for Leasehold Properties
If you’re buying or selling a leasehold property, you may encounter additional fees:
- Leasehold Management Pack: This contains essential information about the lease, service charges and management company.
- Notice of Transfer/Charge: Fees for notifying the freeholder of the change in ownership or mortgage.
- Deed of Covenant: A legal agreement between the new owner and the freeholder.
- Certificate of Compliance: This confirms that the buyer will adhere to the terms of the lease.
How to Find the Best Value Conveyancer
While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest conveyancing service, it’s crucial to balance cost with quality. Here are some tips for finding a good conveyancer at a reasonable price:
- Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple conveyancers to compare prices and services.
- Check Reviews: Look at online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from friends, family, or your mortgage broker.
- Confirm All Costs Upfront: Ensure you get a breakdown of all fees and disbursements in writing.
- Verify Qualifications: Check that the conveyancer is a member of the Law Society or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Questions to Ask Your Conveyancer
Before hiring a conveyancer, here are some key questions you should ask to gauge a potential conveyancer’s reliability and efficiency:
What is your total fee, including VAT and disbursements? This should be discussed and agreed upon before any work begins.
Who specifically will handle my case and what is their experience level? It’s important to know who will be directly responsible for your transaction and their level of expertise. An experienced conveyancer is more likely to handle issues efficiently.
How many similar cases have you handled recently? This helps assess their relevant experience with transactions like yours. More experience often translates to greater efficiency.
What is your typical timeframe for completing a transaction like mine? This gives you an idea of their efficiency and helps set realistic expectations.
How will you keep me updated on progress and how frequently? Regular, clear communication is crucial for a smooth process. Ask about their preferred methods and frequency of updates.
What measures do you have in place for cyber security and fraud prevention? This is critical for protecting your sensitive information and finances during the transaction.
Are you a member of any professional bodies or regulatory organisations? Membership in professional organisations often indicates adherence to industry standards and best practices.
Can you provide references or testimonials from recent clients? Feedback from past clients can give insight into the conveyancer’s reliability and efficiency.
What is your process for handling disputes or unexpected issues? This helps measure how prepared they are to deal with potential complications efficiently.
How do you ensure the security of financial transactions? Understanding their processes for handling payments can give you peace of mind and indicate their level of professionalism.
Are you on the panel for my mortgage lender (if applicable)? This can affect the smoothness of the process if you’re using a mortgage.
What can I do to help keep the process moving efficiently? A good conveyancer will guide you on how to contribute to a smooth transaction.
By asking these questions, you can get a good sense of the conveyancer’s experience, communication style, attention to security and overall approach to handling property transactions efficiently and reliably.
Potential Extra Costs to Consider
In some cases, you may encounter additional conveyancing-related costs:
- Delayed Completion: If there’s a gap between exchange and completion, extra charges may apply.
- Guarantor Involvement: If you’re using a guarantor mortgage, there may be additional legal work required.
- Indemnity Insurance: This may be necessary if there are unresolvable legal issues with the property.
- Unregistered Property: If the property isn’t registered with the Land Registry, extra work will be needed to establish ownership.
Understanding conveyancing fees is crucial for anyone buying or selling a property. While the costs can seem significant, they’re an essential part of ensuring a smooth and legally sound property transaction. By being aware of the typical fees, potential additional costs and factors that can influence the final price, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected surprises.
Remember, while it’s important to find a conveyancer that offers good value for money, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look for a balance between cost and quality of service to ensure your property transaction proceeds as smoothly as possible.
By taking the time to research and understand conveyancing fees, you’ll be better prepared for the costs involved in your property transaction, helping to make the process less stressful and more manageable.
Related articles
Buy My House: 3 Advantages of Selling to a Cash Buying Company